There are no atheists in foxholes?

Question

What does this mean? I hear it all the time.

So it means that people who use that phrase believe that atheism doesn't exist?

Huh... okay then. O_O

Answer 1

A foxhole is what they call those trenches that soldiers hide in at the frontline with bullets flying overhead. The saying means that everyone of them will be praying to a God and saying a prayer, even those who previous to this claimed to be atheists.

Answer 2

The statement is used to imply that atheists really do believe in a god deep down, and that in times of extreme stress or fear, the belief will surface, overwhelming the less substantial affectation of atheism. Many atheists find the use of this phrase offensive. The phrase could also hint at a Marxist idea that theism is a barbituary for pain and struggle, in which the foxhole would represent the pain and struggle of the lower class, who escape their struggle by looking towards a better afterlife, or resting in a perceived god who will take care of them

Answer 3

Foxholes are defensive positions dug into the earth by soldiers to protect themselves from enemy fire, mortar bombardment and artillery barrage. When things get really bad in combat, bad enough to make you crawl into a dirty wet cold hole in the ground, tuck your head between your elbows and wait for the shelling to stop so you can hear your own screams again, one of the most common pastimes is prayer. Prayer to God that one of those shells isn't going to come straight down your foxhole and turn you into a smudge of grease in the mud.
That, is what that phrase means, and the fact that no one here knew that is quite telling about your experiences in life.

Answer 4

Soldiers shelter themselves in foxholes. If u happen to find yourself in a foxhole, u are probably in a very life threatening situation, because you are trying not to get shot or have a grenade dropped on u. The phrase refers to the fact that most people in foxholes are probably praying for their lives. Though atheists do not believe in God, some people think that when they are faced with a severe life-threatening situation beyond their control, atheists may hope and pray for someone or something to save their lives.

The phrase does seem demeaning to atheists though. It infers that they are not steadfast in their beliefs. I am Christian, but out of respect for other people's beliefs, I would not use this statement.

Answer 5

It's Christian propaganda. Christians try to claim that when a a Non-Christian gets in a life or death situation that they'll cry out for Jesus. Not true.


In the United States, there is a group called the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, or M*A*A*F. There are larger secular and Atheist populations in Europe, and there are undoubtedly quite a few Atheists in their military organizations. The Czech Republic, a military ally of the United States, is incredibly secular, with only a third of its population self-identifying with a religion, and less than twelve percent attending services regularly. By many estimates over half of their population consider themselves Atheists. So it would be absurd to say that a country that openly boasts of being the most Atheistic in Europe has "no Atheists" in their foxholes.

Answer 6

It means that Christians think people convert in moments of extreme crisis. It's rubbish. There are only realists in foxholes. My father and grandfather fought in the world wars and I never once knew them to show any interest in religion. The last person anyone wants next to them in a foxhole is a bible basher.

Answer 7

No it doesn't mean that we believe that there are NO atheists.

What it means is that when people are in a foxhole with the bullets and mortar rounds flying and their lives severely threatened... ALMOST always even the most loudly professed Atheist will find himself PRAYING to keep his life.

Answer 8

For the delusional ones who think that atheists "secretly" believe in your nonsense:

I was on patrol in Kuwait. I got shot at. Bullets came real damn near my head.

I did not cry or scream or pray. I fell back on my training and went after the SOB who had tried to kill me and my buddies.

Atheist before then. Atheist at the time. Atheist still.

Answer 9

I think it means that (they assume) every person in a foxhole in war believes in their god... yeah right. I'm sure there are plenty of atheists serving who do not call on some imaginary being when they feel their life is in danger.

Answer 10

That means when the bullets are flying and men are dying people are crying to the lord for help. I have been there in Iraq it's true kinda those same people are blaspheming God at the same time.