Tag Archives: atheism

“Conservative Christians Dominate the US Military”

Christopher Hitchens, author of God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything and co-author of Is Christianity Good for the World with Pastor Douglas Wilson, takes on religion in the US military in his latest article in Vanity Fair, for which is he a contributing writer.

The lead-in to the article demonstrates a set of false assumptions which are never substantiated within the article:

It’s no secret that conservative Christians dominate the US military, but when higher-ups start talking about conversion missions, it’s time to worry.

Hitchens never provides evidence that any ideological belief, never mind conservative Christianity, “dominates” the US military.  He also misrepresents Read more

Merry Christmas from ChristianFighterPilot.com

God and Country will return on 28 December.  In the meantime, we leave you with the words of President Barack Obama, chatting with children during a visit to a Boys and Girls Club in Washington, DC.  Amazingly, at least one person has implied Obama violated the Constitution in making these comments.  The relationship between those in government service, the Constitution, and religion is certainly controversial–and misunderstood–in America today.  Kudos to the President for not shying away from the legitimate discussion of religious beliefs, as well as respecting those of the children.

Have a wonderful celebration of the birth of our Savior.  Merry Christmas.

THE PRESIDENT:  You know, I think that the most important thing is just to remember why we celebrate Christmas.

CHILD:  I know!

THE PRESIDENT:  Do you know?

CHILD:  The birth of baby Jesus.

THE PRESIDENT:  The birth of baby Jesus, Read more

Fighter Pilot Defends his Manliness

Paul “Skid” Woodford is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and F-15 fighter pilot.  As recorded on his blog, he recently experienced a questionably “manly” event that reminded him of a story that is, truthfully, still a longstanding urban legend within the fighter community (particularly between the F-15 and F-16 communities, which sometimes have a “friendly” rivalry).  The story he tells is still well-known, despite the fact that Woodford retired more than 10 years ago, and the story he recounts is nearly 30 years old.

The reference to LtCol Woodford’s site does not equate to an endorsement of his views (interesting though they are).  He uses the “warrior vernacular,” so be warned about language on the site.  Woodford is also a self-described atheist and tends to “lean left.”

If nothing else, his site is proof that contrary to popular belief, the US military–and even the fighter pilot community–is not homogenous.  The US military is composed of men and women who represent all kinds of ideologies, as is the American culture from which they come.

Military Religion Question of the Day: Beliefs

A US Air Force Air National Guard Chaplain recently wrote what became a surprisingly controversial commentary:

Although I haven’t written any books in my time, I often refer to a book that speaks to the subject of happiness. It’s called the Bible. The Bible tells us that 2,000 years ago, God sent his son Jesus into the world so that through his death on our behalf, we could have a personal relationship with him. Lest we forget, Christmas speaks of that birth and the happiness that came from that. Whether you share this belief or not, my wish for all of us is that no matter what religion you identify with, that we genuinely recognize that there is hope for happiness. It is important to remember that we are never alone, and that life eventually, and ultimately, will get better.

It was part of a commentary published by Chaplain (LtCol) Daniel Hornok in anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, which is traditionally an emotional one for military members and their families.  This is true of deployed servicemembers, certainly, but also for young troops who may be experiencing their first major holidays at a new base away from home.  The Chaplain emphasized hope and the need to ‘look out for each other,’ an act that “may save a life.”

While the commentary of a Utah ANG Chaplain is probably not terribly widely read (with no offense intended to the Chaplain), and the topic (hope and support during the holidays) was one that is important to the military, it still managed to attract some negative Read more

Chaplains Guard Constitutional Rights

As noted here late last year, the US military has increased its public relations emphasis on the virtues of its Chaplaincy and spiritual environment.  This was likely to counter allegations and perceptions of religious intolerance or impropriety within the US military.  All of the military branches now routinely publish news releases on Chaplains of varying faiths selflessly serving their troops, as well highlighting the inclusive spiritual atmosphere within the US military.

An article from Keesler Air Force Base appears to be the most blunt to date.  Entitled “Chaplains guard constitutional right to religious freedom,” it features Chaplain (Capt) Charles Mallory reciting Read more

Letter Inspires Responses: God’s Role in Combat

A letter to the editor at the Stars and Stripes complained of offense when the paper quoted a soldier apparently expressing a belief in God (discussed here). The “non-believer’s” letter spawned a spate of responses.

Three responses directly addressed the original letter writer’s question.  The first attempted to explain the sovereignty of God by pitting free will versus God’s will, a complicated subject at best for the opinion section of a newspaper.  A second letter also taught a theological lesson, as well as bluntly communicating a Christian message.

The third addressed a more basic concept in the original letter, noting that God has allowed many to die–and live–when man cannot comprehend why.  The first sergeant makes an astute observation about the self-contradiction of the initial complaint:  Read more

Faith and Profession at the Military Academy

As noted here at various times, Christians are far from the only ones to struggle with conflicts between their faith and military service, or to organize in order to support one another in it.  They are also not the only ones who intertwine their spiritual beliefs with their patriotic ones.

For example, in 2005 a Jewish cadet at the US Military Academy at West Point told how he was “prepped” by an older friend for his time in basic training:

One of Bergman’s older friends told him to ask for permission to participate in prayer services on Friday nights during Beast.  Read more

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