[April 1, 2018] There’s an old adage that there are no atheists in foxholes. It comes from observations of ordinary people and soldiers made by Ernie Pyle; the famous World War II news correspondent. His observations were not unlike that of our local clergyman who sees more pews in churches filled across the nation, today … Easter Sunday.
I suspect that many of those church pews will be filled to capacity and rightly so. The significance of Easter is really the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection and the promise of eternal life it offers to all. This is a strong motivation to attend services and regain from our faith that which is lost in the material of our world. “Faith” is a strong belief and provides that extra passion for believing in Jesus Christ.
Of course, the modern world condemns Christianity and those associated with it. We are told that Christians are heathens of an ancient time where superstition ruled and a person was judged by their lucky charms rather than by their good deeds. The belief that Jesus Christ was crucified, died, buried, and rose again is preposterous to nonbelievers. Surely, it must be a fraud, a fable, or a fib.
A close relative of mine once told me he could not believe in a God or Jesus Christ or any such idol because it could never be “proved” that He exists. I understood what he was saying but that is not why Christianity is so popular wherever it exists. Faith is having full confidence in God’s word. It is not a blind leap of faith; rather it is an intelligent, holy reaction to the words of God.
More than any other belief system in humankind’s history, this is the only one that is based on the love of others. Where most ideologies are based upon the hatred or distrust of others (e.g., socialism and fascism) the one system that stands out is a faith in God.
So the next time you hear the adage that there are no atheists in foxholes, just remember that the point Ernie Pyle was making is that faith makes you stronger. Happy Easter!
I bow down humbly in the presence of such greatness.
I’ve heard this for a long time and know not to take it literally. However I also think there is an enormous truth here. What this means is that war helps us sort out our priorities.
I also heard it as I was growing up. When i joined the us army I saw it too in combat. More went to chapel services.
Almost missed this article. Enlightening and to the point. Some folk will misinterpret you to mean that all soldiers are religious. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. The fact remains, however, that the belief in a supreme being (who is kind and generous like Jesus Christ) is as much a benefit to the believer as can be.
I suggest more of these articles in the future. It gives me more talking points to teach to my pupils.
Enjoyed this leadership post. Thanks Gen. Satterfield
Thank you for good article. Funny and serious.
People look for reasons not to believe and look for reasons not to lead
Happy Easter … in particular Happy Easter to our men and women in uniform.
My dad too was in Vietnam and would tell me stories that would make me a believer more than anything I ever experienced in church. He is gone now and I thank him every day for what he gave me in those stories. I know it was difficult for him but I think the war actually helped make him a better person and father.
Well written, Gen Satterfield. Happy Easter to you and your family. I personally will be praying for our American heroes today.
Thanks Mark!
Happy Easter to all. I will be praying with my family today.
Easter is a special time. War is a special time, in another way. Neither is the same but each teach us valuable lessons about people; the good and the bad. I would suggest that we speak with a combat veteran to learn more about what it was like and why so many turned to FAITH to help them through it.
My father was in Vietnam early in the war. He would tell me about his buddies and their devotion to the U.S. and to God. No one made fun of them. No one insulted those who believed and no one would dare question their faith. Times have changed.
Same with my father and uncle who served there. I think we would all find life a little better if more people showed a higher level of respect. But today’s young are raised to believe if you don’t think what they think, you are Hitler. Crazy.
Good points.
I’ll be sitting down later today with my family to have a great meal. We are all truly blessed. Remember that faith is about believing and that is what is the meaning of life. Happy Easter to all.
Yes, Happy Easter to all. It is a time of reflection for all and should not be overlooked as a casual holiday but as a time of respect and admiration.
I personally spent a lot of my life in combat with some of the greatest people I’ve ever known or will ever know. There is certainly some truth to the quote that there are no atheists in foxholes, I think it points more toward the fact that having spent time in battle and recognizing your own fate will make you respect life more. That alone is spiritual.
I agree. Happy Easter.
Thank you. A very appropriate topic for Easter Sunday.