Commander denies Pentecostal chaplain’s religious accommodation request. Should a chaplain be discharged for expressing his faith?

Capt Mark Strobl, you are probably right. My disconnect was in thinking that the chaplains served a religious function rather than a secular psychologist function.

I guess I'm just old school.

You are absolutely right. Religion isn't a shield to say whatever you want.

1LT Eric Rosa, back in the day, chaplains were SUPPOSED to give spiritual guidance rather than just have a calming effect without changing behavior.

Of course, seeking out a chaplain or taking the chaplain's advice was strictly a personal choice.

It was a different world then.

Chaplains are supposed to help every service member practice their faith, whatever their faith may be. They aren't supposed to attempt to convert every service member to the faith of the chaplain.

SGT Erin Wilkins, perhaps, but no one has to take what he says to heart. It is a voluntary association.

Perhaps. But they did, or he wouldn't be facing removal. If this was simply a matter of being a voluntary association, the forces would have no problem with Humanist chaplains, right?

SGT Erin Wilkins, "If this was simply a matter of being a voluntary association, the forces would have no problem with Humanist chaplains, right?"

Right. It seems to me that this is indeed what it has come to.

Capt Seid Waddell - It's also a voluntary association for the chaplain. If he can't work with people of other faiths, and tolerate his fellow soldiers, perhaps he would be better off at a civilian church where he can be more in control of his associations.

Edited to add: but I would love to have some Humanist chaplains.

CMSgt Mark Schubert, good point. Thank you.

I have to agree, but with a slight qualification. Jesus was a little less than tolerant with religious leaders like the Pharisees, which explains why they picked up stones to kill him on multiple occasions.
However, this case seems (if the article is telling the whole story) to tell the story of a less than tactful chaplain.

Sir - I have to agree also - good point - still - he was able to help even them know and understand where they came up short (as we all do) in a way that demonstrated LOVE for all people - yes, sometimes the truth hurts, and at times He was direct - but always for the benefit of others and never for himself. Sometimes I think that people (humans) can get a little over righteous to the detriment of others!

CH (CPT) (Join to see) - This chaplain seems to me to have more in common with the Pharisees than with Jesus.