Can Republicans and Atheists Share the Same Tent?

My friends, we are just a couple of days away from Christmas, and I wanted to slow things down a bit today—not with less substance, but with more thoughtfulness.

Today’s show was not a debate, not a shouting match, and certainly not an attempt to “win” an argument. Instead, it was something we need far more of in this country: an honest, civil conversation.

I sat down with Lauren Ell, the president of Republican Atheists, to talk about faith, politics, conservatism, and what it actually means to be a Republican.

Lauren lives in Sweden, is a dual citizen, and comes from a Christian background—but today she identifies as an atheist and still firmly aligns with conservative values.

Now, I know that alone may sound jarring to some. For others, it may sound obvious. But the larger question behind the conversation matters deeply: Can the conservative movement remain a big tent without abandoning its core principles?

I am a Bible-believing Christian. That is not negotiable for me. Scripture is central to how I view the world, morality, and truth itself. But conservatism, at its core, is not a church—it is a political philosophy rooted in liberty, limited government, personal responsibility, free markets, and respect for the Constitution.

That said, I do believe conservatism isn’t “complete” without a faith in Christ, but not everyone shares those sentiments, of course.

Lauren and I disagree on the most important question a human being can ask: whether God exists. We do not pretend otherwise.

But we also agree on many things that make a free society possible—border security, limited government, skepticism of radical gender ideology, and the danger of an ever-expanding state.

One of the most revealing parts of today’s conversation was this: Lauren shared that she experiences far more hostility from fellow atheists for being conservative than she ever has from Christians for being an atheist. That should give all of us pause.

The Left has mastered coalition politics. They are willing to unite wildly different groups under one banner so long as power is the goal. Conservatives, by contrast, often turn inward and begin testing one another for ideological purity. That instinct is understandable—but it is also dangerous.

A big tent does not mean moral relativism. It does not mean surrendering truth. It means recognizing that political coalitions are not churches, and that freedom itself requires room for disagreement.

During Christmas week especially, this matters.

Christmas reminds Christians like me that truth entered the world humbly, not through force. It also reminds us that persuasion is more powerful than coercion, and conviction more enduring than outrage.

You do not have to agree with Lauren’s worldview to benefit from hearing her perspective. I certainly don’t. But if we cannot have conversations like this—calm, honest, respectful—then we are already losing something far more valuable than an election.

The conservative movement must stand for truth and liberty. It must defend faith and freedom of conscience. And it must remember that the Constitution was designed to protect disagreement, not eliminate it.

That’s what today’s show was about. And I hope you found it as worthwhile as I did.

Conservative, not bitter.
Todd

🎧 Listen to today’s Toddcast here.

🎙️ A civil conversation between a Christian conservative and an atheist Republican
🏕️ Why the GOP must remain a big tent without losing its core values
🌍 Life in secular Sweden and the persistence of Christian traditions
🧠 Defining atheism, agnosticism, and belief without caricatures
⚖️ How the Left polices ideological conformity more than the Right realizes
🎄 What Christmas looks like in a secular culture—and why it still matters

Listen here.

My friends, Christmas reminds us of something bigger than politics or headlines.

America is divided politically. We feel it every day. But the root of our conflict is not political. It’s spiritual.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians believe He is the Savior of the world — God incarnate. We also believe He is our example.

No Christian lives like Jesus perfectly, but following Him means, over time, reflecting His character.

Imagine a nation filled with people truly trying to do that: humility over arrogance, grace over rage, responsibility, goodness, and love.

Many Americans say they believe in Jesus. Fewer seek to imitate Him. That matters.

So this Christmas, let’s not just celebrate the Savior’s birth. Let’s actually make Him Lord. Doing that would change America in a beautiful and profound way. 

On today’s show, I had a thoughtful conversation with Lauren Ell, President of Republican Atheists. She was kind, articulate, and respectful. I appreciate her courage to engage in open dialogue—and I fully support welcoming people of all beliefs into the Republican Party, as long as those beliefs don’t push us to compromise our core principles.

That said, I want to share a phrase I’ve heard before: “I don’t believe in atheists.” I don’t know who said it first, but I agree with it.

Atheism is typically defined as the belief that there is no God. It’s final. Confident. Unwavering.

Agnosticism, on the other hand, is the position that the existence of God is unknown or unknowable. An agnostic may think there is no God, but isn’t willing to completely shut that door.

Interestingly, not long into our conversation, Lauren described herself as an agnostic.

I’ve said this before—and I still believe it: I’ve never truly met an atheist. They don’t exist. And Romans 1 tells us why.

I do hope Lauren and others who say they don’t believe in God will reconsider this important decision while they still have the opportunity to experience God’s grace.

Do you agree with me when I say, “I don’t believe in atheists?”

As we head into the Christmas and New Year holidays, here’s a quick update to our Toddcast schedule. (It’s changed a bit since we last communicated on Friday.)

I will broadcast tomorrow, December 23. And on Wednesday, December 24, Gary Varvel will be filling in with a special Christmas Eve message. We’ll be off the rest of the week so our team can celebrate Christmas with family and loved ones.

Next week, we’ll return with live shows Monday through Wednesday, then take Thursday and Friday off to ring in the New Year.

Thanks for spending part of your day with us throughout the year. Have a wonderful Christmas, and we’ll be back soon—recharged and ready to keep fighting to save our great nation!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at The Todd Huff Show.