A spice of atheism in hypocrisy

[MW]

Thomas Boston, Works, 5:103-104:

There is a spice of atheism in hypocrisy. The careless sinner forgets God, and minds not that the eye of God is upon him: the presumptuous sinner, if he can carry the matter securely as to the world’s part, stands not on the Lord’s knowledge of his crime. Ps. 36:1, “The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.” But the upright man deals with God, as if the eyes of all men were on him; and with men, as knowing that the eye of God is upon him. And his main care is to approve himself to God, whether the world approve or condemn him.

 

[earl40]

There is something about the "as if" that does bring His Word down to our understanding.

 

[SeanAnderson]

'Atheism' is a complicated theme with which to grapple. In a sense, there are no atheists (at least in the way they like to think) because one either worships idols or worships the living God.

But then there is that sense (as mentioned regarding hypocrisy) in which any person, even a believer, can be an atheist in that moment he effectively denies God by willingly violating his moral law as if there is no consequence for sin.