An interesting set of articles in the UK Guardian notes the role of religion in the military in Afghanistan.  The articles were written by Riazat Butt, who is reportedly traveling through Afghanistan with Army Chaplains.

The tone of her first article, from the British outpost at Camp Bastion, implies that the majority of British servicemembers eschew religion except for the rituals associated with the loss of a comrade.

Last Wednesday evening, thousands of troops gathered to remember Lt Daniel John Clack…in a 30-minute ceremony that wove together Christian and military liturgy. For many in attendance, the vigils will be their only regular exposure to religion whether on deployment or in Civvy Street.

The memorial monument bears a shining cross made from expended shell casings.

British Sergeant Ryan Coleman described the attitude this way: 

Even if people don’t actively practice it they may think about it, especially at times like vigils. For some people it might be their only visible practice of religion. You have everything here – from people who think there’s nothing there, those who don’t practice but it is a part of their life and there are those for whom it plays a bigger part. I would be disappointed if you just dug a hole and dropped me in.

Despite the minimalist theme of religion, the local British Chaplain noted the value of the military chapels to their deployed soldiers:

Padre Alice of Joint Fires Group says: “People who come find their faith challenged – whatever their faith – when you test it. Witnessing inhumanity and indecency is very challenging. What people are asked to do here can lead to big questions. I’m not suggesting everyone will become an evangelical Christian but people start to ask questions and that’s a start. What all of us would prefer is a thought-through faith. This is a place where people do that for the first time.

Her second article is from the American outpost Camp Leatherneck, and she says

It is often said America and England are two nations separated by a common language. The same could be said about their religious practices.

In contrast to the minimalist religion in the British camp, she observes a standing-room only Christian service and the immersion baptism of three Americans and a Briton.

In the final paragraph she quotes a Marine with an interesting summary of religion, the military, and the combat experience:

Major Harbour…is on his fourth tour. Three of them have been in Iraq. This is his first in Afghanistan. He says: “This deployment has solidified my faith. Our faith helps us get through the tougher times. We have a solid foundation to bring the US military. Atheists can bring a contribution to the military. All walks of faith and religion can bring something to the US military, not just Christians. However the Bible is very specific about what God says about other religions.”

Nicely put.