Military?

I'm a little confused, hopefully someone can help be me out. While watching the news, I saw a whole squad of soldiers praying to Christ before beginning a mission. Are there any ex-/military people here who might confirm how these religious meetings take place? I have always wondered what happens when one member of a squad is not Christian and they call together a prayer session. I would be quite upset if someone is harassed for not praying, though I would be surprised if that was never the case.

Also, what is with the statement "there are no atheists in foxholes", when there are documented atheists who have/do serve? Is there a false belief that all atheists are morally cowards?

Unfortunately, there do tend to be some theists who believe that- when faced with adversity- atheists will suddenly turn from their wicked ways. (Or that a life-changing experience will cause them to believe in a deity, or something along those lines.)
I think it's related to the 'I know better than you' thought process that permeates the mentality of some people. (And I say this as a polytheist, so if I were ascribing this thought process solely to theists, I would be *struggles to think of a suitable word* multibly blaming myself?)

There is just as much diversity in the military as outside of it - that said, most military personnel that I've met are (at least publically) more tolerant regarding others military beliefs. There are strict guidelines for all personnel to follow regarding religious (as well as racial and gender) tolerance.

Furthermore, the role of the military Chaplain is not that of a prosletyzer of a single fatih - they undergo training to perform the rites and sacrements of most major religions and if they don't know how to do it, they'll research it. Their entire job is protecting military personells' right to freely practice their faith, whatever it may be.

The social organization freely permits worship in all faiths and has Chaplains (or government employees) employed representing virtually every religion, regardless of size.

GeneCosta said:

Also, what is with the statement "there are no atheists in foxholes", when there are documented atheists who have/do serve? Is there a false belief that all atheists are morally cowards?

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The idea is that you may pretend, in your atheistic hubris, that there's no God, but when the chips are down you're going to realize the Christians were right all along. It's a conceit that makes a certain type of Christian feel better, and it doesn't fool anybody who gives it a moment's thought, so I don't think the average Christian could possibly take it seriously.

About once a week somebody tells me that when I die, I'm going to come face to face with Jesus and realize I was wrong, but then it will be too late to be forgiven (not for my sins, mind you, but for my failure to believe), and Jesus, though he'd rather have saved me, will be obligated to reluctantly send me straight to hell, where I'll have an eternity in a lake of fire to reflect on the errors of my ways.

The "no atheists in foxholes" goes that one better: you are not only wrong, but insincere.

MidnightBlue said:

The idea is that you may pretend, in your atheistic hubris, that there's no God, but when the chips are down you're going to realize the Christians were right all along. It's a conceit that makes a certain type of Christian feel better, and it doesn't fool anybody who gives it a moment's thought, so I don't think the average Christian could possibly take it seriously.

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In my mind, the "no atheists in foxholes" saying means more about the human psyche than it does about conceit that Christians are right. Bill, i think a good majority of people, when faced with death, kick into eternal survival mode, just IN CASE.

About once a week somebody tells me that when I die, I'm going to come face to face with Jesus and realize I was wrong, but then it will be too late to be forgiven (not for my sins, mind you, but for my failure to believe), and Jesus, though he'd rather have saved me, will be obligated to reluctantly send me straight to hell, where I'll have an eternity in a lake of fire to reflect on the errors of my ways.

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I guess we will find out some day what eventally happens, if anything.....
That is all I can say knowing we fundamentally disagree and probably know that we will never convince each other differently.

The "no atheists in foxholes" goes that one better: you are not only wrong, but insincere

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I dont think it is insincere or wrong, just a survival mechanism.

It has been the same with all armies since man banded together for protection, they have all prayed to their Gods before going into battle, both sides thinking their God would protect them better than the other sides God would protect them, which we now know is ridiculous,
today it is more of a solidarity thing, it is a case of, 'if it makes you feel better I will kneel down with you, plus it wont do me any harm either',
Have you seen the film 'Oh! what a lovely war'? it is about the stupidity of war and the stupidity of man, praying and hymn singing play a big part, with both sides believing they are right and their God would protect them.

Plus the fact, death reduces everything to basics, when you are faced with death here and now, all pretence goes out of the window.
that is why most men when they die shout for their mothers, it sorts the true Atheists from the pretenders, religion is the easiest path to follow (It is always easier to go with the flow than against) that's why most people take it, if you have a religion (any religion) it shows you at least tried.