Chaplain-General the Reverend Jonathan Woodhouse is the head chaplain of the British Army. Recently interviewed for a news article, he had an interesting response to a question about the movie-stereotype that chaplains tell troops “God is on your side.”
In war films, chaplains traditionally reassure soldiers that God is on their side, but logically he can’t be on everyone’s side? What’s your take?
I don’t think that God is on anyone’s side. Read more
Apparently, he thought the repeal of DADT meant he didn’t have to live a lie, and wouldn’t be punished just for loving someone…er, something…whatever.
Though he has not yet been put on trial, much less convicted, the Marines said
The actions of Staff Sgt. [Marc David] Harpel are contrary to the high standards of personal conduct and performance expected of Marines and will not be tolerated.
The UCMJ prohibition on bestiality was almost repealed last year.
ADVERTISEMENT
There is a mantra many young officers and enlisted troops learn in their first few days of basic training: “The Air Force Times is not your friend.” It is not entirely meant as an adversarial statement; it is simply a recognition of the fact the commercial enterprise (despite its name) has nothing to do with the official Air Force, and its goal is to make money by selling papers.
That said, it is widely quoted when it raises controversial subjects (again, publicity affects the bottom line). It has frequently covered issues of religion in the military — naturally, a controversial subject to a niche group of people. When it has done so, it has rarely been friendly. In a 2008 editorial, for example, the paper registered its support for the ACLU in its bid to end US Naval Academy mealtime prayers. (Four years on, the prayers continue.)
Still, it was surprising to recently see Michael Weinstein’s MRFF, including his research assistant Chris Rodda, so excitedly — and repeatedly — promote the Air Force Times. In one example, referring to an Air Force Times “article,” the MRFF cited Read more
Update: A local news report seems to verify conclusions former Cadet Page was coached by Michael Weinstein on how to leave West Point with a splash.
Update: World notes “other issues” influenced Cadet Blake Page’s decision, which “may have had little to do with the academy’s religious climate.” The faculty advisor for Page’s group is cited as saying ‘he doesn’t believe systematic discrimination against nonreligious cadets exists.’
The FRC notes Page’s clinical diagnosis requires “help,” not being used for “publicity and exploitation” by “professional anti-religionist” Michael Weinstein.
According to an update at NBC, Senior West Point Cadet Blake Page — who publicly resigned while accusing US Military Academy officers of being “criminals” — will be discharged without having to serve as a Soldier or reimburse the government for his education.
Page’s decision to resign and — presumably — decline to be an Army officer has been almost universally panned in the comments on the media articles on his resignation, even from those claiming to be fellow atheists and cadets. Some have said he should have stayed and “changed the Army from within;” others, that his charges did not seem to be supported or supportable. Insinuations have been made that he may have been struggling to graduate anyway, and that his announcement (as well as his announced book plans) were little more than a publicity stunt to take advantage of an inevitable outcome.
A new ABC article may bear that out, where the AP reports Page admits Read more
The Reverend Sarah Lammert, the next President of an overarching group of US military chaplain endorsers, the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces, has endorsed a surprisingly hostile article on the role of military chaplains.
OutServe — the homosexual advocacy magazine focused on the US military — recently published an article questioning whether military chaplains were “force multipliers” or “force distracters.” The author, a reserve US Army Lieutenant Colonel and homosexual, centered much of her discussion on a quote from a “code of ethics” for military chaplains. In particular, she returned to:
When conducting services of worship that include persons of other than my religious body I will draw upon those beliefs, principles, and practices that we have in common.
Through several paragraphs LtCol Vicki Hudson ultimately seemed to distill her displeasure down to chaplains praying, and she said: Read more
Senior West Point Cadet Blake Page announced his resignation from the US Military Academy on the internet, calling his superior military officers “criminals.”
As reported on NBC:
“Countless officers here and throughout the military are guilty of blatantly violating the oaths they swore to defend the Constitution,” wrote Page…”These men and women are criminals, Read more
In a continuation of the annual tradition, US military bases are beginning to erect “holiday displays” around the world. Often, though not always, they consist of a Christmas tree (recognizing Christmas, for those who might not get the connection) and possibly a Menorah (for Hanukkah). In some cases, the tree is a “holiday tree,” though the Menorah has yet to be dubbed a “holiday candelabra.”
Iwakuni performed its “holiday tree lighting” just prior to Thanksgiving, though the article acknowledges it is, in fact, a Christmas tree. Many military bases are performing the ceremonies this weekend, including the Dyess AFB Christmas tree and Menorah, and what a local paper called the Fort Bragg “holiday tree and Menorah” lighting, though Fort Bragg announced its annual Christmas tree lighting.
A military appeals court has removed Col Gregory Gross from the murder trial of US Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan. It also vacated the contempt of court fines previously levied.
But what about the religious claim to his beard?
“Should the next military judge find it necessary Read more