An argument that only those who believe they are protected by God are true patriots and are brave enough to fight for their country. Simply not true. Sure atheists are smart enough to realize their mortality, but will and do defend their country and their beliefs.
Isn't it more heroic to fight KNOWING that you won't go to heaven?
2006-07-25 01:48:32 · 24 answers · asked by Mr. Mojo Risin 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am a veteran of the US Army who served during the Vietnam conflict and can assure everyone that most military people do not pray under any circumstances.
A doctrine that has to support itself with lies is obviously false doctrine.
2006-07-25 01:52:03 · answer #1 · answered by Left the building 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I don't agree with your sentiment "An argument that only those who believe they are protected by God are true patriots and are brave enough to fight for their country." I think what that saying means is that many people turn to a higher being when their life is in danger. I heard a similar comment from an instructor at a sky diving place I was talking to. I've seen a couple of people who don't believe ask for help from God when they thought they were going to die.
2006-07-25 01:54:22 · answer #2 · answered by They call me ... Trixie. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can be pretty certain that the proportion of atheists among those in foxholes is about the same as elsewhere. I've known a few myself.
I agree that it's more heroic to risk your life when you're aware that when you're killed, you're done. Good point.
The more pressing problem is that it's apparent that some of those soldiers in the foxholes in U.S. uniforms believe that they're fighting for Christianity against Islam (see the source below). That makes them treasonous war criminals. Yet General Boykin was merely slapped on the wrist for his actions. This is serious: he should have been hung.
2006-07-25 01:55:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it is not a Christian saying per se -- it is pretty universal among English-speaking soldiers of all religions. My Jewish father, may he rest in peace, used it. (He was a WWII vet. Never actually saw a foxhole -- he was in the Navy. But he was under fire in battle.)
It does not mean that Christians are the only true patriots or that only believers are protected by God. What it means is, that while you might have all kinds of fancy agnostic philosophies while sitting safely at home, when you are actually under fire on the battlefield, you find yourself praying to live. Avowed atheists forget their atheism when the bombs are falling and the bullets are flying and their lives are at stake. This does not mean they become Christians under fire -- my uncle told how he came to beleive that God exists on the battlefield -- but he remained a Jew. Just a more religious Jew than before.
P,S. For those who do not know what a "foxhole" is, it's a hole that soldiers dig to hide in
2006-07-25 02:00:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you take offense to the statement thinking is means that atheist are somehow being put down? The actual statement is meant to show that many people who are in mortal danger, finally acknowledge their belief in the almighty Creator. The same thing happens in many prisons and jails. God comes to us in the very difficult places in our lives and walks us through these times. Looking for an offense where none exists is a waste of time and energy, spend it finding out why you want to take offense in the first place. Most atheist are not out looking for a fight, they just have no belief in God or any other Supreme being. Blessings.
2006-07-25 02:07:16 · answer #5 · answered by sharid64 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am quiet sure that not all atheists who have been in fox holes during times of war became Christians, but many men have turned to God at those times, just like how many people do not need God until there is a major disaster in their lives.
2006-07-25 02:57:35 · answer #6 · answered by tim 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would be labeled an atheist by Christians and I have, in fact, been in a fox hole.
BTW, something I learned during my Army career, though it's a fairly common misconception ... despite how they appear on television and in movies, hand grenades are friggin heavy. It's nothing like throwing a baseball ... more akin to the shotput track and field event.
2006-07-25 01:58:10 · answer #7 · answered by Arkangyle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our country was based on christian principles. To love it enough to defend it, at least a small part of you has to believe those principles.
When looking death in the face, I'm sure most people want the comfort of Christ.
2006-07-25 01:59:58 · answer #8 · answered by ladybug.leah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That saying does not imply that at all.
It is saying that when an atheist is in a foxhole, and the enemy is bearing down on them they sure do call out to Jesus a lot.
This is reported time and time again by us who have been in those foxholes.
2006-07-25 02:01:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The word "no atheists in foxholes" is a proverb it is purely that, a proverb and under no circumstances a regulation of nature or of God. The word refers to human beings on the verge of lack of existence who will draw close at any possibility to circumvent oblivion. Jesse Ventura is infrequently at lack of existence's door. you may favor to attend till that factor to make certain what occurs.
2016-10-15 04:39:14 · answer #10 · answered by curella 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋