No ‘atheist’ chaplains, lawmakers tell Navy

It's an interesting development.

I'm a Christian, and (though I realize some will disagree) advocate that Christianity, though certainly not a universal set of values within our society, is a positive influence within our society. It has, and should continue to have a place within the Military.

However, I also accept (quite comfortably actually) that not everyone in this country shares my faith. I'd like to think that a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or Buddhist Chaplain would not refuse to offer counseling, support or aide to a service member merely because they don't subscribe...Frankly, I never met one who wouldn't if asked.

I wasn't a Chaplain, but once had a kid ask me to talk to him after the loss of his grandfather. He explained up front that he didn't believe in God, but needed a sounding board...I told him I was honored to help any way I could. It was interesting because he asked me if I thought his grandfather's death meant he was "completely gone". I responded that all of the memories, experiences and lessons he shared with his grandfather would continue to live through not only him...but his children should he have them, and pass that wisdom on.

The kid then did something I'll never, ever forget. He asked me, after once more, re-stating that he didn't believe in God...if I'd "pray" with him. He indicated he felt it would give him a sense of saying "goodbye". We did.

I didn't feel compelled to press anything upon him, try to "convert" him in that time of pain, or anything more than offer a sympathetic voice...which felt far close to the meaning of the Gospel than many sermons I've heard.

I agree as well with the viewpoint that there should not be any ‘atheist’ chaplains SSG(P) (Join to see).
Atheism has no tenets or sacred texts since they deny faith in anything beyond human understanding and limit their views to material solutions such as Darwinism.
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Orlando Illi Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. Maj William W. "Bill" Price CPT Jack Durish Capt Tom Brown MSG Andrew White SFC William Farrell SGT (Join to see) Sgt Albert Castro SSG David Andrews Sgt Randy Wilber Sgt John H. CPL Dave Hoover SGT Mark Halmrast SPC Margaret Higgins SrA Christopher Wright

SSG(P) (Join to see): I would Not like to have an atheist for my Priest or my Chaplain. I am an Episcopalian. This is one of GOD'S wonders. (In the photograph above.)