Can an atheist be a fair and impartial supervisor and leader?

MSgt Brian Welch — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:27:53 -0400

Ok, so the survey was somewhat tongue-in-cheek. But since I've joined Rally Point seems those of a faith are continually attacked. They stand their ground and it would be fair conversation if it wasn't always what seems to be a one sided attack against those that tend to defend taking the high ground.

So, it leads to my question, can an atheist be a fair and impartial supervisor? Are people of faith or even neutral more qualified as leaders? Respond with a little more than a drive by comment or just tossing a stone at my glass house.

Response by SSG James Doherty made Jun 5 at 2015 9:31 PM

SSG James Doherty — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:31:20 -0400

I have seen it first hand I think that rally point adds anonymity which makes it easier to go on the attack. Most are not as bad as you think.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 5 at 2015 9:32 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:32:15 -0400

In a professional work environment, you should never really know what your supervisors' religious convictions or lack thereof are.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 5 at 2015 9:33 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:33:32 -0400

Anyone has the ability to be fair and impartial. Religion or lack there of shouldn't have any bearing on supervising personnel in a secular job environment.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 9:34 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:34:57 -0400

There is no such thing as an atheist!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 5 at 2015 9:38 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:38:35 -0400

Anyone who lacks cognitive thinking has the ability of being fair and impartial.

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made Jun 5 at 2015 9:42 PM

SGT Anthony Rossi — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:42:16 -0400

Well said James.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 9:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:48:35 -0400

People are individuals ... This question is posed with the same flaws against religion...

Not all Christians are identical. They have different values & priorities. There are different types. What one does, another may despise.

Not all Muslims are identical. They have different values & priorities. There are different types. What one does, another may despise.

Not all atheists are the same. Similarly, not all Democrats/Republicans, Yankies/Texans, white/black/Asian/Latino... Soldiers/Sailors/Airmen/Marines...

People are individuals. They have their own minds. To discredit everyone who identifies with one of these groups is just blinded by the stereotypes. There's good & bad in everything.

Response by SGT Anthony Rossi made Jun 5 at 2015 9:48 PM

SGT Anthony Rossi — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:48:38 -0400

Professionalism isn't realy what makes a great leader. Many are professional in their approach, but that doesn't mean they realy care for the welfare of their soldiers. The best (military) leaders take a personal ownership of their soldiers and there soldiers respond in kind. Any leader that has a genuine concern for their soldiers and operates in a profesional manner will do well by their subordinates. There for an athiest can be a good impartial leader. Having said that the best leaders I had while serving in the military happend to be Christians. Thanks

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 5 at 2015 10:25 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 22:25:51 -0400

Sometimes pointed at their heart of the soldier and said that is what matters. That will make you a person and soldier.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jun 5 at 2015 10:38 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 22:38:35 -0400

All good leaders are fair and impartial. They inspire others to greatness regardless of race, creed, religion, or sexual orientation. The leaders faith is not the issue, it is their commitment to equality and justice.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 10:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 22:43:34 -0400

These voting options are ridiculous. I am atheist and I'm a damn good leader. My beliefs have nothing to do with my Soldiers beliefs and our collective beliefs have nothing to do with our ability to lead and accomplish the mission. This is really pretty offensive.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 5 at 2015 10:46 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 22:46:14 -0400

thats like asking of a Christian can be an impartial leader, its about the person not their religious beliefs. If anything if there was a Christian platoon leader with an arab in the platoon, their might be a problem where as an atheist doesn't care.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Jun 5 at 2015 11:36 PM

MAJ Keira Brennan — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 23:36:05 -0400

BLUF - Christians do not have corner on morality, etc. Morality, fairness, and impartiality are hallmarks of educated persons who respect those characteristics while being full participants in nature and society.

Many Christians believe that they have a corner on morality, dignity, and other civil and social virtues. Ask where these morals, customs, and virtues come from and there will be the emphatic answer of Judeo-Christian scripture. Take for instance the Golden Rule. Jesus of Nazareth was not the primogeniture of the Golden Rule. The rule exists in pre-Christian world religions and fits prominently in non Abramaic religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and the rest of the world's major religion. Christianity doesn't have a corner on morality. But try to explain that to an evangelical. Social hierarchy, customs, rules, laws and morays existed prior to the Iron Age Levant. Our Nation's prevailing democratic world views were in part fashioned Social Philosophers such as Hobbs, Locke, Hume, Paine, Jefferson, and Madison and others who's own writings seem to reject the Hand of God / Divine Influence explanation and place a creator outside nature. And their scientific understanding of nature and the natural world was in many ways still in the Dark Ages.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Jun 6 at 2015 12:19 AM

MSgt Jim Wolverton — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 00:19:49 -0400

Of course they can, this shouldn't even be a question. Believing or not has ZERO to do with how people do their job in the military. If it does, they are in the wrong profession.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 4:59 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 04:59:46 -0400

Of course you could. Using a religion as a moral compass is great but it isn't the only means of having morals. If on thinks you have to have religion to have morals then they are a bad leaders. It happens. Your faith shouldn't be the influencing factor how you treat you soldiers. You can uses the morals how you develop what is fair at times and how you should conduct yourself. But if you see something that may be against your faith you shouldn't use your position to use you faith to address your opinion. For one I don't want to hear it or deal with it. I keep my faith to myself and I hope you do too. I don't mind if you want to prayer for a mission, call out on your deity, or what you do for yourself as long as you don't adversely affect others.

The military pretty much a neutral place when it comes to this. I like it that way. I think it works out best for everyone. An atheist may be suited well in position where you want want to influence your treatment based on your faith due to the lack there of. Not saying it can't adversely affect other though.

If you want live by your faith, or lack there of, that is great. The military offers places where you can get off of the religion you want but it is at a certain place and time. We should respect others for them being a soldier and not view their denomination as a means of judging their ability to lead.

Response by SPC Ei McS made Jun 6 at 2015 6:24 AM

SPC Ei McS — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 06:24:53 -0400

Atheists (certain ones) can be fair and impartial supervisors. Whether you believe in a God or not is a person's right; at least in our country and certain other countries like ours! Yes, I have encountered atheist who were completely prejudiced, aggressive, disrespectful, and hateful against people who are part of an organized religion, but I also know not all atheists are like that!

Being a fair and impartial leader is a matter of character (or personality if you will) and good training. I am a Christian. Why would I, as Christian, be unfair towards someone who is a non-Christian when the other person is respectful and accepting towards others and does his/her job well?! I don't have a reason to! Some people (atheists) just simply don't believe there's a God, but they are good people who do good in the World and value diversity among people.

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Jun 6 at 2015 9:56 AM

SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 09:56:00 -0400

I don't think those of faith are attacked.

I see it as people of faith proselytizing, and atheists rightfully attempting to put a stop to it.

I'm believer and i keep it to myself, others should too.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 3:46 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 15:46:28 -0400

This is a pointless question. How many times have you had a situation where religion came up and caused a conflict. In my 15 years I have had zero. it seems to me that this question is just trying to cause conflict, and really had noting to do with the military or the purpose of this Rally point group. Question : When will people stop posting meaningless dumb ass questions on RallyPoint just to get a reaction?

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 4:16 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 16:16:23 -0400

I couldn't resist clicking "and I don't believe in good supervisors" ahahaha. But seriously, I don't think it matters what you believe or don't believe. People are people, some have a knack for leadership and some don't.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jun 6 at 2015 5:15 PM

CPT Ahmed Faried — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 17:15:27 -0400

Undoubtedly

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Jun 6 at 2015 6:09 PM

PFC Stephen Eric Serati — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 18:09:16 -0400

In my humble opinion your religious status should not be a factor.Good leaders are people of good moral character and live by a moral code that enhances every aspect of their fellow Citizens lives.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 8:44 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 08:44:49 -0400

I'm and Atheist. My being an atheist doesn't define who I am, nor my leadership style. The only thing I care about at work is your ability to accomplish the mission, with no regards to subordinate's beliefs or lack of.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 12:49 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 12:49:00 -0400

Fairness and impartiality CANNOT be dependent on one's faith (or a lack of). I met plenty of people of different faiths from mine whom I would entrust far more than to someone claiming to be Christian. Heck, our next door neighbor back home is a devout Muslim from Bangladesh. My wife is a HOA (Homeowner's Association) president. She'd go to him before any other of her so-called 'friends' for any assistance.

To make matters more interesting, I met a Navy E-6 religious support specialist who said that atheists seem to do much better job and are showing more devotion at work than someone of faith.

From all this I learned the following: Faith is based primarily on that, faith. Supervisors are based on, well, works and good deductive reasoning. The two concepts are typically approached from two different angles. Thus the wisdom of the world, knowing how to APPROACH a spiritual vs. on the job supervisory aspects of life.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 1:53 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 13:53:02 -0400

I have had great leaders of both varieties.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jun 8 at 2015 9:38 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 09:38:38 -0400

I would like to think that no matter what one's views or lack thereof of God would not interfere with them being a fair and impartial leader. Leaders are supposed to withhold any and all PERSONAL feelings or beliefs in the execution of their duties; will there be exceptions to this, yes as with all things there are/will be exceptions to the norm.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 9:42 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 09:42:24 -0400

I honestly interacted with so few leaders I hold in very high regard, I think your last answer is more truth than I like.

Can an atheist be a fair and impartial observer? YES. I don't see why not. From my perspective, this person seems more likely to judge a person based on measurable merit, and not unfairly favor someone who's 'in the club'.

Atheists are people, and capable of preconceptions and biases that affect everyone. I don't tend to think atheists are MORE or LESS anything that religious people are.

Edit: I originally threw in a little joke that atheists are under-represented in federal prison population, but decided it'd be wise to check the numbers first. After some research, it seems that statistic, though accurate, is not very good representations of prison populations. Not good enough for a joke, anyway. It's anecdotal, more than anything else. Interesting research, though.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 11:34 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 11:34:11 -0400

Yes. Atheist's can be impartial leaders. Just as people of any faith can be impartial leaders.
I've worked with Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Mormon, Wiccan, Agnostic, Atheist, Non-Religious, and probably others. The only time religion has mattered is when a Jewish Soldier was being bothered because of his faith, and because Christians were bothering other denominations of Christians.
I do not see any reason why people of faith would be anymore qualified as leaders.
One could argue that an Atheist could be more impartial, especially if the disagreement is between two Soldiers of different faiths, were a religious leader might favor the faith closer to theirs, denominations of the same faith, similar faiths (i.e. Abrahamic faiths, other mono or polytheistic faiths), then other faiths.

Response by CMSgt Mike Esser made Jun 8 at 2015 1:26 PM

CMSgt Mike Esser — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:26:06 -0400

I am a Christian and I believe an athiest could be fair and impartial

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 1:38 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 13:38:28 -0400

I guess like everything else it comes down to the person. If they are ultimately a good and fair person they will be fine but if they are so far set in their beliefs and that is an overriding theme with them you would have to "play the game" by either putting your faith and beliefs to the side and just go mission first.

I don't bring up religion in the workplace because I truly do not care who or how you worship.

I believe many times your belief system shouldn't be part of the workplace, however it has its place. Making sure our people have a system that can help them and they can have in order prior to a deployment. Day to day activities if you don't work in the chapel it may not be the place to bring it to the workplace. I am for those who have a deep faith to have their time and to say their prayers but to bring it into evaluations or day to day supervising its not the place.

Response by SSgt Rachel Shelley (Cook) made Jun 20 at 2015 9:42 PM

SSgt Rachel Shelley (Cook) — Sat, 20 Jun 2015 21:42:51 -0400

It is not someone's faith or lack of faith that determines whether or not they can have a fair hand. I am a Christian and I have seen those who "call" themselves Christians be terribly unfair and partial. Who someone is is based on what they have allowed themselves to associate with; Christians, non-believers, and atheists alike. If an atheist has been raised in a culture where good character, values, and principles, especially leadership principles, were emphasized, and if they have adopted much of what they were exposed to, why should they not make a fair and impartial supervisor?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 28 at 2015 11:09 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 11:09:37 -0400

Being a good leader is more than religious inclinations. It's about drive, taking care of people, accomplishing the mission, and possessing the moral constitution to good decisions.

Response by SFC Mark Bailey made Aug 17 at 2015 9:46 AM

SFC Mark Bailey — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 09:46:12 -0400

In some cases it is the religious zealots that make for the worst leaders and supervisors, especially if they are the fundamental types who believe "there is only one god". I have seen far too many of them deviate from good leadership and unjustly treat their troops solely out of their hatred for that persons beliefs.

I'd rather have an Athiest in charge, at least they wont be tempted to use their off-duty religious beliefs against anyone in the unit.

Yes, "Off-duty Beliefs", your religious inclination has no bearing on your Military job unless you are involved in the Chaplaincy (Chaplain or Chaplain ass't). Otherwise leave your religious beliefs at the Squad room door... they have no place in the military decision making process.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 17 at 2015 2:45 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 14:45:52 -0400

I use to point to my heart and told the soldiers it's what in your heart that matters.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 3:15 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 15:15:05 -0400

From my experience an atheist tends to question a bit more but can be both fair and impartial, but as with everything there are more sides to it. Often religion is the first set of moral code of conduct someone encounters. If you get to be a hardliner in ANYTHING it makes it harder to be impartial. your beliefs are the eyeglasses that everything is view through. Our strength's can also be our greatest weaknesses. Many seem to use God as an excuse for success or failure. In my view when someone says that something happened because god willed it, it fly's in the face of him giving us free will. If someone is willing to question more they can find out the how/why of something. Like if someone missed formation because the were in the ER. You can have paperwork all written up for when you see them. Or you can save humiliation by asking what happened.

Response by MSgt Michelle Mondia made Aug 17 at 2015 11:34 PM

MSgt Michelle Mondia — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 23:34:56 -0400

Why ask this question? What answer do you expect to hear? Morality did not come from the bible...virtue and ethics are ideas as old as humanity. just because someone doesn't

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Aug 18 at 2015 11:44 AM

SPC David Hannaman — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 11:44:59 -0400

... None of the above. Only a person can be fair and impartial... it's a matter personal character. Scum... and leadership exists in all walks of life and beliefs.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2015 8:23 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 08:23:16 -0400

I don't think faith is a big factor in whether someone is fair and impartial.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2016 3:02 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 May 2016 15:02:35 -0400

What? I was active duty for over 14 years. I don't think I ever took note of the religious views, or lack thereof of my fellow members unless we happen to frequent the same church. It was simply not an issue.

That said any statement about a group that says that group is (fill in the blank) is most probably incorrect.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jul 14 at 2017 4:30 PM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 16:30:54 -0400

In the end, it comes down to our actions and positive ripple effects.

We all come from somewhere, raised a certain way by our parents, and we have different lenses in which we see the world.

What matters to me is, "Can the leader inspire and get things done?"

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 14 at 2017 4:50 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 14 Jul 2017 16:50:59 -0400

Yes, people can be a fair and impartial supervisor and leader regardless of their belief system and even more importantly than what they self identify as (yes, that was slam on anyone who claims to be Christian without love in their heart for their brothers and sisters in, or out of, Christ.

Response by SPC Paul Tucker made Oct 11 at 2017 7:10 PM

SPC Paul Tucker — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 19:10:46 -0400

I am a Johnny-come-lately to this post. I have read several of these posts and it is apparent that most of the posters have a traditional military or governmental view of leadership and not a private industry view of leadership. Many years ago I learned a phrase that has become invaluable to me as a leader and a teacher. "No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care." This applies across the board. My employees would work through the night to meet a deadline with me because they new that I was invested in them. I cared about them as people. I new their children's names and theirs spouse's names. I knew what they enjoyed doing, their hobbies, their interest, and you better believe that I knew about their religious beliefs and how deeply they held them. I knew if their pets were sickly or if their kids played sports. I cared about them and I showed them. Then, in turn they would take care of my business when I needed them. We celebrated together and cried together. We were a team. Teams grow together and experience and share together. The leader is part of the team. The leader does not lead from some far off place. He has to be a member of the team to lead the team. So, as a child of God, my first goal in life is to honor God. Part of that is by being my brother's keeper and by loving my neighbor. 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7" Luke 15:4-7. Wouldn't any leader help the one sheep? It has been my experience that atheists have a chip on their shoulder and try to express disdain toward Christians and towards other religious people. They will make snide comments towards them and deride them and their religion, which makes being a part of the team impossible. So, in the scenario that I described, where a leader knows his employees and gets the most out of them through mutual respect, it is not possible. It has been my experience that atheists do not respect religious people.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 11 at 2017 8:38 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 20:38:28 -0400

Would the person who has dedicated their life to being logical, reasonable, making decisions based off of evidence, and believing that humans are all equal because there is no supernatural forces that dictates otherwise make an impartial and fair leader? Probably....

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 13 at 2018 1:29 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 13:29:57 -0400

If an atheist understands moral's great- but morals normally come from church/family don't they? Actually yes, instead of morals they could substitute "fair play"

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Mar 13 at 2018 7:56 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 19:56:13 -0400

It is the individual not their religion that makes the difference.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2019 11:18 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 11:18:01 -0400

Anonimous? An athiest would have spelled it anonymous.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2019 11:26 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 11:26:39 -0400

Faith and religion don't make a good leader. I've never seen, or heard of an athiest treating a subordinate differently because of the subordinate's religious belief. On the other hand, I recall complaints with the Army's Chaplain corps that chaplains of some faith's weren't treated fairly. Maybe the question should be whether a person of faith can be a fair an impartial supervisor. According to the issue I referenced--no.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 16 at 2019 2:23 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 14:23:46 -0400

Can an Christian, a Muslim, a Buddhist etc. all leaders can be fair and impartial. Ones faith is not supposed to play a role in how we lead. It is within you and helps to shape the person that you are, but not to be imposed on others. At you, or were you impartial? Thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 16 at 2019 11:56 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 23:56:13 -0400

Absolutely. Because the non-atheist shouldn't be bringing his/her religion into the workplace in the first place.
If someone feels like they are being persecuted because of their profession of faith, they probably are... Because profession of faith is inappropriate in the workplace in the first place. (Unless you are a Chaplain or at a religious ceremony / service.)

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Nov 23 at 2019 9:21 PM

SrA Ronald Moore — Sat, 23 Nov 2019 21:21:59 -0500

I believe leaders must can be fair and impartial

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2020 6:55 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 18:55:32 -0500

This could be resolved with statistical analysis. If we knew the performance data and had sufficient measures to evaluate meritocratic leadership, such as average promotion times, individual marksmanship and physical training scores, individual academic and professional training achievements, etc, and we enter all those points of data into a program like SPSS or STATA, then we could evaluate of there's a correlation between atheism and good leadership. While I'd like to think atheists make for good, impartial leaders, I'd prefer to see the data. Knowing that I'm only human and suffer from perception bias, objective measures are the best method.

PS I'm an atheist. All I trust are numbers.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2023 9:17 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 21:17:53 -0400

MSgt Brian Welch why wouldn't they be...

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Apr 11 at 2023 9:43 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:43:00 -0400

I think MOST people can separate religion or lack of same from the requirements of their duties and not let that interfere with their working as a team. People trying to push ideas or their own concepts upon others can certainly split a teamwork concept. I'm NOT an atheist but on the other hand someone trying to push their religion upon Me I don't need, I'll make My own choice and they can make theirs but don't preach to Me and i won't preach to You. Society is made up of all sorts of people with their own ideas, interests beliefs of may even lack of some that other have but making divisions based on any difference between them can't ever work out well. i do remember, years ago one Air Force co- worker preaching and trying to get Me to go to His church which I wasn't receptive to the finally had to tell Him " I have already chose My own religion, You raise that subject again with Me and keep bothering me with that, I'll punch You in the eye." I had no problem with His belief but didn't need Him pushing His brand of religion on others including Me to make My own choice and He can make His own. He did get the hint, never approached Me again with that subject and We still worked ok together.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 12 at 2023 10:44 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 10:44:12 -0400

Irony is millions upon millions of people have been killed due to religion. Therefore, do religious people have a greater propensity to cause genocide?

Response by SSG Eric Blue made May 1 at 2023 3:22 PM

SSG Eric Blue — Mon, 01 May 2023 15:22:05 -0400

I don't know. I've never had an atheist supervisor. I've met leaders who ARE atheist, though. But I'm uncertain of their leadership styles.

Response by CPL Sharon Fahey made May 13 at 2023 10:51 PM

CPL Sharon Fahey — Sat, 13 May 2023 22:51:15 -0400

In the military, a good leader is not defined by whether they are religious or not. As a former Chaplain Assistant, I've served under religious leaders whom I can respect and some that shouldn't ever be in charge of any human being. As well as on the other hand, I've worked with many nonreligious leaders that I felt very honored to serve with. The military isn't a faith organization but it is an organization that requires a person to be honorable, walk in integrity, and to lead by example. Everyone has faith in something, even atheists.

Response by PFC Vernita Bennett made May 30 at 2023 3:41 AM

PFC Vernita Bennett — Tue, 30 May 2023 03:41:01 -0400

Some times religion can cloud judgement atheist is gonna do a job but if it's a situation that you hope fore right or wrong good luck they are gonna do a job For God sakes please don't do this