The Psychological Mechanism of Denying Faith

Today we delve into a fascinating topic that touches the very core of the human soul. Many consider that the rejection of faith is not so much a result of rational choice as it is a way to shield oneself from the inner turmoil caused by guilt over past sins. According to this viewpoint, as illustrated in the works of Professor Leporsky, turning away from God enables a person to disconnect from a constant awareness of their moral failings and avoid the pressure of a punitive divine judgment. This very psychological mechanism creates an illusion of freedom—a life lived without the burden of consequences. In this light, atheism is seen as an attempt to ease inner tension, striking a balance between the desire to live life by one’s own rules and the need to be accountable for one’s actions before a higher moral force. Such an interpretation offers an intriguing perspective on the nature of human morality, prompting each individual to reflect on what truly drives us toward self-liberation.

Can the Rejection of God by Atheists Be Seen as a Way to Avoid Acknowledging Past Sins?
Based on the presented quotes, there is an opinion that renouncing faith may be a person's attempt to escape the internal conflict associated with the awareness of their own sin. In particular, Professor P. Leporsky notes that the true motive behind denying God is precisely the sinner’s animosity toward Him. He writes that the concept of a punishing divine judgment prevents the sinner from living as they wish, and that in order to sin freely, one must, for the sake of inner peace, say, "in my heart: there is no God"—in other words, to reject the very possibility of acknowledging the consequences of one’s actions and the necessity of repentance (source: link ).

Thus, according to this opinion, the denial of God by atheists can be regarded as a way to free oneself from the struggle with guilt and the need to admit one’s sins. In other words, the renunciation of faith allows one to avoid the inner tension that arises when a person feels responsible for their actions before a higher moral authority.

Supporting citation(s):
"True motive for denying God is the sinner’s hostility towards God. The idea of a punishing divine judgment prevents the sinner from living as they wish. In order to sin freely, the sinner must say 'in his heart: there is no God' for his own peace of mind (Psalm 13:1). This is undoubtedly the origin of atheism." (source: link )