I’ve been dealing with this issue since I made O-6 (a number of years ago). My biggest issue (having not read the entire article) is the following:
“Members whose religious rights and beliefs are not honored may feel alienated and marginalized...”
A hackneyed phrase applies: Nobody can make you feel bad without your permission. I am an unabashed, sold out, born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. As an indivisible part of living out that promise, two things are required of me: to “go and make of all disciples”, but not on Uncle’s nickel (during duty hours), and to love my neighbor as myself, which means that no matter WHAT somebody else believes, I treat that person with respect and give him or her any appropriate opportunity to shine.
Short answer (I know: TOO LATE!) - I think that although the author may not have drunk the kool-ade completely, he’s based his arguments on the false premise that Christians in the military bully everybody else.
How ‘bout your thoughts?
Colonel, USAFR
We often prayed together as a unit during lunch breaks and after hours (if the chaplain was there).
It was never an issue, and maybe it was just the makeup of the flight (which wasn't racially or socially homogenous), but it was just never an issue.
I personally think the 'Integrity First' thing pretty much covers it. You don't have to put up with prostletyzing by superiors, and shouldn't do it to your troops.
That said, if a young airman came to me with a bad case of conscience, I would counsel them as able, and certainly refer them to the chaplain. Or refer the chaplain to them.
/johnny