'I Almost Found Myself Believing in God'

This morning on Radio 4, a man described his thoughts upon seeing beautiful scenery in the Lake District: 'As a confirmed atheist, I almost found myself believing in God'. He was right to say this. Truly, 'the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament his handiwork'. The glory of creation points to the glory of its Creator. Yet this fellow remained a 'confirmed atheist', whatever that means. So why did he remain unconvinced, contrary to his instinct? John 3:19 says 'And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.' That fellow would prefer the darkness of atheism which conceals his sin and pride rather than the gospel which exposes them.