Should the Navy recognize Humanism as a Religious Preference and eventually allow Humanist organizations to endorse Chaplain candidates?

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 22:51:32 -0500

As an RP... and as a Humanist... I am conflicted with the fact that my religious preference isn't recognized within the Navy's Chaplain Corps and that there is no direct support for people like me.

I feel that it would not only expand the reach of the Corps itself but it could also improve morale among non-theistic Sailors and Marines.

Do you have any experience or thoughts on this?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 8:37 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 08:37:59 -0500

Please elaborate on why you believe there is a need for a Humanist Chaplain. At the end of the day we have to serve the most Service Members with a very small resource. If maybe .01% of the force identified as a Humanist, how could we support multiple chaplains that are for an infinitesimally small population?

Response by SPC Joshua Heath made Feb 26 at 2016 9:13 AM

SPC Joshua Heath — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 09:13:06 -0500

As my group is also fighting to get the DoD to approve our religious preference, I respect and support your desire for recognition. I question the validity of needing a Chaplain if one is a humanist, though. Wouldn't speaking to a secular counselor be more appropriate if those services are needed? The Chaplains' role is to provide spiritual support and even if one is not a follower of the Monotheistic Judeo-Christian faiths, if one is faithful they may require that spiritual support and a Chaplain of their faith would be logical. If one does not consider spirituality to be rational, but does respect the inherent human spirit and intellect it seems to follow that speaking with an individual that is trained in the scientific methods of mental health counseling would be more in line with Humanist thinking.