Protecting the Right to Religion in the Military

[SlightlyCatholic]

Just so people can argue and bicker over a heated topic:

I think, as someone who is VERY Catholic, that it is a NECESSITY that every person, no matter where they are, should be able to practice their faith. To me, that naturally means chaplains in our military. However, there have been arguments put forth by people who feel that the federal government shouldn't be paying and giving pensions to religious chaplains because it's a violation of the First Amendment in that the government is forbidden from "making laws respecting an establishment of religion."

So what's everybody's take on this? Should we allow a religious presence in our military or just have servicemen and women fend for themselves?

[03_SHOOTER]

Just so people can argue and bicker over a heated topic:

I think, as someone who is VERY Catholic, that it is a NECESSITY that every person, no matter where they are, should be able to practice their faith. To me, that naturally means chaplains in our military. However, there have been arguments put forth by people who feel that the federal government shouldn't be paying and giving pensions to religious chaplains because it's a violation of the First Amendment in that the government is forbidden from "making laws respecting an establishment of religion."

So what's everybody's take on this? Should we allow a religious presence in our military or just have servicemen and women fend for themselves?

Anyone who would even posit such a position is 1) obviously completely ignorant of the Constitution, and 2) entirely too mentally challenged to be allowed to operate anything more complicated than those really big pre-school crayons, preferrably in a padded room.

The Constitution guarantees our pre-existing Right to practice the religion of our choice, irrespective of the opinions of anyone else, and without any interference from anyone.

[HairyEyeball]

If that's what your being taught, then your educators need educating. Chaplains were a part of our military since Washington's time - before we were a nation - and the Chaplain Corps is still considered as 'necessary' as Quartermasters and cooks. While your concern regarding 'how many' may be valid, until such time as the liberals replace them with 'political commisars', they will always be an integregal part of the military.

[SlightlyCatholic]

If that's what your being taught, then your educators need educating.

Hairy, are you responding to my post? Because I'm pretty sure we're taking the same position...

[ang1sgt]

Tim,

You need to find a way to "SHADOW" a real Chaplain and see if that is what you really want to do. You are going to see the HIGH's and LOW's of human life to be sure. There are so many things that you will need to prepare for, and that would be best discussed with a Chaplain.

As a First Sergeant, the Chaplain's were part of my Support Team. They are very much needed and desired in the Military. Some will come and search you out, and others will just want to know that you are there.

As a Christian, (Southern Baptist) I welcomed any Chaplain that was assigned to our Units no matter what their faith was. In the Air Guard Unit I was in we almost didn't go anywhere without Our Padre. It just wasn't a deployment without Father Mathis.

[SlightlyCatholic]

TOP,

Thanks for the advice. It's most appreciated. I can see what you're saying about some people using you and some just wanting to know you're there...sort of like a fire extinguisher. Essential to have, invaluable when used.

I've been told by a former Air Force chaplain that the Air Force is the most like a parish for a chaplain of any of the military branches. However, I'm sure with the current conflicts that isn't true, at least as far as operational tempo is concerned.

I'm particularly attracted to the military chaplaincy because of the wide variety of people I'll (God willing) be able to minister to...many times people who have a different faith.

[sfcgragg]

The very first legislative body in America had a Chaplin on the payroll! He was hired to open every meeting of Congress with prayer. And yes, He was a Christian....If you need, I'll dig up the references to prove it...

[SlightlyCatholic]

sfcgragg,

Go right ahead and put the references up. The more the merrier.

[HairyEyeball]

Hairy, are you responding to my post?

Affirmative. The way you phrased it, there was some 'reasonable doubt' as to whether you were 'buying into' the negatives (I think that was why 03 appeared so frustrated - he probably thought you knew better).

Just keep doing what you believe is right, and - no offense intended, some people just have different beliefs - you will receive your rewards, if not in this world, then if there is one, in the next.

--------- Duke

[SlightlyCatholic]

Ok, I see what you're saying. I, of course, am a huge proponent of religion in the military. I was providing both sides of the argument in an attempt to start debate. Thanks for the clarification.

[sfcgragg]

sfcgragg,

Go right ahead and put the references up. The more the merrier.


Sure..... I'm at work right now, I'll take care of it when I get home this evening

[sfcgragg]

sfcgragg,

Go right ahead and put the references up. The more the merrier.

Here's a few:

The First Congress Hired Chaplains

Happy and true. The first Congress, in the Year of our Lord 1789, which considered, discussed, and voted on the First Amendment of the United States Constitution hired chaplains within the same week. This is a fact that even the separation of church and state extremists don't deny, but rather write it off as either a flagrant violation of the law or an insignificant piece of information.[1]
http://www.mindspring.com/~careyb/rf_chap.html

Military Chaplains Pay
This resolution directed that military chaplains, appointed in abundance by Congress during the Revolutionary War, were paid at the rate of a major in the Continental Army.

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/religion/rel04.html

The Right Reverend Samuel Provoost became rector of Trinity Church, New York, and in 1785 chaplain of the Continental Congress.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Provoost

First Prayer of the Continental Congress, 1774

O Lord our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of kings, and Lord of lords, who dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the Kingdoms, Empires and Governments; look down in mercy, we beseech Thee, on these our American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent only on Thee. To Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support, which Thou alone canst give. Take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in Council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious designs of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their Cause and if they persist in their sanguinary purposes, of own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, constrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved hands in the day of battle!

Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation. That the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that order, harmony and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst the people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior.

Amen.

Reverend Jacob Duché
Rector of Christ Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
September 7, 1774, 9 o’clock a.m.

http://chaplain.house.gov/archive/continental.html

[SlightlyCatholic]

Thanks for all that info, sfcgragg...VERY informative stuff!

[sfcgragg]

Thanks for all that info, sfcgragg...VERY informative stuff!


A really good book you may be interested in is "America's God and Country" by Federer.... An interesting read of our true beginnings....