Posted on Dec 5, 2015
How do you feel about religious (yes, Christian) expression in the military?
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Take the time to read this short article and let the rest of our RallyPoint community know your thoughts on religious expression in our armed forces. The author opines that US Air Force Academy players praying in the end zone before a football game is taboo - and reflects a much larger problem of religious expression in the military. While cadets don't necessarily reflect the military establishment as a whole, this does stimulate an excellent conversation. Do you agree? If you're the supervisor of a unit, how would you respond? Ultimately, is this an authorized activity under UCMJ?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lawrence-b-wilkerson/religion-in-iraq-syria-af_b_8711724.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lawrence-b-wilkerson/religion-in-iraq-syria-af_b_8711724.html
Religion
UCMJ
Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 47
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If this is a voluntary activity, I don't see the problem. The U.S. was founded by people who did not want to be forced into a particular state-sponsored religion, e.g., the Church of England. They did not come to America to prohibit ANY public expression of religious belief, they came here so they would not have to adopt a religious faith imposed on them by a dictatorial government. The notion that there should be a prohibition of religious expression in public is nonsense. If you are offended by prayer, then don't watch..you don't have the right to ban others from expressing their beliefs.
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MCPO Roger Collins
LTC Paul Labrador - Precisely! Too bad that the legal eagles don't use that to counter those that like to revise what the Constitution actually says on many issues.
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I am a Christian, and I don't plan to walk on egg shells about that. I read my bible at work, at lunch, in the morning or anytime I have down time. I can handle others doing the same. Why are folks becoming so upset when they see Christians expressing their faith? Is it intolerance? Is it bigotry? Is it political correctness gone too far? I refuse to get one the same level as others who complain but what won't do is answer to someone's PC needs if it discriminate against me as a Christian.
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CDR William Kempner
SSG, I have seen lots of people of different faiths doing that! I DON'T have a problem with Muslims doing that-except if it is disruptive-Have seen that. Most Christians and Jews do their praying quietly or in small groups during lunch/breaks. They aren't hurting anybody.
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SSG (ret) William Martin
Capt Gregory Prickett - Why would I have a problem with a Muslim SM doing the same? Granted I have never had a Muslim SM interrupt this training so he can do a regular prayer but it could happen but he or she would be still responsible to know and learn what they needed.
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We don't give up our free exercise of religion rights when we enter the military, in fact it is an essential part of fulfilling our duty. The USAF has completely surrendered to the anti-Christians bigots like Mikey Weinstein. When he says jump the USAF Chief of Staff says "How high?" The problem is not religion in the military, it is the anti-Christian bigotry of Mikey Wienstein, ACLU, Freedom from Religion and other such KKK-like groups.
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Capt Michael Halpin
MSgt Lowell Skelton - it's Engel v Vitale a 1962 Supreme Court case barring state sponsored prayer in school.. It was written by Justce Black, a KKK member, anti-Catholic bigot. Follow on cases even determined that allowing a minute of silent meditation was unconstitutional.
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MSgt Lowell Skelton
Capt Michael Halpin - False interpretation. State sponsored is the key phrase. Moments of silence NOT designated specifically for prayer or meditation have been upheld by the courts. When specific intent is to promote prayer it is unconstitutional. And personal, private prayer which doesn't disrupt instruction has never been banned. Personally, I find the nation far less moral due to the rampant atmosphere of today's toxic evangelical Christianity, which preaches more hate than love.
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Capt Michael Halpin
Actually the Supreme Court does not have the authority to change the Constitution, that can only be done thru the amendment process. The Supreme Court claimed that authority for themselves. There is nothing in the constitution giving them that authority. There is nothing in it that restricts free speech, even on government property. The first act of the first congress was a prayer session. If anything the military is obligated to accommodate the free exercise if its members religious belief as much as possible. The country is in the mess it is because the federal govt gave itself authority to do anything it wants so long as all three branches agree, so far without restriction.
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MAJ Hugh Blanchard
When the Army went to the Gulf they distributed camo-cover Bibles. It was delicate since Saudi Arabia would not be happy about anything other than the Quran. But those Bibles were distributed to the force.
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