Atheism & Foxholes: There Are No Atheists in Foxholes
Monday July 28, 2008
The claim that there are no atheists in foxholes has been around for a long time, but it became especially popular after the terrorist attacks in America on September 11, 2001. This myth claims that during times of great crisis, in particular those which threaten a person's life, it is not possible to 'hold out' and maintain disbelief in a higher, saving power. During such experiences, the 'natural' and automatic reaction of a human being is to start believing in God and hope for salvation.
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Comments
If the people in this world were sivilized than there was no need for foxholes
I believe the “no atheists in foxholes” slogan is a form of Pascal’s Wager. The idea is that logic and reason is all well and good, but no one facing immanent death is willing to risk the eternal damnation that might be metered out to unbelievers.
Speaking as someone who was Army, and hopes to be again, I can categorically deny the “No atheists…” canard. Being surrounded by the followers of a god is occasion for loading up on ammunition.
To modify a quote from the great philosopher Han Solo; “Hokey religions are no match for a good M16 at your side.”
In the thick of combat, you are too busy looking out for your buddies to be concerned about calling for a mythic being to save you.
I don’t remember seeing any chaplains. Besides, it is impossible to hear any real “God” through all the noise. It is not the perfect time to “wait upon the Lord” so to speak. But, if real religions is just plain being really really scared…
I’ve never been in a foxhole, but if I were to find myself in that unfortunate position and I had to choose between using my weapons or praying for help to an unseen god whose existence can NEVER be proved, I can tell you now that my weapons would win hands down. Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.
He’s the one chose to ignore the plight of around 250,000 souls who died in the tsunami that hit SE Asia and other areas in 2004.
Similar situation; same god!
I have a very good friend who was in Vietnam for two years. I used to sit and listen to his stories when he was going through some of the worst Post Traumatic Stress Disorder times of his life. He was a believing Catholic when he joined the Marines in 1968. He told me that after what he saw in Vietnam, he knew for a fact there was no god.