Comments on: Harsh and Necessary http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2006/12/01/harsh-and-necessary/ by Hemant Mehta Tue, 14 Feb 2012 01:56:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3 By: Tom Foss http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2006/12/01/harsh-and-necessary/#comment-1309 Tom Foss Sun, 03 Dec 2006 18:00:57 +0000 http://friendlyatheist.com/2006/12/01/harsh-and-necessary/#comment-1309 I like the assertion that "atheists are lesser soldiers than their religious counterparts." Right, you're <i>much</i> braver, what with going into battle believing that an omnipotent being has your back, and if you die, well, at least you get an eternity of hedonistic pleasure, or something. When an atheist goes into battle, it's just him or her, and death's the end. Tell me, which belief system requires more bravery? I'm not saying that theist soldiers are any less brave, really. I think when it comes down to it, the only thing most people are thinking about in the foxholes is getting the hell out. But to suggest that atheist soldiers are "less"...well, that's just nonsensical. I like the assertion that “atheists are lesser soldiers than their religious counterparts.” Right, you’re much braver, what with going into battle believing that an omnipotent being has your back, and if you die, well, at least you get an eternity of hedonistic pleasure, or something.

When an atheist goes into battle, it’s just him or her, and death’s the end. Tell me, which belief system requires more bravery?

I’m not saying that theist soldiers are any less brave, really. I think when it comes down to it, the only thing most people are thinking about in the foxholes is getting the hell out. But to suggest that atheist soldiers are “less”…well, that’s just nonsensical.

]]> By: txatheist http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2006/12/01/harsh-and-necessary/#comment-1296 txatheist Sat, 02 Dec 2006 05:53:21 +0000 http://friendlyatheist.com/2006/12/01/harsh-and-necessary/#comment-1296 <blockquote>I still can’t understand how anyone could make such ignorant remarks like “There are no atheists in foxholes” when they can be proven wrong so easily…</blockquote> I will be the first to say there is a very barbaric mentality in the military. This is why gays have it so hard, they are seen as wimps. I'm sure many Jews would also say they face discrimination. I would guess some people didn't care for Pat Tillman when he said he wasn't religious. It comes down to one thing and one thing only <strong>INSECURITY</strong>. I've thought about joining my local VFW but right now in my life I have a bigger obligation, my son. I hope to one day join a VFW and there will be no mistake about my willingness to say I'm an atheist. I don't know if you are aware but it's only been about a year or two that the VFW changed it's requirements. 2 years ago you had to sign the application that states you believe in God to join the VFW.

I still can’t understand how anyone could make such ignorant remarks like “There are no atheists in foxholes” when they can be proven wrong so easily…

I will be the first to say there is a very barbaric mentality in the military. This is why gays have it so hard, they are seen as wimps. I’m sure many Jews would also say they face discrimination. I would guess some people didn’t care for Pat Tillman when he said he wasn’t religious. It comes down to one thing and one thing only INSECURITY.

I’ve thought about joining my local VFW but right now in my life I have a bigger obligation, my son. I hope to one day join a VFW and there will be no mistake about my willingness to say I’m an atheist. I don’t know if you are aware but it’s only been about a year or two that the VFW changed it’s requirements. 2 years ago you had to sign the application that states you believe in God to join the VFW.

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