2007-07-03 03:35:59 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"'There are no atheists in foxholes' isn’t an argument against atheism, it’s an argument against foxholes." James Morrow.
2007-07-03 03:43:39 · answer #1 · answered by lululaluau 5 · 7⤊ 0⤋
This comes up quite a lot here.
For a start, it's tremendously insulting to atheists. It implies that their liars, they don't really mean their atheism, and what's more, that they don't fight for their country. All of this is false - see for example http://www.atheistsinfoxholes.org for some counter-examples.
However, on the other hand the quote is not very complementary to the idea of theism, either. What it is saying is that when you're in fear of your life, you're liable to make up stuff. And that's all God is, in the end: something invented by people who were scared of death.
2007-07-03 05:48:25 · answer #2 · answered by Daniel R 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's something that was made up by a Christian. Atheists were not consulted about it when it was first said. It's something that some *Christians* love to tell each other, to make themselves feel superior. It has nothing to do with atheists, or what atheists, think, feel, or believe. It's all about what some Christians *want* to think.
It's also an inherent insult to those atheists who have fought in wars and given their lives for our freedom.
2007-07-03 04:50:14 · answer #3 · answered by Jess H 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would ask Mr. Youngman whether he had conducted any research, interviewed anyone in foxholes, things like that.
2007-07-03 03:49:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
The only thing that I would ever be saying if I was in a foxhole would be. "Well I'm probably going to die in a ******* foxhole."
2015-04-14 17:21:19 · answer #5 · answered by Erin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Dad has used this quote many times when we have discussed my Atheism. I think its a load of bollocks personally. I have been through a few very nasty situations in my life, also been in hospital when family thought I may die. There was no stage in my life when I have ever looked to the 'heavens' and asked 'god' for any help. I don't need it, I'm strong enough to get through things on my own.
2007-07-03 03:41:31 · answer #6 · answered by livinfortheweekend 4 · 9⤊ 0⤋
The implication is that religious belief is merely wishful thinking, rather than a rationally supported worldview.
I agree.
I find it interesting when theists claim that it takes the complete cessation of normal rational thought, e.g. the distressing prospect of one's imminent death, to make one consider believing in the existence of a deity.
Since atheists already know that religion is simply a product of irrationality, wishes and fears, rather than a logically justified worldview, this only serves to reinforce our position and reassure us that we are right.
2007-07-03 03:39:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 14⤊ 0⤋
Back when I was in Vietnam,we came under heavy small arms fire. I was laying up against a big termite mound and my" so called "atheist buddy was scrambling back towards me for his life! The whole time exclaiming,"Oh,God! Oh Jesus!"
When he got there ,even though we were shooting I was laughing,"Who are those imaginary guys you're calling to?"
He used to say God was just a figmant of our imagination.
2007-07-03 03:49:19 · answer #8 · answered by AngelsFan 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
How many foxholes was he in before coming to this conclusion?
2007-07-03 03:40:17 · answer #9 · answered by Quantrill 7 · 10⤊ 0⤋
There are atheists in foxholes..
2007-07-03 03:39:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 0⤋