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Well, I haven't had to rule anything out. I look at the world, I see what is there, I deal with what is there, and I don't concern myself with invisible entities that other people believe in. And all I want is that they not insist I deal with their imaginations either. Particularly using tax payer money or government force. Hey, if the military wants to OFFER spiritual guidance, go on ahead. I was in the military for four years active duty and seven years reserve. I know that a lot of people have mental problems, and "spiritual" problems, and if it makes them feel better, go ahead. I only draw the line at mandated "spiritual" guidance. And don't spend too much of my tax dollars on it.

... invisible entities....

Oh, you mean invisible entities like mathematics, scientific laws, human languages, or "the laws of Nature and of Nature's God," as Thomas Jefferson put it in the Declaration of Independence? [Not to mention souls, which you deny "in principle" — a sector of reality to be adamantly denied — because it does not fit your presuppositions!]

I guess I'll have to check with xzins on this; for as a former military chaplain, he'd be the "expert" on this question, not I: I strongly doubt spiritual counseling is a mandated matter. But I am pretty sure it would be made available even to atheists, should they request it.

Well, I haven't had to rule anything out. I look at the world, I see what is there, I deal with what is there, and I don't concern myself with invisible entities that other people believe in. And all I want is that they not insist I deal with their imaginations either. Particularly using tax payer money or government force. Hey, if the military wants to OFFER spiritual guidance, go on ahead. I was in the military for four years active duty and seven years reserve. I know that a lot of people have mental problems, and "spiritual" problems, and if it makes them feel better, go ahead. I only draw the line at mandated "spiritual" guidance. And don't spend too much of my tax dollars on it.

There is no scientific proof of God but there is hard evidence of the God advantage. There are many exceptions but scientifically it is known that religious people don't fold as quickly under pressure, are more brave, heroic, optimistic, hold out hope, and have a winning edge. These are good things for our military to have, and it's worth spending some tax dollars on and supporting even if you personally are not religious. Some spiritual training should be mandatory for combat soldiers. They don't have to buy it, but sitting in a foxhole with bullets flying overhead, they just might find it in themselves to suspend disbelief and fight on and not crack.

If someone truly believes that God exists, for practical purpose God really does and the benefits are provided. This doesn't apply to things like believing in a personal ability to fly, but it truly does work to believe that God is on your side.

Combat, religion, and team sports (really practice combat) are all closely related going back thousands of years. We should not throw out tradition just because some of us were not blessed with the gift of faith. I want our military to have every winning advantage available, especially cultural traditions that are both scientifically proven and have withstood the test of time.