> There is quite a log of evidence from atheists who, on the verge of death
> - or at least contemplating it - have expressed reservations about the veracity
> of their convictions.
Yes, this ghoulish idea seems to greatly comfort christians. "When you contemplate death, we'll get you." Ghoulish, because the religion is preying upon the fearful and exploiting that fear.
In any case, there is much anecdotal evidence that, yes, people contemplate their own lives very seriously, when confronted with the possible imminent end of their life, they nevertheless realize their life is all they have and their (brief) life becomes much more important to them because of it. the concept of god or gods does not enter into it at all.
it really is amazing how much christians bring up the "atheists in foxholes" paradigm, when atheists don't think much of it at all.
As for the current trend, it would seem atheism is becoming more and more mainstream. All the evidence points to more and more people abandoning what religion they had and firmly asserting a skepticism or disbelief in the supernatural.
Perhaps, the atheists that convert in the foxholes are miniscule compared to all the christians who "convert" to atheism during the much more lengthy, non-foxhole-related activities.
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rj-27
11 years ago
"Perhaps, the atheists that convert in the foxholes are miniscule compared to all the christians who "convert" to atheism during the much more lengthy, non-foxhole-related activities."
How many tried and true atheists do you know personally that have given up on Christianity and "converted" to atheism? I'm speaking of those that actually practiced their faith and then decided it was all a sham.
On the other hand, as you know, there are quite a few atheists that well before their "demise" converted to Christianity - or some other faith claim. Some very well known types of the Richard Dawkins variety.
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cfinnerin
11 years ago
I'm not a well-known person or anything but I believed in God and went to church almost every Sunday and then slowly stopped going in middle school. By high school, when I began learning about Biology and Darwinism and thought about things for awhile, I decided I didn't believe in God after all and I have been an atheist ever since.
I have never once doubted that, in my opinion, there is no way God exists. I find it very insulting that people think that when atheists are faced with death that they will most likely regret not believing in god. I have never been faced with death except for very bumpy plane rides and I have never questioned my lack of belief in god for a second.
I wish I could believe in that stuff, but I can't. I wish I could because then maybe death wouldn't scare me as much but who knows. But, I really truly don't believe in god and don't think I ever will again. That's just me. I am now blabbering.
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rj-27
9 years ago
Faith, contrary to the popular notion that it constitutes belief in something you can't know is true, is conviction beyond a reasonable doubt, and certainty of the unseen.
Cfinnerin, I sincerely hope your wish is fulfilled. In fact, that is my prayer for you.
Democracy is the pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance. H.L. Mencken
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Kinomachtfrei
11 years ago
I've always wondered why the "Atheists in Foxholes" cliche was thought to show the folly of Atheism. I believe it shows far more clearly the folly of Foxholes. The idea that war turns rational people into superstitious ones may be the most persuasive condemnation of it.
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rj-27
9 years ago
I've always wondered why the "Atheists in Foxholes" cliche was thought to show the folly of Atheism. I believe it shows far more clearly the folly of Foxholes.
I don't think it is meant to portray folly of unbelief so much as the imminence of death being a strong motivator for rethinking that position. Fear of the unknown and all that.
As far as war being condemnation worthy, I couldn't agree more.
Democracy is the pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance. H.L. Mencken
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