There ARE Atheists In Foxholes

We've all heard the phrase, "There are no atheists in foxholes." It's just not true! Master Sgt. Kathleen Johnson, founder of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, says, "It's a denial of our contributions. A lot of people manage to serve without having to call on a higher power." Ken Pargament, a professor of the psychology of religion and coping at Bowling Green State University, agreed. He said, "If someone is a committed atheist, they're likely to stay a committed atheist."

As an agnostic, I have always been offended by the "no atheists in foxholes" statement. You will never hear an atheist or agnostic make that statement. These are rational people who know what they believe. Fear will not change their beliefs. It is very insulting to say atheists will become religious when faced with danger. It is just as ridiculous to believe that, as to believe that christians will become muslims when faced with danger. Being in a dangerous situation does not change a person's philosophical beliefs, it simply makes a person afraid.

Atheists and agnostics are usually very rational people, but they get very little respect in this country. The reason that so many christians like to use the phrase, I believe, is because they were scared into believing themselves. After all, if they don't believe, they think they'll go to hell! Since they were scared into belief, many christians think others would be also. Is it really so difficult to understand that rational people form their beliefs from rational thought?

By the way, when was the last time you saw an atheist elected to any office in this country? I doubt if you have ever seen it. In our secular government, it seems as though there is a requirement to be religious before you can be elected. Many other groups are overcoming discrimination and winning public office. But while it is wrong to discriminate against these groups, most Americans think it is perfectly OK to discriminate against atheists.

We preach tolerance in this country. I wish we could practice it as well.