Every now and then, the Arabic news media reports on someone who is prosecuted on charges of “atheism.” A recent statistic showed that about 5% of Arabs identify themselves, unofficially of course, as “atheists” — that is about 20 million people! According to the source, this number may increase due to radical changes in the way people think, questioning the so-called “absolutes” and a renewed desire to “find the truth.”
These new trends started to spread across the Arab world in the last decade, especially in the countries that went through revolutions, such as Egypt and Tunisia. International surveys showed that before the revolutions (commonly known as the Arab Spring) the percentage of people who doubted religious ideologies was 0%, while after the revolutions the number jumped to 37%!
For example, according to Gallup surveys, in 2009 Egypt was one of the top “religious” countries with 100% religious people, whereas in 2012 the percentage of religious people dropped to 77% — what about the remaining 23%?
It seems that these changes are a result of young people breaking the barriers of traditional heritage and fear. People are no longer afraid. They started to reject blind loyalty and strict religious affiliations. Many people started to think for themselves, and not take things for granted. Of course, some of them ended up in jail, but still, they didn’t give up.
Are “atheism” and “skepticism” good? Not necessarily, but under these circumstances I think it may be a good sign. It means that some people in the Arab world are no longer prisoners of religious traditions. Young people are bravely searching for the truth, wherever it may lead them.
When these young people say they are “atheists,” they don’t necessarily mean they don’t believe in the existence of God. I guess they rather mean that they don’t have a way to personally know Him. They reject the concept of God presented to them by organized religion. Our God is not out to punish those who don’t believe in Him, but rather uses every means to proclaim Himself to them, including radio programs.
It is certainly a unique time in the history of the Arab world—none better for a great outreach. One of our popular programs is titled “Science vs. Religion.” It addresses many of the doubts young people may struggle with in the Arab world, presenting both scientific facts side by side with biblical teachings to help them think through these issues. Topics include the existence of God, creation vs. evolution, Bible authenticity, historical facts about Christ, faith and archeology, etc.
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32)
