Military Atheist Responds to "Soldier finds protection in prayer "

[Synnical]

Regarding an earlier post of mine titled, "Soldier finds protection in prayer" in this forum located here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=263x5371

Kathleen Johnson, founder of the Military Association of Atheists and Free Thinkers (MAAF), wrote the following LTTE. I don't see that it's been published on the Toledo Blade website as of this date.


Sorry, I cannot provide a link since I learned of it via the Kentucky Atheists News & Notes e-mail list, written by Edwin Kagin. No, I don't live in Kentucky - but I met him at the last Am Ath convention and hosted his book signing. He and his wife are the founders of Camp Quest. The only Secular Summer Camp for kids in the USA. (As far as I know.) They were also named "Atheists of the Year" at the convention.

Anyway, here's what First Sergeant Johnson wrote, as sent to me via e-mail from Edwin Kagin:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Editor,

I am active duty Army and the founder of the Military Association of
Atheists and Freethinkers (MAAF), the organization who's members SGT
Brasington insulted with his remarks that "if they were in the situations we
were in, they would (believe in God)...It's different being an atheist in a
protected area, but when there's a hailstorm of bullets and rocket-propelled
grenades all around, I guarantee they'll pray to God." (Soldier finds
protection in prayer, April 16th, 2005). While I'm pleased to see any young
soldier experience the good fortune at being alive when so many others have
died or were wounded, I strongly disagree with his beliefs concerning
military Atheists. The members of MAAF have served with distinction in
every conflict since WWII, including the current conflicts in Iraq and
Afghanistan, and I assure this young soldier that they have indeed faced
danger without resorting to religious faith. I've been on active duty more
than 20 years through countless military actions, and I have been in
situations at least as dangerous as those he described, without praying to
any god as he claimed we Atheists must do when faced with danger.
Furthermore, I'm also concerned about his insensitivity to our fallen
comrades and their families, since he apparently believes the creator of the
universe singled him out for personal protection while allowing so many
other deserving soldiers to die or be horribly wounded. What makes them any
less deserving of divine protection than him? This is not an indictment of
his faith; if his faith gives him comfort, there's certainly nothing wrong
with that, but I think he needs to rethink his position and develop a more
sensitive attitude towards those he serves with who have world-views
different from his own.

K.A. Johnson
Founder, Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers
Military Director, American Atheists
First Sergeant, US Army
Kaiserslautern, Germany


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh and don't forget to support the atheists in the military this Veteran's Day!

http://www.atheistfoxholes.org/

[Warpy]

1. What I've discovered in endless and fruitless talks with believers

is that they can't conceive of a lack of belief in whatever story they've been told. They have to call it a belief in unbelief, and it's amazing watching the semantic pretzels they twist themselves into, trying to define us in their terms.

They can't, of course, and generally degenerate into a full blown tantrum from the exercise.

I wish the good MAFF folks all the luck in the world. They (and we) will need it.

[progressoid]

2. That WWII propaganda is getting a little worn

I've known a lot of military personel that are non-religious or outright atheists. Childish scare tactics.

[southpaw]

3. In Alabama, of all places there is an "Athiests in Foxholes Monument"

http://alabamafreethought.org/atheists_in_foxholes.htm

[Book Lover]

4. Where better than Alabama, my friend?

Where is it more needed?

[southpaw]

5. As a lifelong Alabamian, I totally agree.

I was amazed to find a "Freethought" group here in the buckle of the bible belt.

[jonnyblitz]

6. ironically I was there for the dedication of that monument

In the late 90's I developed an on line relationship with some of the members of Alabama Freethought Association and was invited down for their annual 4th of July gathering. The monument was unveiled the year I went. I believe it was 1999. This group is a subgroup of the Freedom From Religion Foundation out of Madison, WI. I am also was an "atheist in a foxhole" so to speak (not many foxholes on navy ships)