5 influential atheists who became Christians later in life

Have you ever heard stories of profound transformations that make you rethink everything?

I certainly have, and they never fail to fascinate me. It’s intriguing to witness or learn about someone changing their fundamental beliefs, especially when those beliefs shift from atheism to Christianity.

This type of transformation often comes after intense soul-searching, life-altering experiences, or moments of unexpected clarity.

In this article, we’ll delve into the lives of five influential individuals who, after years of living without belief in a higher power, found themselves embracing Christianity later in life.

1) C.S. Lewis

Let’s start with a name that you might find familiar.

C.S. Lewis, renowned author of “The Chronicles of Narnia”, was once a self-proclaimed atheist. Yes, the man who penned the adventures of Aslan, the lion symbolizing Christ, was a non-believer in his early life.

Surprised?

Lewis’ journey from atheism to Christianity was not an overnight transformation. It was a gradual shift, influenced by his readings and interactions with Christian friends, including J.R.R Tolkien.

In these relationships, Lewis encountered Christian ideas and took part in conversations about faith, morality, and the nature of reality.

Tolkien’s impact was especially pivotal in leading Lewis to ultimately embrace Christianity and describe it as being “surprised by joy”. 

Lewis’ transformation is indeed a testament that change can come to anyone, at any time, often when least expected.

From a fierce atheist, Lewis went on to become one of the most influential Christian writers of the 20th century. His story serves as an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late for a change in perspective.

2) Lee Strobel

Ever heard of the book “The Case for Christ”?

The man behind it, Lee Strobel, was once a legal editor at the Chicago Tribune and a self-proclaimed atheist. With a background in law and journalism, he prided himself on his ability to scrutinize facts and unearth the truth.

His life took a dramatic turn when his wife became a Christian. This didn’t sit well with him, so he decided to use his investigative skills to disprove Christianity.

However, the more he delved into historical evidence and scholarly works, the more he found himself drawn towards Christianity.

After a two-year investigation, Lee came to an unexpected conclusion – that the claims of Christianity were indeed credible. His belief in atheism crumbled and he embraced Christianity.

Lee’s journey from skeptic to believer is another testament to the potential for transformative change.

His story reminds us that it’s okay to question, to seek answers, and most importantly, to be open to where the truth might lead us.

3) Francis Collins

Let’s shift our focus to the realm of science with Francis Collins, a name synonymous with the Human Genome Project.

Francis, a renowned geneticist, was firm in his atheistic beliefs during his early career. Science was his religion, and he saw no room for faith in his worldview.

However, while treating terminally ill patients as a young doctor, he began to question his beliefs. He was profoundly moved by his patients’ faith and their calm acceptance of death.

This triggered a search for answers beyond science. He began to explore different faiths and their teachings. Eventually, he found himself drawn to the moral law and order presented in Christianity.

Francis is one of the few scientists who have publicly reconciled their religious beliefs with science. He has written several books on this subject, including “The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief”.

From an atheist scientist to a Christian believer, Francis Collins’ journey is a telling example of how the pursuit of truth can lead to unexpected discoveries and change the course of one’s life.

4) Holly Ordway

Now, let’s delve into the world of literature with Holly Ordway, a professor of English and a once-committed atheist. 

As a college professor and a professional in literature and academics, she valued reason and empirical evidence above all else, seeing no room for faith in her worldview.

She was firmly convinced that Christianity was nothing more than a collection of myths and superstitions with no relevance to the modern world.

However, her perspective began to shift as she delved deeper into literary works that wrestled with themes of faith, meaning, and the human condition.

Works by great authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, who wove Christian symbolism and themes into their narratives, challenged her dismissal of religion as simplistic or naive.

Ordway’s journey from skepticism to faith was gradual and intellectual. It was further influenced by her fencing coach, who was also a devout Christian.

He engaged her in thoughtful, respectful conversations about Christianity, which sparked her curiosity and led her to explore the rational foundations of faith.

She was particularly struck by the historical reliability of the Gospels and the philosophical depth of Christian doctrine. This intellectual exploration led to a profound personal transformation, culminating in her conversion.

Ordway’s story is a testament to how open dialogue and the power of literature can bridge the gap between staunch disbelief and profound faith.

5) Alister McGrath

Alister McGrath, a prominent theologian and a scientist, offers a compelling finale to our list.

As a young man, Alister was a committed atheist. He believed that science had all the answers and religion was merely a relic of the past.

However, as he delved deeper into his studies in biochemistry at Oxford University, he began to question his atheistic views. He found that science could not answer all of life’s fundamental questions.

This led him on a journey of exploration into Christianity.

To his surprise, he found that Christian doctrines provided a more satisfactory explanation of reality, encompassing not just the physical world but also human experiences and emotions.

Today, Alister is considered one of the most influential voices in Christian apologetics.

His transformation serves as a powerful reminder that even the most deeply held beliefs can be challenged and reshaped by new insights and perspectives.

At its heart, Alister’s story underscores the idea that life is a journey of learning and discovery.

It reinforces the notion that it’s okay to question your beliefs and to be open to new understandings. After all, it’s through this openness that we truly grow as individuals.

The final reflection

These transformative stories of influential atheists who embraced Christianity later in life are not just about changing religious beliefs. They are about questioning, exploring, and being open to new understandings.

Each individual we discussed experienced a unique journey that led them to redefine their worldviews. Their stories remind us that it’s okay to question our beliefs and to be open to new insights.

As you reflect on these narratives, remember that life is a journey of self-discovery. Our beliefs can evolve, just as we do.

Whether you’re a believer, an atheist, or somewhere in between, the most important thing is to stay true to your quest for understanding and to respect the journeys of others.

After all, it’s through our diverse experiences and perspectives that we continue to learn, grow, and enrich our collective human experience.