Atheism Quote by J. Anderson Thomson
“Maybe there are only atheists in foxholes. If the faithful truly and fully believe in a protective deity, why would they dive into a foxhole to protect themselves from the bullets whizzing by ? A part of their brain knows damn well that if they do not protect themselves, the bullets will hardly discriminate between those who claim faith and those who reject it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown military commentary, null
The quote suggests that belief in divine protection is contradictory when faced with mortal danger, implying faith may be rationalized after the fact.
In simple terms: Faith seems contradictory when danger is real.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of belief under extreme threat.
Themes
faith
war
psychology
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- combat
- personal crisis
- military training
- ethical debate
Key Concepts
cognitive dissonance
survival instinct
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear influence religious belief?
- Can faith survive direct confrontation with mortality?
A Different Perspective
Belief may be a coping mechanism, not a literal shield.
