This is an argument which I have been hearing a lot lately. They will indicate suffering in the world and make some clever remark such as "God will bless you but not the starving children of Africa."
I would first like the point out that the conclusion 'there is no God' does not follow the premise 'There is suffering in the world.' That is silly. That is like arguing that because some cars break down, mechanics do not exist.
I will often implement the 'standard of morality beyond yourself' argument at this point to such a person. I indicate that they cannot justify feeling sorry for starving children in their worldview because that implies a standard of objective morality beyond themselves. A standard which they believe God is violating. They assume God to deny God.
While true, such an argument will often leave the opposition unfulfilled. They will offer some half-true statement of altruism and be on their way. [In truth, altruism embarrasses atheism. (Source)]
I will attempt to extend the argument. Sometimes it is good to ask such a person what it is they do for those starving children. You can type some clever statement on twitter; but that is not out of care for children. It is out of hate for God!
I know this because if I scroll down your page, I will find only one or two references to children, and they are only used to belittle God! "These children are starving," does not lead to "I am going to feed them!" It will lead the atheist to "Because God never fed them!"
If you assume God, it stands to reason that you assume ultimate wisdom and ultimate love. God makes decisions that we cannot understand, in His ultimate wisdom. Further, if you assume God, then you also assume the afterlife. The starving children in Africa are not in for an eternity of suffering.
I would also like to indicate all of the Christian missionaries who visit Africa, Cambodia, and just some of the most hostile places on the planet, in the name of Jesus Christ, to provide food for the hungry.
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