The logic, faulty as it is, is that in times of fear, people 'revert' to belief in the supernatural.
I'm a disbeliever, but I'd hate to see my belief system paraded around as 'the desperate act of desperate men'. It's like saying 'there are no non-cannibals in plane crashes' - hardly a stunning advertisement for eating human flesh, don't you think?
Are there any _theists_ who find the 'atheists in foxholes' argument insulting?
2007-01-22 17:26:31 · 12 answers · asked by XYZ 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
More for theism.
It means that theists (or at least the theists who suggest atheists aren't in foxholes) wouldn't be out there fighting if they didn't have a supernatural back-up plan just in case they don't make it.
It's also very arrogant to think that if there ARE atheists in foxholes, they won't be once they taste a bit of death and get scared. So arrogant to think that atheists would turn to THEIR god.
2007-01-22 17:28:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
It's true, but only to some extent. Not everyone's beliefs are influenced by an epiphany cause by a desperate situation.
So while it may be true to some extent, it is not a good foundation for debate.
I do not consider myself a theist nor an atheist ... sometimes I believe there is in fact a creator because nothing can exist without creation, but other times I start to question.
2007-01-23 01:36:04 · answer #2 · answered by Nicky_Nolstorm 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question!
My initial reaction is that it insults theism more, but you make a good point. If one were able to be completely objective, it can be seen as insulting to theists. If the only reason one believes in god is when he's afraid he's going to die, it does seem to say that god is a belief of last resort. Maybe that's good enough for some.
The thing is, it's usually theists who say it. From them it's a defense of their beliefs. However, I know a few people who became atheists in fox holes. Their view (generalized for the current purpose) was that if there were a god he wouldn't allow them to be sitting down there watching their buddies being blown to bits by other kids who were just as scared as they were - all to fight the war of a bunch of guys sitting in comfy offices back home knowing their own kids are safe.
2007-01-23 01:34:42 · answer #3 · answered by Behaviorist 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
its not a weakness in the atheist, its an example that some people reach the end of their sanity at bigger extremes than others. church goers believe in the thought of god due to their lower tolerance for reality. while the guy in the foxhole has had far too much reality.
you are safe, and the fear of god in extreme situations isnt a belief, its mental collapse.
2007-01-23 01:31:37 · answer #4 · answered by SAINT G 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
http://www.atheistfoxholes.org/individualendorsers.php
There are 543 atheists who were foxhole occupants. I'm on that list.
USMC, Desert Storm vet.
2007-01-23 23:28:58 · answer #5 · answered by Jay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
“'There are no atheists in foxholes' isn't an argument against atheism, it's an argument against foxholes.” - James Morrow
2007-01-23 01:36:35 · answer #6 · answered by gelfling 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since the phrase is, "There are NO atheists in foxholes" the necessary answer to the question is 'Atheists'. The premise is widely arguable though.
2007-01-23 01:33:46 · answer #7 · answered by Beejee 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Theists insult their own intelligence on a regular basis. Watch this forum for five minutes. They probably won't even understand you.
2007-01-23 01:30:48 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. NoneofYourbusiness 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Lol, I never thought about this but you make a good point. Impaled upon their own swords.
2007-01-23 01:31:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well its not an argument because its not true. They are a minority in the military just like in society.
2007-01-23 01:39:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋