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I keep seeing more and more bogus headlines in the media regarding religious discrimination. I guess its more things to separate us than to bring us together. I am also seeing more and more about religious persecution in the military. When I was in, I was very open about my religion and my heritage. I even liked living off of the stereotypes about them. And, in return, I joked about everyone else's, as well. No one ever persecuted me because of them, however.
So, how are things going nowadays? Anyone out there finding that hiding their religion is easier for them so they aren't discriminated against, or persecuted either professionally or personally?
Posted in these groups: 
Religion
Discrimination
Religion Discrimination
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 39
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In my experience, every other religion on the planet is respected and "hands off" in the Army except Christianity.
If I try to say I want to wear my hair down because I believe a woman's hair is her glory (1 COR 11:6-15), I would be treated as if Im just trying to push the limits. My faith isn't taken seriously while other faiths are, which is absolutely discrimination.
If I try to say I want to wear my hair down because I believe a woman's hair is her glory (1 COR 11:6-15), I would be treated as if Im just trying to push the limits. My faith isn't taken seriously while other faiths are, which is absolutely discrimination.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
I guess only Christians know what applies and what doesn't apply sir. It's a perk of being a believer :)
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LTC (Join to see)
Unfortunately everyone is not treated equal under the law with regard to our civil rights. Where Christians abound they are told to be silent out of respect for the voice of the few, what was is referred under the law as the minority (meaning numerically smaller number, not racial reference) whereas when Christians are in the minority they are told to be silent out of respect for the majority. It seems logical that everyone should exercise the same caution and respect equally. It seems to be ok or vogue to deny Christians the same rights and recognition as other religions. We should all be equal under the law. That is true tolerance and fairness.
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Capt Jim Craft
Hair regs in the military are there for specific safety and health concerns. Long hair catches in equipment. Firm requirements for short hair started in WWI to deal with the lice problems associated with trench warfare. Facial hair restrictions were in part due to the concern for tight fitting gas masks when Chem Bio threats were high in the 70s and 80s restrictions were tightened. The watchword for religion and military uniform regs is "reasonable accommodation". While in uniform, I believe that putting up your hair a reasonable requirement given the reasons for hair regulations, just as having to shave a beard is reasonable for a man. The reasonable accommodation is that women can let down their hair off-duty. Up or down, a woman's hair can be her glory. By the way grabbing hair has been a common martial arts tactic since human history began (see 1Sam17:35 or 2Sam2:16). Short hair is an advantage for a warrior. If you are in uniform, you should be dressed as a warrior.
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I will never deny my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, regardless of the cost.
The Military is just a slice of America. In general America is getting more hostile to Christians, so it's not surprising that the Military is too.
The Military is just a slice of America. In general America is getting more hostile to Christians, so it's not surprising that the Military is too.
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SSG (Join to see)
Chief, you are going to have to present evidence of that. Less than half my recruit platoon went to services. The rest of us cleaned the barracks.
Listening to Christians complaining about discrimination in the military is like listening to the Air Force complaining about six month tours. It used to make me angry now it make me laugh.
Listening to Christians complaining about discrimination in the military is like listening to the Air Force complaining about six month tours. It used to make me angry now it make me laugh.
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LCpl Steve Wininger
I am with you Major Sheridan, to deny ones faith because it is not popular does not show much for a persons character.
2LT A. I agree there is a war against Christians. What if, in order to become a godless society, there was a systematic attack on all religions? It makes sense to take out the largest, and most influential while giving the others a false sense of security. Then all the others combined, which is far less in numbers are removed?
I know it sounds like a far fetched conspiracy theory sir, but the way things are going these days, anything is possible.
2LT A. I agree there is a war against Christians. What if, in order to become a godless society, there was a systematic attack on all religions? It makes sense to take out the largest, and most influential while giving the others a false sense of security. Then all the others combined, which is far less in numbers are removed?
I know it sounds like a far fetched conspiracy theory sir, but the way things are going these days, anything is possible.
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SSG Robin Rushlo
Stand fast with Faith and GOD will prevail. HE always does. Awesome to read what you Feel. GOD IS GREAT and Jesus is my LORD of my life.
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SGT (Join to see)
I am absolutely non-religious and do not hesitate to say it. I have only had one negative experience in my twelve years of service related to my open atheism....that I am aware of. The general opinion of most soldiers I've encountered is "Eh. Who cares?"
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I see a lot of misinformation on this post. First of all we need to understand what the definition of religious discrimination is. If you have not been denied the right to practice your religion then you have not been discriminated against.
Now many people get this concept confused. I heard the example of the Airforce Cadet that had to remove his bible verse. His verse was displayed on the outside of his door in a public place where others could see it. This is why it was asked to be removed. It had nothing to do with Christianity. If that was a Quran verse, a Buddhist verse, a Jedi verse, a Satanist verse...etc it would still be told to be taken down due to it being displayed in a public place.
Another concept people get confused with is someone else's right to request religious accommodation. I hear this nonsense of "if that was my religion then I couldn't do that". Well for one, why does it take someone else to get accommodated before you think its an issue? Second, why don't you request a religious accommodation if it is such a big deal to you? How can anyone say their religion does not have the same respect as other religions when they have never attempted to request an accommodation?
Like I've said in numerous posts. The Equal Opportunity policy and Army Command Policy applies to ALL SOLDIERS! No one has extra privileges or preferences. If any Soldier decides not to use this outlet, don't complain when someone else does.
Now many people get this concept confused. I heard the example of the Airforce Cadet that had to remove his bible verse. His verse was displayed on the outside of his door in a public place where others could see it. This is why it was asked to be removed. It had nothing to do with Christianity. If that was a Quran verse, a Buddhist verse, a Jedi verse, a Satanist verse...etc it would still be told to be taken down due to it being displayed in a public place.
Another concept people get confused with is someone else's right to request religious accommodation. I hear this nonsense of "if that was my religion then I couldn't do that". Well for one, why does it take someone else to get accommodated before you think its an issue? Second, why don't you request a religious accommodation if it is such a big deal to you? How can anyone say their religion does not have the same respect as other religions when they have never attempted to request an accommodation?
Like I've said in numerous posts. The Equal Opportunity policy and Army Command Policy applies to ALL SOLDIERS! No one has extra privileges or preferences. If any Soldier decides not to use this outlet, don't complain when someone else does.
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SSG V. Michelle Woods
I can absolutely respect your comments here SFC Womack. Troops shouldn't complain that they've been discriminated against if they have never even tried to request accommodation.
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SSG (Join to see)
SFC Womack, great points but the discrimination still occurs. As I stated in my own comment, I was discriminated against by several pagans and atheists in a previous unit. I had filed an EO complaint but it didn't go anywhere since one of the perpetrators was the BN XO.
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SFC Lamont Womack
SSG Redondo I'm sorry you had to experience that. It sounds like a formal complaint was needed in your situation. Your issue should have went above your chain of command to the Brigade or Division.
I know these things happen which is why I'm a firm believer in all EO and SHARP investigations being conducted by civilians outside the Army.
I know these things happen which is why I'm a firm believer in all EO and SHARP investigations being conducted by civilians outside the Army.
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SSG (Join to see)
SFC Womack, thank you. At the time, I thought about it but decided not to because I felt it would just end up being a distraction to the unit's mission. I also thought people would have been mature enough to think and engage in polite dialogue instead of name calling and throwing demeaning comments. One of the individuals was our BN XO. Totally unprofessional individual and extremely biased. Thinking back though, I should have elevated the concern. Maybe these toxic leaders would not be in the Army now. I can only hold myself accountable for that mistake.
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