I think theists shoot themselves in the foot with this one. If there is anyone who is *less* likely to form rational views about the existence of a deity than someone who believes death is imminent, I'd like to know who it is. People who use this argument are saying that the most likely cause of religious belief is fear - Maybe they're right! However, far from being a good reason to believe in the existence of a deity, it's a good reason not to - precisely because such a belief is motivated by emotion, i.e. wishful thinking, rather than rational thought. And it should be noted that it's not even true, of course - There are plenty of people who have been involved in wars who were, are, and always have been atheists.
So, does anyone still think that the "No atheists in a foxhole" kind of argument is a good one for theists to trot out?
2006-09-02 15:32:02 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I cant stand the "There are no Atheists in Foxholes" argument. I for one have been close to death on a number of occasions and the thought of a godnever once entered my mind. You know what my thoughts were? "So this is how I'm going to die." That's it.
2006-09-02 15:37:52 · answer #1 · answered by Spookshow Baby 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If there is anyone who is *less* likely to form rational views about the existence of a deity than someone who believes death is imminent, I'd like to know who it is.
Who said someone on their deathbed or in a foxhole is thinking rationally?
I would have thought that you atheists never assume anything, but I guess that just a stereotype.
Faith is reason-based most of the time, yes, but faith has 3 interconnected components: reason, emotion, and will.
It's funny how God works in this way.
There really is no time any given person is fully immune from His grace and presence, even if they were their whole lives.
People in their deathbed or in foxholes can't always afford to reason or use willpower to believe in God; but emotion during those times can surely be strong enough by itself to instantly change the beliefs of those involved.
2006-09-02 15:46:51 · answer #2 · answered by STILL standing 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think this theory plays on fear, but the religious person's perception of God.
For example, for many Christians today, God has become a "vending machine". He is a deity approached only when you are in need of something. When you aren't in need, you pay little attention to Him.
This idea and feeling of God would be consistent with the "no atheist in a foxhole" theory. They view God as a deity they go to when in need. Who is in more need than a person about to die?
So for these Christians, the argument is very sound as that is how they view their deity.
2006-09-02 15:51:07 · answer #3 · answered by asafam23 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with what you are saying, but I continue to believe in God because I need a boost sometimes. At worst it is a mind game I play to cheer myself up. If you are looking for a rational reason to believe in God, I don't think you will find it.
2006-09-02 15:35:36 · answer #4 · answered by mollyneville 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Atheism would not desire the life of an rather god, only the belief of gods. we are able to reject the belief with out the rather element present, and we are nonetheless atheists. i think of that atheism would not be accessible if there grew to become into no theism as we would all have the comparable view, yet this is a touch distinctive. i detect it exciting that considered one of those guy or woman who might say 'atheists would not exist if there grew to become into no god to believe in interior the 1st place' tend to be considered one of those persons who wouold reject the thought if it takes faith to believe, there could desire to not be something there. this is the comparable form of premise, and that they could't have it the two tactics.
2016-10-01 05:52:59 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An atheist believes something just like the rest of us, therefore that makes them not really an atheist. They believe there is no God. But to answer your question. I believe they change their minds when trouble comes their way.
2006-09-02 15:38:50 · answer #6 · answered by tallica1331 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wow, you preach like a fundamentalist...it figures the atheist would have a gerbil for a spokesman.
2006-09-02 15:38:26 · answer #7 · answered by Jedi Baptist 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ok...first of all..i like everyone it doesn't matter if you believe in god or not..but...i've got a story......
I had a friend who swore up and down he was an athiest.
one night we got really drunk together and he was on the floor hammered out of his mind.
he kept on saying...call a priest call a priest!!...
I asked him why...because I knew he didnt believe in god..and he said...(remember drunk and wicked sick)......."BUT I'M DYING!!!"
LOLOLOLOL...
so in answer to your Q...no...there are no athiests in foxholes as far as i'm concerned.
2006-09-02 15:41:08 · answer #8 · answered by !ELGREEKO! 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
on their death bed someone famous (I forget who) when asked if they wished to repent their sins and denounce the devil, said " I don't think now is the time to be making enemies!"
2006-09-02 15:41:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
there are no atheists in heaven, either.
they have nothing to fight for or to believe in.
just themselves, when they will wonder at the end of their lives...
was this it?
2006-09-02 15:38:29 · answer #10 · answered by n9wff 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋