For many years, there has been controversy over the funding of military chaplains and the preferences given certain faiths. The problem is that as much 23 percent of our military list no religious association or preference. While many simply have no religious association with a particular faith, some are agnostics, some are atheists, and some are generally humanists. It would seem logical to have some chaplains who can relate to those groups. However, members of Congress are irate and insist that chaplains must believe in a deity to be funded. They warm that humanist or secularist chaplains would be traumatizing dying soldiers about being “worm food” and dying without hope.
The firestorm was triggered by an amendment introduced by Rep. Rob Andrews (D-NJ) to the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act:
The Secretary of Defense shall provide for the appointment, as officers in the Chaplain Corps of the Armed Forces, of persons who are certified or ordained by non-theistic organizations and institutions, such as humanist, ethical culturalist, or atheist.
Presumably, the military could order such appointments on its own authority but members are moving to bar any funding for such appointments.
For many years, the military and Congress has insisted that these chaplains serve a critical function for even those who are not of their faith as counselors for military personnel. It is hard to see why a humanist or atheist chaplain would not be able to serve the same function. Moreover, chaplains are there for spiritual and emotional support. A common misconception of agnostics and humanists is that they are not “spiritual.” These sailors and soldiers and airmen and Marines simply believe in a different source for spiritual strength that may come from being human or nature or other sources. They are moral human beings who have the same conflicts and concerns that other personnel have in combat or serving abroad. Countries like the Netherlands and Belgium supply humanist chaplains for this reason. Moreover, many “faiths” are dramatically different with some rejecting any deity while others embracing multiple deities. If the military is going to fund ministries in the military, it is hard to see how it can ignore the beliefs of such a sizable portion of the military ranks.
Rep. John Fleming, R-La insists that “the idea of an atheist chaplain . . . is an oxymoron — it’s self-contradictory — what you’re really doing is now saying that we’re going to replace true chaplains with non-chaplain chaplains.” However, it is not a nonchaplain chaplain if you view their job as assisting in spiritual and moral concerns for the military personnel. Otherwise, you are telling many in that quarter of non-affiliated personnel that they need to see a priest or a rabbi discuss such questions.
Rep. Doug Collins, R-Ga., who is also an Air Force chaplain, admits that he has had to counsel atheists and that “so many times people in our world today just need someone to listen.” The question is why a humanist chaplain cannot perform that same function. Many personnel are reluctant to see a psychologist and psychiatrist because of the stigma. Moreover, they are not having any more of a psychological problem as religious members are in seeking counseling from priests or rabbis. They merely want to speak with some about their moral issues who is not trained to ultimately refer to the commandments or direction of a deity.
We have discussed the international attacks on atheists and agnostics in recent years (here and here and here). That intolerance was evident in the comments of some members seeking to bar humanists from the chaplaincy. Consider the comments of GOP Rep. Mike Conaway. Conaway express disbelief that the prospect and added:
“They don’t believe in anything. I can’t imagine an atheist accompanying a notification team as they go into some family’s home to let them have the worst news of their life and this guy says, ‘You know, that’s it — your son’s just worms, I mean, worm food.'”
Obviously, agnostics, atheists, secularists and humanists believe in something, just not what Conaway believes in. As for a notification team, the only reason a humanist chaplain would be on the team would be if the dead soldier was a humanist. As a general rule, the military would not send an Islamic cleric to a Jewish home or a Catholic priest to a Muslim home for the same reason. If there were no other available chaplains, all of these chaplains are trained to offer care and support without proselytizing in such circumstances.
Yet, the scene of a heartless humanist taunting dying soldiers was repeatedly raised by members:
Rep. John Fleming (R-La.). “The last thing in the world we would want to see was a young soldier who may be dying and they’re at a field hospital and the chaplain is standing over that person saying to them, ‘If you die here, there is no hope for you in the future.’”
Of course, a minister or priest could tell someone from another faith that they are going to Hell for not embracing the true God. I doubt that would ever happen because such a person would be a monster. Yet, these members believe that a humanist or atheist is capable of such abuse. Conversely, if the dying soldier is an atheist, Fleming would guarantee that his last moments is spent with someone who rejects his very philosophy or beliefs. It does not appear to be viewed as equally traumatic to have someone using those final moments to assure an atheist that he will be soon in paradise in heaven with an almighty being.
Moreover, many soldiers and sailors do not have to be told that they will go to a heavenly paradise if they die for their country. They believe that they are doing the moral thing for their country. Conaway obviously does not like such views but he seems unwilling to allow brave men and women access to a ministry that speaks to their beliefs. They need to go to someone who believes that they will ascent to heaven or assume an angelic state after death.
Notably, Pat Tillman, the NFL player who famously quit his lucrative position to serve in the Army after 9/11 was an atheist. Members of Congress fell over each other to proclaim his heroism and sacrifice. However, they would deny him access to a spiritual counselor in dealing with the extreme moral questions that present themselves in combat. His family did not view him as “worm food” simply because he does not believe in angels or almighty beings. He was a hero who led a moral life based on his own beliefs.
In the end, the question is whether we are willing to support our troops regardless of their beliefs and to give them the support that they deserve in the field. Soldiers like Tillman are dying as Americans, not as Christians, Jews or Muslims. They are moral beings who are prepared to give the final sacrifice for what this country represents. That patriotism is not grounded in the narrow mean-spirited views of these members but a pluralistic society of tolerance and free exercise and free speech. For these brave men and women, the message could be seen as either adopt a faith or die in silence. When a Tillman is dying in a hospital, I would like to think that we can honor his service by supplying a chaplain who shares his general beliefs. My guess is that those final moments will not be discussing “worm food” but a life lived well and a sacrifice that honors and inspires us all.
“The notion of a Christian commonwealth should be exploded forever. … Government should protect every man in thinking and speaking freely, and see that one does not abuse another. The liberty I contend for is more than toleration. The very idea of toleration is despicable; it supposes that some have a pre-eminence above the rest to grant indulgence, whereas all should be equally free, Jews, Turks, Pagans and Christians.” John Leland, “A Chronicle of His Time in Virginia,” The Writings of the Later Elder John Leland, published in 1845.
http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/people/john-leland.html
“You can be spiritual without being religious.”
It may even be easier.
William Berry:
You can be spiritual without being religious.
Well, we’re a Christian nation after all! Aren’t we? In Oklahoma they think so … or at least their representative does. I bet most folks don’t care if you asked them.
Like Bugs Bunny says, “What a bunch of Moroons.”
I don’t get this post at all.
I am an atheist, or at least a strong agnostic, and I don’t see the need for “atheist chaplains”. As someone stated up-thread, the very term is an oxymoron.
There are people for non-theists to turn to when they need counseling for personal problems, or when they need help finding answers to moral or “spiritual” questions. They are called “counselors”, and they are generally readily available in both civilian and military life.
Having religious chaplains in the military is just one of those little concessions we have to make to a majority society that still believes in sky fairies and disbelieves evolution and human-caused global warming.
We have to “go along to get along” until the human race grows up.
If, indeed, it ever does.
“The House approved a Republican proposal Tuesday night that would forbid the Pentagon from deploying non-religious chaplains.
The amendment, attached to the fiscal 2014 defense spending bill, passed 253 to 173, The Hill reports.
Louisiana Republican John Fleming sponsored the legislation to keep out what he and otehr lawmakers called atheist chaplains.
“By definition, chaplains minister to the spiritual needs of our men and women in the armed services, a vital function that an individual without any inclination towards spirituality would not be able to perform,” he said during debate on the proposal, according to The Hill.
Republicans who supported the amendment said people who don’t believe in God don’t want spiritual counseling. Some Republicans accused Democrats of wanting to install non-religious chaplains as part of an attempt to remove God from public life.
“My constituents back in Oklahoma are shaking their heads,” said GOP Rep. Jim Bridenstine, according to The Hill.
“The secular left is so invested in ripping God from everything, that I must stand here with my friend Dr. Fleming to prohibit Obama’s Department of Defense from establishing an oxymoron — atheist chaplains,” Bridenstine added. “Why does the secular left insist on ruining the integrity of the chaplaincy to serve their agenda of institutionalized godlessness?”
Democrats said atheist or “humanistic” chaplains are necessary for non-religious military personnel who want counseling.
“Over 20 percent of the members of our military identify as non-believers, and while of course their needs should be catered to by members of the chaplaincy from diverse faiths, it is only fair to have their humanism or outlook represented,” said Colorado Democrat Jared Polis”. newsmax
Absolutely, Elaine.
The military allows agnostics, atheists, Wiccans, and humanists to serve in their ranks. The men and women who are not affiliated with the “preferred” religions should be afforded the same services and privileges as those who are. I would say this is about equal rights for all those who serve our country in the military.
Oh yeah, I think it was Richard Dawkins who said something along the lines that unless you believe every religion is true, then you are an atheist to some extent.
ifn atheist or agnostic wants to talk about things, they need to go to the door marked “counseling services” rather that the door marked “Chaplain”. duh
BTW, I’d rather be worm food than embalmed. Actually, I want my ashes scattered upwind of my hometown during a strong wind storm — last chance to get into the faces of some folks one more time
Bob K.,
Oh yeah. It was beautifully put together visually and I thought the writing was superb. It was one of the best documentaries I’ve seen in a long time on any subject.
Gene,
Well put. I watched it last night, also.
It matters not to me whether Siddartha, or Buddha, actually said, or did, all those things.
The philosophy attributed to him is filled with wisdom.
The photography was damned nice, too.
http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_dennett_s_response_to_rick_warren.html
I don’t see what the fuss is all about. If someone wants to be a Wiccan chaplain and it helps some of our military personnel it is fine wtih me.
At Arlington National Cemetery, the markers have an assortment of religious or non-religious symbols.
http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/docs/emblems.pdf
Heathen worship [Asatru] is being recognized by the military….
http://www.norsemyth.org/2013/01/heathens-in-military-interview-with_27.html
Mike,
I watched an excellent documentary on PBS last night called “The Buddha”. It was about the historical Buddha, his life and teachings. One of the highlights (and the conclusion) was Buddha’s death and how he used it as a teaching moment for his disciples. They wailed about how would they get along without their teacher. Buddha told them that death was simply part of life, the unknown, and that the unknown was nothing to fear. He told them that they were not without their teacher, for the Buddha existed in all of them and that they should seek the Buddha nature within themselves. He invited them to participate in his death not with sorrow, but with a smile, for the Buddha nature is in all living things. Enlightenment is a temple you build within your own heart. He said this world is full of suffering because we make it so and that we could live in a world full of Buddhas if everyone could learn to shed the misplaced desires that drive suffering. This includes the desire for immortality. Everything that has a beginning has an end. Everything is transitory. That is the nature of things. Much of the hand-wringing I see in the Christian community, particularly the Fundamentalists, is rooted in the desire to be immortal and the consequent fear of death. They could be so much happier if they gave up this desire and accepted the reality of things.
This is in part why I’m not a religious person, but a large part of my syncretic philosophy is based in Buddhism.
It does not require faith to show you a path to both personal happiness and a better world. Reasoning is sufficient. There is no need for anything other than objective proofs.
Gene,
I missed that PBS show, though I knew it was on. I’m going to try to get it on my “on demand”. Up here in the country I don’t have a DVR, because the cable package is much more expensive than down South. As you may know Fritz Perls was heavily influenced by Buddhist and Zen teachings and utilized much of it in Gestalt Philosophy. I’ve always been very attracted to it myself, via Gestalt and other influences. I think it comes closest of all philosophical disciplines to what people need. You might say I’m a Zen, Deist Jew, though I know some call me other things. 🙂
The body will die being worm food. That is the truth. The soul will get an equal reward of what they gave. The military does not give a good. Why then get a good reward? Military therefore must end. That is wise. Wisdom is not found in weapons of war.
The fact that the 1st Amendment was intended to create a secular form of government and create a separation of church and state is based in solid history and that intent is manifest in the writings of both Madison and Jefferson. Belief in a God is an individual choice, not a mandate from government. The government cannot infringe on your beliefs although they can limit your practice. Religion has no place in government for the purposes of setting policy.
And nearly six-in-10 voters say they would vote to defeat and replace every single member of Congress if they had such an option on their ballot another all-time high.
They can elect to replace them all. It is called ‘Revolution’