AN ATHEIST IN A MOMENT OF CRISIS
Theist and in particular Christians like to promote the idea that in times of great crisis everyone even atheists seek out god. They believe that when the chips fall that we all resort back to god as our only refuge. This can be seen in the popularity of the expression “There are no atheist in fox holes.” Which is suppose to highlight the fact that in war there are no atheist I suppose. I honestly think this is load of crap. Today I talked to a friend who said that when he got into his wreck and he screamed “Oh my god.” He explained that his first thought was to think of god in his time of need. I too got in a wreck which most would consider a moment of crisis because I almost lost my life. But one of the things I remember about my wreck was the fact that as it was taking place I never once thought of or about a mythical being. I remember exclaiming “This sucks” but other than that I never prayed or chanted or anything else like that. I mean what else could I say other than “This sucks?” So I reject this notion that when we arrive at crisis’s in our life that we will go running and screaming back to mythical beings. Aren’t we perfectly capable of going through trying and scary times without referencing mythical beings?
Posted on August 23, 2010, in Breaking It Down!. Bookmark the permalink. 6 Comments.
I would say that because a person exclaims OMG it does not in any way signify belief in GOd, neither does the term bloody hell have to mean that you believe in hell… I use both of these terms and I am not a believer… These terms are simply exclamations used in our society, same as any other.
To say that it is subconcious is poppycock. It is simply years of having these terms thrown around you and being familiar with them as exclamations…
For instance you have people saying “and let the church say amen” to show agreeance… Doesn’t mean that you are a Christian or even go to church, but it highlights the dominant culture that you were brought up in.
“Aren’t we perfectly capable of going through trying and scary times without referencing mythical beings?”
Some people are. But there are others who can’t even get a good parking space at Wal-Mart without wanting to break into a praise dance. Christian’s like to use instances in which atheists/non-believers/followers of religions say “Oh my God” as “Ah Ha! I gotcha! type of moments, when in reality it’s like Ms. Beauty Soul said.
By the way nice pic Ms. Beauty Soul:) lol.
Sorry I meant to say followers of other religions:).
I have not prayed in years and never feel compelled to do so. Once I let go of the concept of God it isn’t necessary. When a problem arises in my life I begin to seek solutions. Simple as that.
For the record I do chant. That has nothing to do with believing in a God. It is about bringing calm and harmony into the mind and body.
I’m a big ol’ Christian but I don’t cry out to God during car crashes. That, to me, would see too opportunistic. I pray most when things are going well, to show God that I don’t use him as a crutch, but really love Him as a being regardless of what rewards I’d get for it.
I think it is just an expression…but on the other hand old habits die HARD!