This is a 5 part question . Who was the person that came up with this saying ? Have any theists out there used this phrase on an atheists? Any atheists out there have it said to them ? Theists what did you expect to acomplish, other than insulting them, saying that ? As an atheist how did you feel when you heard it for the first time , especialy if you are in the military ?
2006-09-13 15:12:22 · 16 answers · asked by Ajax Spade 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The first use of the statement "There are no atheists in foxholes" has been traced to Lieutenant-Colonel William J. Clear in a story of Bataan's final weeks, delivered during the "Army Hour" program over the NBC Red Radio Network in 1942. ( link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheists_in_foxholes )
I've heard the phrase dozens of times. It has never been directed towards me specifically.
As an atheist, I felt utterly confused. Why WOULDN'T an atheist fight for ideals and honor and the right to life and liberty and freedom? Those concepts don't come with a deity attached to them.
Honestly, after thinking about it, theists shoot themselves in the foot with that statement. They're saying that the only reason they're risking their necks is because they believe they have an afterlife safety net if it all goes bad.. they're basically admitting to being incapable of fighting on principal without fear and without a "heavenly back up plan" to put them at ease. What it basically demonstrates about the person who says it is that they wouldn't have the guts to lay their life on the line if they didn't have a supernatural blankie to cling to just as they (wrongly) assume is the case for atheists.
My husband was in the Air Force. He knew many agnostic, atheist and generally non-spiritual members. They were all prepared to put their lives on the line for their country WITHOUT the comfort of a supposed afterlife to keep them company.
2006-09-13 15:15:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well I can tell you that in 2003 I almost died as a result of an accident. My doctor made it plain that the possibility was there and was very real.
And trust me when I tell you that at NO time did I ever want or need the attention of a non-existent sky-pixie.
I made sure my will was in order and that my family would be taken care of in the event of my death.
But worry about god? I may as well have worried about the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus, as they are all equally mythical in nature...
So the saying "there are no atheists in foxholes" (foxholes here meaning a very stressful place) Is, like most christian sayings; bulls hit.
2006-09-13 15:17:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
i am an atheist, and an ex marine. more importantly, i am a combat vet. i have seen this saying many times here and i find it very arrogant of theist to suggest this notion. i never once prayed or asked any type of god for protection. i don't get offended by the ignorance of others. i think the reason most theist say this, is to try and prove that when a persons life is in danger they will always ask for god to save them. my thoughts turned to two places when i was facing death in combat, first to the things i was taught to do while in combat, and second to my family.
2006-09-13 15:29:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
"The line, attributed to a WWII chaplain, has since been uttered countless times by grunts, chaplains and news anchors." -source
Yes, theists have used that line numerous times here on the board.
They are hoping to prove that everyone somehow 'believes in god' even though, well, they don't.
I was pretty danged incredulous, it was just about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. I can't fathom why people seem to think that I believe in god and yet am an atheist.
2006-09-13 15:17:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a bullsh*t statement.
I have known plenty of atheists in the military, and quite a few who spent time in vietnam (including my uncle).
Theists revel in the idea that during hard times atheists turn to god. I'm not quite sure why it is so appealing to them, but apparently they are willing to lie about it to make tehmselves feel superior.
But then again most christians are liars-for-jesus.
2006-09-13 15:15:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
1. Gordon B Hinckley
2. see question 3
3. have heard it used, stupidest quote ever
4. on to q5
5. not in military. i thought it was really dumb thing to say. just because some one in a foxhole fears for his life and "prays" to anyone/anything to save his/her butt, does not mean that person believes in "god" or has been born again. its just a sign of desparation. The desparate will turn to anything in time of such life-threatening crisis, even imaginary forces. To me, its just like kissing your bat before hitting in the World Series or any other ritual superstition. I'd never join the murderous military, but hypothetically speaking, if I were in a fox hole, lets say as a citizen, I wouldn't pray to god, but I'd hope like crazy that I somehow got out of it unscathed.
2006-09-13 15:22:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have seen a few military people on this site state that they are atheists in foxholes. Some christians love to think that as soon as an atheist gets into trouble, they will turn to god because they are hypocrites. soo untrue
2006-09-13 15:16:27 · answer #7 · answered by . 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
1) I have no idea
2) Don't know
3) No, but there's always a first time
4) Same thing as always... reaffirming their own delusions
5) I laughed
I have faced death, and it didn't frighten me into believing in a god. I am a realist. I live a good, moral life, and I've never seen anything to convince me that there is anything that affects what happens to a person other than motivation and random chance.
If you are facing death and have the choice to act or pray, I'll guarantee you one thing... if acting can save your *** and you choose to pray instead, you are dead.
2006-09-13 15:21:25 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I'm agnostic and I was in the military and shot at. That saying is just that, a saying. My life has been in danger many times in my life and I have not once changed my position. I guess some would, I'm not one of them, but then again I am a sociopath.
2006-09-13 15:21:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Jim_darwin served in the CG I believe. He's an agnostic, so that partially refutes the statement.
Besides, that would imply that the Russians never foughts a war, HAHAHAHAHA!
2006-09-13 15:15:35 · answer #10 · answered by Tofu Jesus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋