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Basically, it is against what the Bible teaches to claim that atheists can be moral. This certainly contributes to the 'fear of atheism' that many Christians seem to me to have.
That's why it is better to understand the reality of the Bible. Original meanings tend to get clouded or lost over time.
Just as the songs we have today express our fears, hopes, dreams, etc.; so did the psalms (songs). IMO, the author of this song was referring to their enemies (more than likely the leaders), not atheists.
Didn't most of the nations that attacked David's kingdom have gods of their own? If they did, then they weren't atheists. Otherwise all Christians would be atheists if they don't believe in another culture's god.
Erroneous teaching can kindle the fear.
"Peshat is what I say and derash is what you say." --Nehama Leibowitz