Army chaplain under investigation for calling transgender soldiers ‘mentally unfit’ to serve

I read the same thing you did and you came to that conclusion? Scumbag? Do you call everyone you disagree with a scumbag? How about breaking his argument down and pointing out the issues you have and why. I am a retired combat leader and my faith is what got me through many hellish missions. I hide behind the veneer of my Christianity to condemn immoral behavior. Do you take issue with Christians that not only talk the talk, but walk the walk?

I’m sure Chip wil defend his use of “scumbag”SFC Lance Heckerman but I’m sure other more colorful terms could be used.
Perhaps you miss the greatest sin here my brother in arms and faith. A chaplain, let me say that again. A chaplain, whose main job is to be a resource for the discriminated, the disenchanted, the persecuted, etc has thrown his one major job function out the window by voicing such an opinion to a constituent who Im sure would normally seek a chaplains console!!???
Scumbag? Meh. F’ng pos is more like it imho

Here’s something close to home for me.... what would you feel about the physician, obstetrician let’s say, who spoke disparagingly about certain types of his/her patients?

There is literally a code of ethics in professions that prohibits such. If you have such beliefs then perhaps being a news pundit is a better higher calling...pun intended.

COL (Join to see) - I visit prisons and perform prison ministry. I have learned to love the sinner, but hate the sin. My issue with the transgender movement is when it impacts me personally, such as compelled speech. I will not be compelled. Yes, in the military they can compel your speech and since it is a voluntary enlistment, you can opt out.

When you mention speaking disparagingly, are you referring to a doctor making personally insulting comments? I am referring to the chaplain stating what he feels is the truth and was not a personal attack. I have had the same debate with friends over abortion when they get offended that I would even have an opinion because I am a male, but that is another subject. There are a significant number of Americans, doctors, scientists, biologists that fall on both sides of this argument, so I intentionally do not get personal with them as this is not a fringe belief regarding gender dysphoria and fitness for service.

SFC Lance Heckerman - thank you for your thoughtful response. Let's not get lost with specifics of an example I cited to illustrate a general concept of professional ethics and responsibility. The bottom line is certain jobs (aka professions) have a fiduciary and ethical responsibility, these same jobs also require whats called nonjudgemental regard, which is basically putting aside our own personal beliefs, prejudices, and biases in dealing with people in our care/service.
The particular problem I cited with a military chaplain espousing such beliefs is a) CHs are professionals held to the above stated codes b)if he was a christian, is he not to follow Jesus' dictums one of which was to not judge nor look down on others? c) how can a mil CH who is one of the few members of the mil available to counsel, report abuses, etc etc, espouse such hateful beliefs on those particularly vulnerable?
The decision to allow transgender folk is from above. Just like others (blacks, browns, yellows, gays, etc etc) this was felt to make a societal reflective military population. Like em or not, they are our neighbors, our uncles, our sisters, they are here. As a CH you must be understanding and compassionate, and if not then perhaps should enter construction or engineering.
Again, if a medical doctor was to have such believes they would be censured and/or disciplined iii some way (and rightfully so).
It's sad that we even have to debate compassion and nonjudgemental regard as members of the clergy. Anyway, God bless you brother.

Times change, methods too. Attitudes and beliefs take longer. All forms of being "mentally unfit" used to be clustered together. Once they found that ergot caused dementia and not witches or possession, it became easier. The remedy was a frontal lobotomy with a drill bit, hammer, and punch. Problem solved, no emotions, and limited thought processes. Some in recent years prefer to "pray away the gay" with strict confinement and "reprogramming" through punishment.

Maybe I missed it, but where in the article did he use religion? If that is why you are using slurs, then I think it only fair that you provide a receipt for what you are selling there.

SFC Lance Heckerman he's a chaplain. And a Soldier. He wears a cross on his uniform, and a US Army Tape on his chest.
Every word that comes out if his mouth in uniform is as an ambassador of his faith, and of the service.

SFC Michael Hasbun - Did he quote scripture? No he did not. I do not agree with your comment. If we are to assume you are correct, then your social media comment here could be construed as disrespect of a superior commissioned officer. You can have an opinion, but you have an obligation as an active duty NCO to set the example in you word and deed by not using obscenities in describing a senior commissioned officer. You know this. Although I am retired, I still maintain a professional decorum and manner even though not required to do so. I am amazed that comments such as yours are now apparently tolerated by policy or perhaps they are not.