"There are no atheists in foxholes." (See here.)
Maybe there are not always very clearly defined theists either? We argued that Eric Wace was Catholic (see here). However, in the heat of battle:
"So far, thought Wace, Diomedes' miserly gods had been smiling on him. It couldn't last much longer." (XII, p. 472) (For full reference, see here.)
Phrases about God and gods are part of our language and can be used without belief or at least without reflection. And we have heard about miserly gods before, in the Time Patrol universe. See here.
Believing in and hoping for a higher power are two distinct mental operations. Addressing such a power hypothetically or suppositionally is yet another mental act. Those who "believe" in a strong sense of that word cannot convince us merely by pointing out that some of us say, "Please, God!" in a crisis.
Addendum: My saved images are again accessible. If you google images of "No atheists in foxholes," you will find this reply attributed to more than one person. I have copied the image quoting Kurt Vonnegut because he is an sf writer.
Addendum: My saved images are again accessible. If you google images of "No atheists in foxholes," you will find this reply attributed to more than one person. I have copied the image quoting Kurt Vonnegut because he is an sf writer.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
One amusing moment I recall from ENSIGN FLANDRY was how Dominic Flandry NEARLY prayed as he came under Merseian fire during the attack by the Sea People and a Merseian sub on Kursoviki.
Sean
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