“Those miscreants who are grossly foolish, lowest among mankind, whose knowledge is stolen by illusion, or who partake of the atheistic nature of demons, do not surrender unto Me.” (Bg.7.15)

“I am never manifest to the foolish and unintelligent. For them I am covered by My eternal creative potency [yoga-maya]; and so the deluded world knows Me not, who am unborn and infallible.” (Bg.7.25)

“Fools deride Me when I descend in the human form. They do not know My transcendental nature and My supreme dominion over all that be.” (Bg.9.11)

“Arrogance, pride, anger, conceit, harshness and ignorance–these qualities belong to those of demonic nature, O son of Pritha” (Bg.16.4)

Naturally, while living in this material world we will come in contact with those who are not inclined toward religious or spiritual practice. Maybe they believe in God but just are not so interested. This can be tolerated. And generally they may not ridicule religious practice. So, some of these people may still be engaged in small amounts of service to God or discussions about God, but not much else should be expected from them. However, I have seen a few of such people change and later become strong devotees. But you have to approach them very carefully.

Others, however, may be outright atheists who want nothing to do with anything that deals with God. You might say that atheists are merely those who have no faith because they are spiritually inexperienced. They are like children that have little or no background but may say anything without proper education or investigation. Of course, this is the material creation where everyone has the freedom to believe what they like. But in the above verses it is described that their lack of faith is due to foolishness, illusion, or because of sinful or demonic activities and attitudes. Those who are covered by darkness due to wicked motivations never surrender to the Lord or engage in devotional service. If they appear to do so, it is for ulterior motives and desires. But such people are especially demonic if they deride religion or God, or are harsh and insulting to those engaged in the service of God. Such people will never understand the Supreme Being, nor will God reveal Himself to them, except in the form of the final lesson of death. Then they will be forced to submit to the power of God that causes their body to shut down and kicks them into a different situation.

In any case, such a person should be avoided. It is not that we want to try to engage him in discussions about spiritual topics or try to persuade them toward accepting spiritual reality. It may only make them disturbed and give them more opportunity to make offenses to us and to God. We do not need to try to make their karma any worse than it is. And we do not give our reasons and purpose over to the contradiction of foolish men. So we merely remain polite to such persons, wish them well, smile and keep walking.

However, if we are bold enough, we may prepare some nice food, sweets or something anyone will like, offer it to the Deity or picture of God which then makes it prasada, sacred food. Then we can offer some of it to our atheistic or demonic acquaintances. Of course, we do not tell them it is prasada. We just offer it as a friend. In any way that people may come in contact with spiritual substance, it has its affect. Like fire, whether you understand it or not it will burn if you touch it. Similarly, genuine spirituality in any form always produces positive results.