I Don’t Believe in Atheism « LDS Alive in Christ

4Jun/0912

I Don’t Believe in Atheism

I don't believe in atheism because of my experience in the military. I know there are those who attempt to refute the "no atheist in a foxhole" quip , but I lived it with men who claimed to be atheist, but when death appeared imminent they abandoned their atheism, only to return to it a few days later, when they were safe.

About Jared

Thanks for coming by. The primary reason I write this blog is to increase awareness and understanding about the doctrine of Christ as taught in the Book of Mormon. Click here to read about, "My Experience with the Savior" to understand my reasons for doing a blog.

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samuel
June 4th, 2009 - 21:10

I suggest reading/listening to “A skeptical analysis of “There are no atheists in foxholes””:
http://www.dbskeptic.com/2008/11/23/a-skeptical-analysis-of-there-are-no-atheists-in-foxholes/
Andrew S.
June 4th, 2009 - 21:18

As I posted on MM…

anecdotal. Not only that, but your anecdotal evidence can be turned back against you. I know enough people who once were theist, were faced with the absolute horrors of war too and came back with utterly no possibility for believing in any sort of god when they know of such horrors that the real world has. People who could be said too to have “no doubt about God at all” before they left, but after their experiences, they were left with no inkling in their bodies to even comprehend the possibility of a god throughout it all.

These people don’t return to their theism, because forever, they are left with the thought that they can never get over that it is a false hope in something that ISN’T, because they are acutely aware of what IS.

What does it solidify within me. Personally, it solidifies me that these experiences — whatever way they lean — tell us more about a person rather than the world. Some people, in the face of ultimate adversity, will cry out in hope of some creator. Others, in the same adversity, will understand acutely that the creator they one thought was there never really was, so it’s no wonder they are abandoned. BUT the conclusion I get…is that either person’s reaction does not make an argument god. But rather, an argument for people.
The Barefoot Bum
June 5th, 2009 - 05:05

First, you’re wrong about the facts.

New documents shed light on Tillman’s death:

[A] chaplain who debriefed the entire unit days after Tillman was killed … that [Spc Bryan O’Neal, who was at Tillman’s side as he was killed] told him he was hugging the ground at Tillman’s side, “crying out to God, help us. And Tillman says to him, ‘Would you shut your (expletive) mouth? God’s not going to help you; you need to do something for yourself, you sniveling …’”

I personally know several atheists who have or are currently serving in the military; some who have seen combat. Your comment slanders their sincerity.

It’s a dumb point anyway; it’s not evidence for anything interesting that in times of stress people use phrases and thoughts they were taught as children or that pervade their culture.
Steven
June 5th, 2009 - 19:49

What about all those Muslims that pray to Allah before battle or when a suicide bombers prays to Allah before he kills himself and others? Does this make Islam true?

Your comment is a personal insult to any atheist in the military and even if your own anecdotal experience was exactly as you stated, how does this apply to all atheists?

I believe theists exist by the way. I just think your god concept is a productive of your upbrining and your imagination.
Jared
June 5th, 2009 - 20:48

Thanks to all who have commented. One of the reasons I went to war is so we can enjoy freedom of thought and expression. I’ve expressed my view, and you in turn your view. Ain’t it great!
MadChemist
June 6th, 2009 - 21:24

Where do all the atheists come from, Jared? Do they normally follow your blog or did you just attract a bunch of trolls with the title?
Jared
June 6th, 2009 - 21:31

Hi MC–

The title of my post must have sounded a cyberspace alert system.

All are welcome.
Geoff J
June 6th, 2009 - 22:45

Jared — Well when your posts are included in aggregrators lots of people get to scan titles. When you write highly controversial titles you will get more visitors.

Madchemist — I don’t see any trollish comments so far. Lucidly arguing against a (largely unsupportable) claim is not trolling.
Jared
June 7th, 2009 - 09:25

Geoff J–

I am relating my experience. Experience is a great teacher.

I welcome all points of view. I just require respect when sharing. Thanks for coming by.
Mike
June 7th, 2009 - 20:33

Know this that every soul is free
To choose his life and what he’ll be

The evidence suggests there is a loving God, it is man who chooses to engage in war. It isn’t up to voting, the truth is the truth regardless of whether anyone can perceive it. Enlightenment is a reflection of individual development, and has nothing to do with the reality of deity.
All_No-ing
June 23rd, 2009 - 14:08

Was once a TBM, now a TBA.

There are weak atheists just as there are weak (name your creed). The weak ones tend to claim atheism with the false hope that it gives them license to do whatever they please. When in crisis, they have nothing to fall back on. So they turn to their religious upbringing or whatever to find comfort.

I am of the opinion that all things can be explained by nature… no matter how miraculous. I came to this over the course of several years, from reading, pondering, and experiencing life. I enjoy the same – or greater – feelings of the spirit, or as I would now call it, wonder and awe, just contemplating nature and how it all works. I consider my atheism to be founded upon solid bedrock, and would have no need, under any circumstance, to turn to something supernatural, any more than I would be inclined to turn to some fictional character in a favorite book for comfort or consulation.

And I can pass any temple recommend interview question regarding worthiness (in case anyone might be wondering if I have any other motives for being an atheist).

Regards–
All_No-ing
June 24th, 2009 - 09:26

Not many years ago I was a TBM; now I am a TBA.

There are weak atheists just as there are weak Mormons or Catholics or (name your creed)ists. Weak atheists are those who claim atheism in order that they may – falsely – have license to do whatever they please. They have not thought it out and have no convictions. People like this, in a time of crisis, will easily fall back on religion or on god or on whatever security blanket they had once treasured.

My roots are in Mormonism; for several years I studied, pondered, and thought through what I had believed all my life and found that it was not a satisfactory explanation of the meaning of existance. I hold a strong conviction for the natural explanation rather than the supernatural. I still experience the spirit, but I would now call it awe and wonder. In fact, the feelings that I used to attribute to the Holy Ghost are much stronger as I contemplate nature and the meaning of existance. I am not lacking, I have not lost anything as a result of becoming an atheist. I am more satisfied with my life than I have ever been.

I have no need to ever go back to believing in supernatural powers or beings. I would no more turn to religion in a time of crisis than I would turn to some fictional character in a favorite book for peace and consolation. In the face of death I would be at peace knowing I had lived and lived well for the short time I was here. What more can I ask than that?

In case there is a question of my *real* motives in being an atheist, let me just say that I could easily affirm the worthiness questions in a temple recommend interview.

Regards…