CHILDREN BELIEVE IN GOD

By Dr. M. R. Dowler

Say the words “Four Horsemen” to a Christian and they will probably think of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Revelation chapter 6. But there is another “Four Horsemen” some in the Christian realm may be unfamiliar with, but well known in the world of secular academia. In 2008 the world’s four top atheists sat down to discuss their non-belief in God. That discussion panel, named The Four Horsemen of Atheism consisted of Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and the late Christopher Hitchens, author of 2006 bestseller God Is Not Great; How Religion Poisons Everything, who died in 2011.

Of these four evolutionary atheists it is Oxford University professor Richard Dawkins that is the most outspoken on the subject of atheism, parents and children. Dr. Dawkins is a vocal advocate of prosecuting parents for taking their children to church or teaching them about God, alleging that parents who do so are guilty of child abuse. Ironically, Dawkins’ radical view flies in the face of studies conducted at England’s two most prestigious universities, Cambridge and his own Oxford University.

Recent academic and scientific research testifies of something most of us has known for years--that children have an instinctual belief in God (Ecclesiastes 3:11). In an extensive study of young people in twenty countries, scientists have concluded that children’s thoughts are rooted in simple religious and moral concepts (right vs wrong). Dr. Justin Barrett, senior researcher stated that children as young as four understand a rudimentary belief in God even when no religious or spiritual teachings are present.

People are not born atheists; it is a learned belief (Psalm 14:1). Theologically, there is a special place in our being reserved exclusively for our Creator; a God-shaped vacuum (Romans 1:19). Many attempt to fill this vacuum with the temporal things of the world. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can adequately fill that space, giving a person reason and purpose in life (Jeremiah 29:11). Jesus said we all must come to the Him with a simple child-like faith (Matthew 18:3). Children instinctively believe in God (Luke 18:16); too bad some forget Him when they grow up. Think about it.