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 on religions and the impact religion has within the operational environment; and it helps Soldiers with their college credits,” said Johnson.

World Religions is a basic introduction to the concept of studying faith with a specific focus on seven designated religions. Part one of Johnson’s class covers the Eastern religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism; along with a short summary of indigenous religions found in Australia, Africa and the Americas. Part two emphasizes the concepts found in Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Some of the Soldiers had rather strategic reasons for taking the class

“I wanted to understand the world around me and what the foundations of other nationalities are,” said U.S. Army Spc. Courtney Pool…“I wanted to study a subject that would help me relate to and compare with people of different backgrounds and belief systems than mine.”
 
U.S. Army Pfc. Osie Rolle-Cook…said she was especially impressed by Buddhism.

The senior ranking participant, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Leroy Madison…felt the class was surprisingly courteous in tone though many students voiced strong convictions in faith within the various discussions. He added that debate was civil, something he did not expect.

The military is made up of people from all walks of life, and many different faiths.  Despite the stereotype some people advance, and Sgt Madison apparently expected, the “religious tone” in the military is generally one of respect, though not agreement.  This has elsewhere been described as “unity without uniformity.”

Via the Army Chaplaincy blog.