No Atheists In Foxholes: Reflections and Prayers From the Front

Patrick McLaughlin
Thomas Nelson (2008)
ISBN 9780849919985
Reviewed by Gina Holland for RebeccasReads (6/08)

When Patrick McLaughlin became the Chaplain for Camp David, he was excited and thrilled. He thought that would be the best thing that could ever happen in his life. When September 11th happened, he was watching his infant son sleep in his bed, and all he could think about was prayer and peace. Little did he know that he would soon be going to Iraq, where danger and death would be all around him. This book contains words, emails, letters and poems from his experiences in the military. I am sure that the Chaplain put this book together for us to be able to see and to read firsthand what goes on in that part of the world. As you read this you might cry, become angry, or even be amazed at some of the things that these soldiers go through.

“No Atheists” was put together in a way that people can get an up close look at what goes on in the minds of these men and women who serve for us. We are also seeing it from the Chaplain’s point-of-view as well. There is one particular story in this book that got to me. McLaughlin is there when a young Iraqi soldier, dying, is trying to be saved by the doctors there. All he can do is pray for this young man, and hope that he lives. But the young man dies anyway, despite all of the Chaplain’s praying and the doctor’s efforts. It’s such a sad story. I know a lot of people would not feel bad for this soldier because he is working for the other side, but he is human after all. Another life lost because of this awful war. What human could not feel something for this young man? Even if he fights for the wrong side, I feel bad for him, and for every other young man that dies in war.

The meaning of this memoir is very clear. It is wonderful, but sad.  Read this and look into a world of chaos, destruction, and tragedy.  It shows us that even men and women who do not believe in God, find themselves praying in time of need, when they think they are about to die, or when they might be praying for a friend or a fellow soldier.  I loved all the poems and words of “No Atheists in Foxholes,” and look forward to more books from McLaughlin.