Do you lack trust in your comrades based on religion?

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 14:38:17 -0500

70%??? That seems a little high. I can tell you there's not been one person I've met at my unit that cares about religious preference. Soldiers trust the person based on character, actions, and track record. Not religion. Just my experience. If these numbers are correct that leaves 30% of the force lacking trust in fellow SM's. A little high for this career field.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 29 at 2014 3:11 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 15:11:57 -0500

I don't think service members who would hold something like that against an individual would be the ones coming to your aid under fire in the first place.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Nov 29 at 2014 3:40 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 15:40:48 -0500

I could care less what your belief is as long as you can lead and be a leader to emulate.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 29 at 2014 5:30 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 17:30:11 -0500

No, not unless their religious beliefs interfere with covering my 6 in a foxhole.

Response by PO1 Michael G. made Nov 29 at 2014 6:12 PM

PO1 Michael G. — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 18:12:11 -0500

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member I'm not entirely sure that that is too high. Before I joined the Navy, I worked for a parish in the Archdiocese of Chicago, and for a while, I was considering becoming a Catholic priest. There was a time when I was taking an undergraduate level ethics class, and there were plenty of people who, when they found out my religious affiliation, not only decided that my opinions were unequivocally wrong, but that I personally, must also be an evil person. Most of these people who actually were vocal about this opinion were either avowed atheists (a la Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens) or certain types of conservative Protestant (such as Baptist and Evangelical). So, yeah, in my experience, I would come to expect that there are 30% who make determinations about trust based on those factors.

I would also be unsurprised to learn that it has gone up over the course of recent decades. This, I feel, would be largely due to the publicizing of *everything* (i.e. Social media). Not only have certain issues become deeply divisive, such as LGTB rights and abortion, but a lot of people share their opinions on them in a way that they wouldn't have (or, indeed, couldn't have!) fifteen years ago. So, while in theory, the people who say that their trust can or is affected by another person's religious values may still trust that person if they never find out about their religious preferences.

For the record, I say that it's not too high based on the accuracy of the statistic, not whether or not it's a desirable situation.

Response by MAJ Ben Williams made Nov 29 at 2014 6:32 PM

MAJ Ben Williams — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 18:32:44 -0500

As a military 'advisor' I probably stood shoulder to shoulder with as many Sunnis, Shi'as, Yezidis and Kurds as I did American Christians.

Common cause over personal religious convictions.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 6:49 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 18:49:39 -0500

No, CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member. Religion has nothing to do with my trust.

You mean that 70% seems low, right? Ideally it would be 100%.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 7:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 19:23:42 -0500

I've served with Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and atheist SMs. Those are just the ones I was aware of their beliefs. So far not a single one gave me a reason NOT to trust them based on their professed religious views.

Have I served with SMs that I did not fully trust based on my perception of their personal character? Sadly yes, and that includes some with the same professed religious views as my own.

Response by SSG Peter Muse made Nov 29 at 2014 8:36 PM

SSG Peter Muse — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 20:36:47 -0500

Personally I think this a question of instigation. We live in a world filled with diversity issues and the issue of competing faith is no exception. I think the military has worked harder than any other group to make this a non issue amongst the members and their families. There will always be differences and some who will feel it is an issue that affects trust but really most of that comes from the outside influences that work very hard to keep us fractured.

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 8:40 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 20:40:17 -0500

I can say that in basic I met someone who didn't believe in killing any creature(I would assume including humans) unless they were the only good source available or it/they threatened life at that exact moment. I would not be able to trust that person to have my back if I truly needed them. They didn't believe in protecting life unless it was their own. And yet we let this person become security forces(MP)? That kept me up thinking a few nights, until exhaustion from it being basic took hold.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 10:22 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 10:22:50 -0500

I accidently hit yes, but I meant no. I don't even know the religion of the Soldiers that I work with. Why does it matter what God they pray to, or don't pray to?

Response by Sgt Jennifer Mohler made Nov 30 at 2014 11:04 AM

Sgt Jennifer Mohler — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 11:04:59 -0500

No. The only time it matters is if they try and force it on me. I can only remember this happening once so it isn't the norm as far as I can tell.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 10:59 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 10:59:58 -0500

I've seen some of my fellow Christians be the most hateful individuals you can imagine, just because someone is different, and I've seen Muslim soldiers who would give you the shirt off their backs, whether they know you or not.

Religion is not an indicator of a person's character, and would NOT cause me to immediately mistrust someone.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 2:41 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 14:41:07 -0500

When I saw the infographic originally, I wondered about that number myself. I am fairly outspoken and feel very strongly about my Christian beliefs. But, if I don't trust soldiers who don't share them, it's time to take the uniform off. I've served with a number of soldiers who I DIDN'T trust, but that had NOTHING to do with their religion, or lack thereof.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 2:54 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 14:54:49 -0500

You mean the 70% seems a little low? If you've never met someone that cared about your religious preferences, that would mean that the 70% would possibly be low. The biggest guess is that the 30% is including Muslims and Sikh warriors (often confused with Muslims).

Frankly, I would need more than simply religious beliefs to not trust a Soldier. My Soldiers come from all walks of life, and have a large variety of world views. I enjoy engaging those world views, which is why I find myself so "exceptionally moderate", because I feel the need to understand viewpoints that I don't understand and incorporate those views into my understanding of the world.

It would take much more than that to shake my trust in a Soldier/Service Member.
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by SSG Leonard Johnson made Feb 14 at 2015 3:37 PM

SSG Leonard Johnson — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 15:37:58 -0500

I have to say...and this is no knock on anyone.... it's just like my Preacher man dude told me.... Faith is what gives you the ability to fight back..Maybe harder.
You want to fight, win, and lead... If you don't have faith, what good is it to fight? does it really matter in the end.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 14 at 2015 3:42 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 15:42:33 -0500

Trust is earned through actions and demeanor not by what your religious convictions happen to be in my opinion.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 4:08 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 16:08:35 -0500

A CORRECTION to the original post. Meant it seems a little 'low'. Not 'high'.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Feb 14 at 2015 4:15 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 16:15:43 -0500

To be quite honest CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member, a Soldiers religious beliefs have never played a part in whether I trust them or not. Trust, to me, is something that is earned based off of actions, not words or beliefs.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Feb 14 at 2015 7:23 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 19:23:54 -0500

If I lack trust it's because there dumb asses not because they go to church or not.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Feb 14 at 2015 7:25 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 19:25:20 -0500

Religious beliefs (or lack thereof) do not play a role in the trust I have in my brothers and sisters in arms.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 8:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 20:13:11 -0500

I might lack trust in them if they interpret their religion to in overly fundamentalist manor, for example if they are Muslim and tell me that they can't be friends because I am not Muslim... trusting them after that would be a challenge. The same would go for Christians, Buddhists or even Atheists. I don't care what you believe so long as those beliefs don't turn me into a "them" that you don't treat the same way you would want to be treated.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Feb 14 at 2015 8:33 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 20:33:58 -0500

The only discussion I had with my soldiers involving their religion was regarding how they wanted their dog tags filled out.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Feb 14 at 2015 9:05 PM

SGT Francis Wright — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 21:05:30 -0500

No, what is important is that my comrades will do what needs to be done.

Response by 1SG John Aaron made Feb 14 at 2015 9:10 PM

1SG John Aaron — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 21:10:51 -0500

The 70% number seems off. I haven't seen very many Soldiers who base their trust on someone else based upon faith

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Feb 14 at 2015 10:25 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 22:25:29 -0500

Beliefs are important, but their actions are what matter. What is interesting is that Christian, Baptist, Methodist, and Protestant are different segments, when I think they should either be placed under Protestant beliefs, or they distinguish different denominations.

Religions and denominations I think need to be distinguished better. There is a significant difference.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Feb 14 at 2015 10:43 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 22:43:10 -0500

Not sure who put this chart together but they don't seem to understand the very basics about Christianity.

In the section called "the 5 most common religions in the military" they list Christianity (which is a world religion) then Catholicism and Protestantism which are the two primary Christian Church's. Protestantism broke off from Roman Catholicism at the protestant reformation. Then Baptists and Methodists are listed but they are denominations of the protestant church.

All 57.7% of those in these categories are all Christians. The chart seems to indicate these are all separate religions.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 11:09 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 23:09:41 -0500

With over 16 years of service I have never gone with what religion a Solider is but rather their character.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Feb 15 at 2015 5:12 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 05:12:18 -0500

I wouldn't totally honest if I pretended I was without any religious bias. I'm religious tolerate, but I have concerns about serving with Muslims. Given we've have a couple of radicals turn against us from within a ranks, Id be cautious and question their loyalty in my mind.
Don't get me wrong, I understand the overwhelming majority of people with practice Islam are peaceful people and I don't blame Islam for a few radical idiots. It's just makes think twice.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 7:29 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 07:29:37 -0500

Wherever there is a higher power, regardless of the deities identification, there has been and will continue to be killing in that almighty's name. However, there is a lot of good that comes out of religion as well.

Do I place more trust in one person over another based on their personal beliefs? No. I would rather not discuss religion, since most people find the topic to risqué for casual conversation. I choose to base trust on what a person does, rather than says or lays claim to.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 10:27 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 10:27:43 -0500

No. I have a friend with whom I served who is a devout atheist. I would follow him anywhere.

Response by SrA Laura Branch made Feb 15 at 2015 3:04 PM

SrA Laura Branch — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 15:04:28 -0500

It is not religion that should sway my mind about trust it is the actions of the person as a whole, not a part.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 3:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 15:18:09 -0500

I don't care what religion anyone is as long as they have my back or our back! Be they Christian, Muslim, Atheists or Satanist, as long as you are there when it counts, you can worship Inspector Gadget as far as I am concerned. I am a Christina and I don't hold it against anyone or force it on anyone!

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 6:44 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 18:44:01 -0500

Never. Much like everything else, capability and more importantly drive to do their best are the largest factors in the trust equation. I don't care where you come from (unless you're an Ohio State fan, then you're suspect), the more you try to do your job the best that it can be done, the more trust I have in you.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 7:19 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 19:19:37 -0500

I fall within the 26.3% with no religious preference. If you're religious, keep it personal.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 10:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 22:30:15 -0500

I don't give a damn about a person's religion, race, gender or sexual orientation when it comes to trust. I care about their character.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Apr 4 at 2015 8:00 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 20:00:24 -0400

I don't see religion as a factor in trusting someone. Religious as well an non religious people can be liars and untrustworthy just as often as they can be honest and trustworthy.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Apr 4 at 2015 10:30 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 22:30:56 -0400

Absolutely not. If the SM in the foxhole with me prayed to a hibiscus tree or sacrificed a chicken to a stone idol who cares, so long as they put their faith in Colt & Berretta like the rest of us.

Response by SSG Ronald Limbaugh made Apr 4 at 2015 10:52 PM

SSG Ronald Limbaugh — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 22:52:48 -0400

Personally, I think of religion, in the military, about the same as STD's. If you have one, I don't need to know about it. Neither one will have a bearing on whether or not I trust you or your work, but if you continue to tell me about either one, I might begin to question your judgement.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2015 1:57 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 01:57:40 -0400

I tended to give some of the more extreme Christians a long eye, especially when they get up on their pulpit, but I worked with Muslims, other pagans, a mix of Christians, etc. If you do work I give not one semblance of a damn what invisible best friend you talk to in your spare time. I have mine, you have yours, some people have none. Shut the fuck up about it and carry the fuck on. There is no space for it when we're working. You want to pray aloud on work hours? Pray to Chesty. With pull ups.

Response by PV2 Lance Stewart made Apr 6 at 2015 3:34 AM

PV2 Lance Stewart — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 03:34:31 -0400

while I was in, it seemed "religion" was just a word on a dogtag....not sure about now.
but, as an Atheist I heard.saw a lot of people say they were religious to get out of KP duty or something on Sundays. my friends claimed just about every religion there was...we found a shared pitcher of beer solved all problems

was never preached to or avoided....... from some of these stories coming out, I'm glad I busted both wrist lol... before the religious started going crazy

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Sep 10 at 2015 9:31 AM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 09:31:30 -0400

Is this right?
Roman Catholic, Baptist, Methodist and Protestant are NOT Christian?

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 10 at 2016 4:18 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 10 May 2016 16:18:15 -0400

Honestly, I don't understand what the big hangup is on religion. There are very few people I've served with who I've even known their religion and fewer who have known mine. I've always seen it as a personal issue (much like sexuality). I don't understand why everyone needs to make personal issues into public issues.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2016 8:51 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 May 2016 20:51:37 -0400

I have no Issue trusting any religion....The issue, when the conversation comes up and I am ask I tell people the truth that I am an Atheist I am treated like a totally different person.

I was a CNO one winter I had to tell a father that his son had died the day prior and he didn't care. It was absolutely the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Well the Chaplain (from another BN) that was with me at the time started talking to me on the way back to the unit and he asked if I was ok, I told him no and that I feel that my father (not my dad) would have had the same exact response of not caring. Well in the conversation the Chaplain asked me what my religion was and I told him that I was Atheist and I don't believe in a higher power. He looked at me like I was crazy and started questioning my beliefs. This being the first Soldier I had ever told that I was an Atheist I kind of hid the fact from everyone in my unit. Until one day I said F it when our BN CHP asked if I was coming to the service in the field, I told him No sir I am an Atheist. The Major and the Captains that were around at the time looked at me like I was going straight to some where hot that they believe in. But any who the Chaplain was more than supportive but the other officers just stopped talking to me unless they had a tasking and then it would be some menial task that I could have easily handled. (it obviously was not anything to do with proper English or writing). So while I treat everyone the same a lot of the time I get treated like I have horns sticking out of my head. I'm pretty sure I have gone off topic but I feel way better now.