The Buddhist Military Sangha recently published an interview with a Buddhist Navy spouse on being “married to the military.” While much of the interview is, understandably, on the topic of roles and relationships, there were some interesting statements on faith and the military.
The interviewee is Mrs. Barbara Zaragoza, a practicing convert to Zen Buddhism and a “Navy wife.”
On being stationed overseas, away from her usual religious support: Read more
Chaplain (Capt) Jerry Johnson, a US Army Chaplain deployed to Afghanistan, demonstrates the varied roles military Chaplains can play in theatre. He protects the free religious freedom of the men and women he serves. He advises the commander on issues of religion.
And he teaches world religions. Seven different ones, to be precise.
“It’s an extension of the chaplain ministry to educate Soldiers Read more
A couple of new articles highlight the already-noted trend of members of the US military using yoga in their physical training.
A new twist is that yoga is actually part of the official training now, as opposed to simply being an available class at the gym: Read more
A Buddhist Zen priest living in Austin conducted an interview with 1LT Stephen Hunnewell, an American Soldier and Buddhist who was serving in Afghanistan at the time. In the interview, Lt Hunnewell said that while he was long interested in the eastern religions, he didn’t really begin to practice a faith until returning from a combat tour:
It was not until I returned from my last deployment in Afghanistan, 2008, did I really begin a practice. During my last tour in Afghanistan I began to search for a spiritual path. The old adage, “There are no atheists in foxholes,” could not be more true.
For those who don’t closely follow Buddhist/military discussions, it is interesting to note the vein of pacifism Read more
A panel discussion in Washington, DC, entitled “Current Topics Facing Today’s Military Chaplains” included Chaplains (LtCol) Carleton Birch, (LtCol) Lisa H. Tice, and (CAPT) John H. Lea of the Christian faith, Chaplain (LtCmdr) Abuhena Saifulislam of the Islamic faith, and Chaplain (Capt) Jerry Seidler of the Jewish faith.
Birch reportedly said that the DADT repeal may be fairly benign for Chaplains, given that they’ve been counseling homosexual servicemembers all along.
Army Chaplain Lt. Col. Carleton Birch said Wednesday that chaplains already have experience in counseling homosexual soldiers and will likely be able to adjust easily to an openly homosexual military.
“I’ve counseled homosexual soldiers when Read more
A US Air Force Academy press release on its National Prayer Luncheon highlighted the “many faiths” represented at the event. Key speaker Lt Clebe McClary spoke of his Christian faith, but he emphasized motivation, resilience, and self-worth:
Lieutenant McClary introduced his audience to a few acronyms they might not have heard of previously. Three examples included PRIDE: “Personal Responsibility in Daily Effort,” FIDO: “Forget It and Drive On,” and PATCH: “Positive Attitude that Characterizes Hope.”
“Life’s tough. You know that better than I do,” he said. “Are you going to get bitter, or are you going to get better?…”
The lieutenant also challenged people to think about Read more
After apparently attending the USAFA National Prayer Luncheon, the local Colorado Springs Gazette wonders aloud if Michael Weinstein’s lawsuit was “much ado about nothing.”
Buddha and Allah were mentioned almost as often as Jesus at an Air Force Academy prayer luncheon Thursday that drew a lawsuit over fears of Christian evangelism.
The speaker at the center of the controversy, retired Marine Lt. Clebe McClary, didn’t shy from embracing faith, but talked more about the power of a well-chosen spouse and overcoming adversity with teamwork than Christianity.
The speech was preceeded with Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist prayers. A rabbi gave a closing prayer.
McClary reportedly talked about value and perseverance, how his faith Read more
According to an Air Force Academy press release, General Michael Gould, USAFA Superintendent, had this to say about the upcoming National Prayer Luncheon:
[Gould] took on what he called “the big elephant” surrounding the Air Force Academy in the media in recent weeks: the National Prayer Luncheon, scheduled to be held at the Falcon Club Feb. 10. The event will feature retired Marine Lt. Clebe McClary as keynote speaker in addition to readings from followers of Buddhist, Jewish, Protestant, Catholic and Islamic faiths.
“Let me just set something straight: this is Read more