An interesting article in the Houston Chronicle discusses the rise and fall of religious iconography in the Protestant church.  The interesting part of the article is the subject, US Army Chaplain (LtCol) John Laing.  Laing is an atheist-turned-Baptist preacher:

Growing up, Laing was also taught that the honorable thing for young men to do is to serve their country. The Laing that joined the Army was a self-proclaimed atheist, though his basic training drill sergeant made him put “no religious preference” on his dog tag rather than “atheist.”

After he became a Christian, Laing led his fellow scouts, who often had to miss chapel service for reconnaissance missions, in prayer and Bible study. “As God used me to minister to my buddies, I began to sense Him telling me to stay in when my contract was fulfilled, and look into chaplaincy,” he says. “Here I am, 24 years later!”

In explaining the role of Chaplains, Laing attempts to correct a common misunderstanding:

“Chaplains are expected to represent not all denominations and faiths as some persons think, a common misconception, but rather our own denominations”…He has many Catholic members of his unit, so he coordinates with a Catholic priest to help them meet their spiritual needs.

Chaplain Laing accurately conveys the idea that while Chaplains serve all, they are not required to espouse the theology of all.  Chaplains are conduits for every Soldier to the resources they need for their spiritual fitness.  When the resources they require coincide with an individual Chaplain’s theology, then he can personally provide that care.  Otherwise, it is his duty–and his desire–to find those resources to meet the needs of the men and women he serves.

Read more about what Chaplain Laing has to say about the role of the Chaplaincy (as well as the Protestant view of iconography).

Via the Army Chaplaincy blog.