Final answer:
Coates's atheism challenges the belief that God is responsible for American 'nightmares' like suffering, slavery, and torture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The article suggests that Coates's atheism may be useful for American Christians because it exposes the notion that people, not God, are responsible for American 'nightmares' such as suffering, slavery, and torture. This challenges the belief that these events are part of God's plan.
Learn more about Coates's atheism and its impact on American Christians