“An atheist is a man who watches a Notre Dame – Southern Methodist University game and doesn’t care who wins.”
- October 14, 1890 – March 28, 1969
- American
- The 34th President of the United States, General, Military Leader
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Quote
“An atheist is a man who watches a Notre Dame – Southern Methodist University game and doesn’t care who wins.”
Explanation
In this humorous and metaphorical remark, Eisenhower uses the fervor of American college football—particularly a game between Notre Dame and Southern Methodist University—as a stand-in for passionate belief or allegiance. By joking that an atheist is someone who could watch such a matchup and remain indifferent, he suggests that faith, whether religious or cultural, is often defined by emotional investment, identity, and spirited loyalty.
The historical context reflects Eisenhower’s era, when religious belief and national unity were often seen as intertwined, especially during the Cold War. His presidency oversaw the addition of “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance and “In God We Trust” to currency, symbolizing a cultural assertion of American faith and moral identity in contrast to Soviet atheism. While this quote is not a theological argument, it shows his understanding of belief as something that stirs people to care deeply and take sides, even humorously.
Today, the quote is often cited for its wit rather than its doctrinal meaning. It reflects Eisenhower’s belief that indifference is the true opposite of faith or patriotism, and that shared values—be they religious, national, or cultural—thrive on passionate participation. His quip is a lighthearted reminder that caring, even irrationally or playfully, is at the heart of human connection and identity.
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