Atheists Seek Chaplain Role in the Military

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — In the military, there are more than 3,000 chaplains who minister to the spiritual and emotional needs of active duty troops, regardless of their faiths. The vast majority are Christians, a few are Jews or Muslims, one is a Buddhist. A Hindu, possibly even a Wiccan may join their ranks soon.

But an atheist?

Strange as it sounds, groups representing atheists and secular humanists are pushing for the appointment of one of their own to the chaplaincy, hoping to give voice to what they say is a large — and largely underground — population of nonbelievers in the military.

Joining the chaplain corps is part of a broader campaign by atheists to win official acceptance in the military. Such recognition would make it easier for them to raise money and meet on military bases. It would help ensure that chaplains, religious or atheist, would distribute their literature, advertise their events and advocate for them with commanders.

Someone needs to remind these atheists that dying soldiers beseech for two things: Mom and God. Both love the dying soldier, both will mourn their death and both would rejoice the eternal salvation if the dying soldier was committed to God before his passing.

Our enemies fanatically believe their death in combat is truly rewarded in Paradise. This is why they are so dangerous.

During my time in the Corps, the chaplains I knew could pinch hit for any other team in the League.

Remember the photo of the LT CMDR Joseph T. O'Callahan on board the USS Franklin, praying with the burned sailor?

Somehow, I can't see some half-assed Commie atheist giving the Last Rights to a Sailor with a shattered liver and then saying Kaddish over a Marine with both legs gone.

As a military chaplain (retired), I can see a few problems with this. First, Congress (via military regulations) has determined that any chaplain must be endorsed to the chaplaincy by an agency representing their denominational ministers. IOW, they have to have sufficient organization to agree on a review board that looks at both denominational qualifications and physical/mental qualifications of those fit to serve on active duty. The atheists would have to come up with such an agency and some review process about qualifications of a group that doesn't yet exist. (Not saying they can't get that together, but it could take some time.)

2. The atheist chaplain would have to provide general religious support to those not of his faith group. IOW, he'd have to help the catholic soldier get catholic help, and the baptist soldier get baptist help, etc., etc. He would NOT be permitted to tell them to take a hike.

3. He is also required by law to conduct worship for his faith group. I don't think there is any doctrinal consensus among atheists on what that would even begin to look like. Additionally, he'd have to arrange for such worship for those not in his faith group when in a job that requires him to be with soldiers.

4. He is to provide counsel to the commander on matters of morale as touched by religion. He is to provide/arrange counseling for families, individuals, etc. He is to conduct weddings, funerals, etc. All of these things would have to be redefined.

5. Finally, he is to be a symbol of hope in darkest hours that speak of death. His symbol would be "kiss your ass goodbye, 'cause once you bite the dust here, it's all over there, too."

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