free12thinker

Okay, Okay.

I've had this argument a million times with my Christian neighbor.

We are friends (yes; miracles can happen), but he insists that there are no Atheists in a foxhole.

We've all heard this saying before. And if you haven't, the jist is simple. In times of war, when a soldier is stuck in a foxhole, he is too busy praying to God that he doesn't die, that there is no way he can be an atheist. Of course, this situation could apply to a robbery, or any matter that has to do with the possibility of losing life.

Anyway, I insist to my friend that I would not have any sudden spiritual burst. I wouldn't suddenly find God, but he insists otherwise. No matter how many times we discuss we can't come to this agreement.

So here's my question. Although I don't expect that too many atheists that participate in this forum ever question their lack of faith, I ask for any stories that surround a brush with death, and ask if anyone ever found themselves believing, or praying, even just a little.

Part two to this post is: If we were ever proven wrong, if we were an Atheist in a Foxhole, and God came down to save us, what would you have to say to him? If anything? Could you imagine yourself asking for forgiveness in doubting him? I could not, nor would I ever find myself suddenly following the outlines of his morals and ethics.

I ask this because my neighbor not only insists that I wouldn't be an atheist in a foxhole, but he also insists that I would be shaking in my compat boots if I ever saw God. I say no way.

What about you?

Skydancer

I was military, but never got close enough to the action to test that completely, though I have acquaintances who are and did and didn't start praying. On the other hand, I've been in an automobile wreck that went slowly enough for me to react to it in real time (glare ice and trees) and my reaction was NOT to start praying. It was to do my best to regain control (successfully, sort of. I missed the big trees.) I think even in a foxhole, it's the mind-dead theists who'll pray. Atheists - and yes, thinking theists - will be too busy shooting back.

As far as meeting God? I'll be surprised, and indignant. Unless there's some mind-control zap, my reaction is going to be 'What were you thinking?'

DarkBronzePlant

I think that there are no Christians in foxholes, personally. Think about it. When confronted with certain death, how many people--Christians included--will anticipate the chance to meet their loving maker with a big smile on their faces? Versus how many of them will go kicking and screaming that they don't want to die?

bonduca

I've faced the possibility of dying (or at least suffering severe bodily harm) quite a few times.

When I was religious, I did not think of God. I thought of how I would get the hell out of that unpleasant situation. When I was an atheist, I thought no differently.

So much for foxholes.

If God exists, he must not be too fond of me. What could I have to say to such a sadistic wanker? What would any child say to an absentee parent who suddenly appeared and wanted attention they did not deserve?

"Well, where the hell have YOU been hiding yourself?"

philechat

Argh...I was violently mugged before and God never crossed my mind. I was too busy thinking how I could trick those bastards so that I could go away unscathed.
And I never prayed when I skiied down extreme slopes either...I was too anxious to think about the "right turn" so that I don't go tumbling down that cliff beside me. Who cares about God?

free12thinker

I love this point you brought up. Cause frankly, I am sick of hearing theists lie about the happiness they would feel when they died, knowing they would see god. What a crock. They would be kicking and screaming just as you stated.

atheist_in_foxhole

I have faced death on a few occassions since becoming an atheist, and believe me, I didn't cry out to Jesus or any other deity.

When an 18-wheeler came close to crushing my small car on the freeway last year all I could think of was that I was too young to die (I'm 21).

While choking on some food recently I was angry and scared, but only because I didn't want to die like that, and again, I was too young.

Anyone who says that there are no atheists in foxholes is full of crap.

free12thinker

I was waiting for your reply.

Radcliffe Emerson

My uncle survived the invasion of Anzio in WW2. He was an atheist then, and still is now. He didn't change his mind when there was a very real possibility of his death at any time.

Jamie_L

In fast-paced life-or-death situations, I don't think anyone spends time doing secondary things like praying. It's the slow approach of death that gives you time to have such thoughts. Like being diagnosed with cancer.

Actually, I've come closest to praying when OTHER people that I care about are dying. It's when you are completely helpless to do something that you wish for something, ANYTHING you can do to change things.

Jamie