Other Nations Learn Value of Military Chaplaincy
As noted previously, US military Chaplains have been working with the militaries of African nations on a variety of issues, including highlighting religious freedom and establishing Chaplaincies within their own militaries. In Uganda once again:
US Navy Chaplain (Capt) Jon Cutler, a rabbi with CJTF-Horn of Africa, recently spent time with the Ugandan military on the topic of the Chaplaincy.
“Taking care of the spiritual, social and psychological aspects of a troop before, during and after they return from combat situations is part of a military chaplain’s job, in addition to holding services on post,” [he said]. “I have met with muftis, imams, patriarchs and pastors who have all expressed great concern about the well-being of the soldiers in the UPDF.”
The UPDF has been without a military chaplaincy program since 1986.
While some have suggested the US military abandon its Chaplaincy over Constitutional issues, other nations are seeing the value of the Chaplaincy in supporting the troops and the mission.
Who has suggested the US military abandon its Chaplaincy over Constitutional issues?
@Chris Rodda
Try Katcoff v Marsh. Further research requests by the MRFF will be fulfilled at the previously listed rate. Or, as the paid MRFF researcher, you might consider using Google.
Oh, I’m well aware of Katcoff v Marsh. I just wanted to make sure that you made it clear that you’re talking about a 30 year old case, and that by your use of vague the vague word “some” you aren’t trying to imply that any of the current organizations that you incessantly like to imply things about are trying to abolish the chaplaincy. So, you’ve responded with exactly the answer that I wanted people to see, but of course omitted that you’re talking about a case from three decades ago.
I see a real need for Chaplains in the military. They provide the succor and comfort that is necessary for those personnel who are religious and see every facet of their lives through the prism of religion.
On the other hand some provision should also be made for Agnostic and Atheist personnel. I can’t imagine an Atheist Chaplain, but some person trained in psychology could be a start. Existing chaplains,especially Evangelical Proytestant ones have a tendency, due to their belief system, to proselytize rather than comfort the Atheist or Agnostic.
Also, I think that any military training to instill religious tolerance should also contain similar material for the acceptance and tolerance of Atheists and Agnostics.
@Chris Rodda
A bit vaguely self-conscious, eh?
There was no omission; you need to re-read the question asked, as you’ve inappropriately extrapolated the answer. Katcoff is indeed 25 years old, and it is relevant, but it is hardly the only (or most recent) example. Put on your researching hat…
@Richard
Two identical atheists are standing next to each other, both with the same human needs and wants, with their basic requirements met by the military. One converts to a religion and asks for a Chaplain. Now, why does his “spiritual need” suddenly require that his friend gain something else?
Your premise appears to be “religious have Chaplains, so non-religious should get someone too,” but your logic is flawed. Everyone already has access to equal non-religious support. If one desires access to religious support, that is offered, too, to protect the religious liberty of everyone.
@JD
Au contraire mon ami…
JD of course I am saying that if religious folks get a chaplain that the non religious folks shoud have an ombudsman as well or an advocate or representative.
You are so transparent. Are you not aware that your positions on issues such as this connote a very real religious supremacy? The one Atheist converts and gets a chaplain the other sucks wind. Where’s the equality in that?
I know of no valid non-religious support mechanism in the military apart from a few small atheist groups, not looked upon favorably by commanders . Now if you are talking chain of command or Judge Advocate, don’t make me laugh. Atheists and Agnostics are S.O.L.
Now I can just see the fireworks if an Atheist poster was put up next to the “God Bless America” one that says: “God Can’t Bless America because He Doesn’t Exist.”
@Richard
If the atheist wants equal religious support, does he not have equal access to the Chaplain? The US Constitution recognizes the right to free exercise of religion. The atheist, just like the religious, is free to exercise religious beliefs or not.
You’ve successfully given credence to the belief that atheism is not an ideology in and of itself; instead, it exists only to criticize and rebut religion.
“If the atheist wants equal religious support, does he not have equal access to the Chaplain? The US Constitution recognizes the right to free exercise of religion. The atheist, just like the religious, is free to exercise religious beliefs or not.”
HELLO JD!….. Atheists have no chaplain or chapel or place of non-worship. Therefore he is not free to exercise his non-belief. In addition he is subject to command centered criticism and coercion not to practice Atheism not to mention scathing criticism for his non-belief. He is held in abject scorn by his Christian superiors.
Is it fair for Atheism to rebut Christianity given Christianity’s over the top criticism of Atheism? Yes.
Do you expect thinking people to fold just because someone who outranks them is a mindless Donminion Christian sycophant?
You are so critically devoid of sensitivity
You appear to have said that with a straight face. Impressive.
No one said anything about fairness. You supported the idea that such “rebuttals” and criticisms of religion are atheists’ sole raison d’être.
@JD
JD, rebuttals and critricisms of Dominion Christianity are not Atheists’sole raison d’etre. They are, in fact, merely mechanisms of self-defense.
To remain silent in the face of religious hegemony would be an invitation for even more outrageous offenses.
It must be remembered that Atheists are not alone in this fight for religious and non-religious equity in the armed forces. Jews, Muslims, Agnostics, Hindu’s and others have experienced the dark side of Dominionism. Only recenlty and after long battles have Sihks been allowed to wear beards, long hair and turbans in the military.
Dominionism has turned a large part of Christianity into an almost cult-like militant sect. One can almost hear “Onward Christian Soldiers” playing in the background.
Religious zeal has for centuries been in the forefront of violence. From the crusades onward Christian zealots, with the exception of a few bumps in the road, have not only dominated their own religion but have created some pretty ugly things along the way.
That’s why it is so important now to expose Christian Dominionism especially in the armed forces where impressionable young men and women, their minds in the learning and obedience mode already, can be molded into a proficient but obedient fighting force with proximity to weapons of immense destructive power, opportunity to deploy them and the skill to operate them. They just await the order.
Like the Jihadists and Taliban of extreme Islam, Dominion Christians have succumbed to the siren call of world domination. They see as their sacred duty the conversion of world populations to Christianity with those resisting such efforts to be “cast into the lake of fire.”
This is scary stuff, JD. And those who pooh pooh it simply lend strength and credibility to this most dangerous movement.