Why do atheists cry out for God on their deathbed?

I have witnessed it so many times. I work as a male nurse on a liver ward, and they plead for God when they are told there is nothing can be done to save their lives.

I know they are atheists, cause they clearly state it when they are crying like babies about how they should have believed. And how sorry they are to God, etc...It is not rocket science. I didn't expect such dumba*s answers.

It's what was missing from their life.

well what else is there. man has failed them so they resort to anything that can possibily work. not like christians when they first get a headache call to the lord and have the pain go on and on and on. what they can do is easily take an asprin. Report It

Seeking back up for something you already believe in - why go through the motions of asking a question if you already know the answer?? Report It

they know that only the FSM can save them now. Report It

Because they're dying, you moron. I too would call out for the Flying Spaghetti Monster were I about to suffer an unexpected death. Report It

How do you know they were atheists?

Crying like babies? It's sad how religious beliefs will remove all sympathy you have towards human beings, even if they're in their death beds suffering.

They're probably just "hedging their bets". Emperor Constantine did it, why shouldn't they try the same trick?

And you expect me to believe that all these people have discussed their religious beliefs with their nurse?

I took care of my mother at home for an entire year when she was dying of cancer, she never complained about the pain, plus she requested the minister of the local church not to pay any more visits.
Some people can tolerate pain and some can't- those who can't are going to look for anything they can get, even if imaginary.
And I still don't believe what you say, simply because of the way you say it. It sounds to me more like people who believe but just haven't gone to church. Either way I don't care what you think, because it doesn't prove anything.

Maybe they do really believe in God but they just can't be bothered to worship and obey him and then seek forgiveness at the last minute. But by then it's too late. Sure God is most kind and most forgiving but in another way, why should they receive God's forgiveness when they have denied his existence all their lives?

Who knows if it where me, and they brought me a priest, i would kick him out. I think I at least have the right to die in peace.

It's become quite a common expression during times of stress. Such as "Dear God, what am I going to do now?", it doesn't mean that they're praying. It's just common usage. Also, if they are asking God for help, they should also consider that God allowed them to get the disease in the first place.

My father was an atheist, my mother was a Catholic. Both handled death from liver cancer the same way.
My father did not cry out for God on his deathbed, in fact, he sent away the priest who had come to give him his last rites.

I am not an atheist, but I admired his convictions.

I have seen this question before. I wonder why those of faith have to ask the same questions over and over again? By uttering these words on their death bed, does it prove the existence of some higher being??

Does it really matter when they ask for forgiveness? I think God is willing to listen anytime

Those aren't atheists... sorry to break it to you. Sounds like non-practicing christians.

If you are a competent medical professional, you know that end stage liver disease is marked by mental status changes and delusional states. If you were an honest person, you would have mentioned that.

Sounds to me like people trying to "hedge their bets". True atheists can survive foxholes. :p

in my opinion..they know deep down that there really is a God..and finally realize it when it is too late.

Just because they want to be forgiven of what they did,... They want to be saved from the fire of HELL,...