Is it possible, when looking for a chaplain position, to be able learn everyone's beliefs, and appeal to them as appropriately as possible?

Jacob Ray — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 05:37:00 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 8:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 08:04:25 -0400

I dont think you would be able to learn everything about everyones beliefs. But being open minded and also knowing where to go to answer their questions about religion by asking your counterparts or referring them to someone else. Its all about taking care of the individual.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 8:20 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 08:20:47 -0400

No. You cant make every happy. or know everything. or be all things to all people. Its the problem with being human

Response by LCpl Shane Couch made Apr 19 at 2017 9:06 AM

LCpl Shane Couch — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 09:06:51 -0400

It would be impossible to learn everyone's beliefs. but being open minded and respectful to everyone's beliefs is totally doable. Maybe learning a few key points here and there would definitely help.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 11:48 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 11:48:23 -0400

Your job won't be to know everyone's beliefs. You job will be to provide services and facilities so that they may practice those beliefs. There is a big difference.
When people have specific needs, they will tell you. Have an open mind, Google at you fingertips, and be wiley about finding resources and support in the surrounding community, and you'll do fine.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 12:25 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 12:25:24 -0400

Chaplains are not required to learn or practice multiple denominations. Most will study and practice the denomination they currently follow. During religious studies in college they do become at least familiar with many other religions. What they do all have in common is their training and abilities to counsel those in need.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2017 10:17 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 22:17:37 -0400

I've met 5 Chaplains, all Christian one Jewish. I've asked that question, how do they deal with other denominations. Communication is a big part, they try to link them up with a Chaplain of their faith. If that is not easily available they told they did their best to study and provide items of their faith and a place for them and accommodate them as best as possible.

I don't think you need to learn every different belief but just try to communicate and be as accommodating as possible.

Response by SSG Dale London made Apr 20 at 2017 8:28 AM

SSG Dale London — Thu, 20 Apr 2017 08:28:18 -0400

First thing to remember: Chaplains are not supposed to proselytize. They are not there to build a congregation or to convert souls to Christ, Mohammad, Bhudda or anyone else. Their job is to support those soldiers who have a faith in their faith regardless of what it is. This requires a general understanding of the basic tenets and ritual requirements of the soldiers in your unit who do not ascribe to your faith.
Now, with that said, the spiritual and ethical component of a chaplain's job requires that he or she have a very strong faith and a solid understanding that he or she is, in the eyes of the army/navy/air force, nothing more than a force multiplier.
I say this having been a Chaplain myself. It's once of the reasons I am no longer a chaplain but a parish minister instead.

Response by CH (1LT) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2017 10:56 AM

CH (1LT) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Apr 2017 10:56:22 -0400

You're not required to know all the belief systems out there. You are required to "perform or provide". Basically if it's your religion you do the ministerial work. If they request something from another religion you find someone else qualified to do it, or arrange for it to happen. I've been involved in finding meeting places for Wiccans so they could exercise their 1st amendment rights to freedom of religion. I did not have to be present for it, or lead the service; all I had to do was get permission for them to use a room. Your job as a chaplain is to take care of soldiers, perform ministerial rights of your own faith as appropriate, and be a resource for the command. I would argue in that order.

Response by Jacob Ray made Apr 22 at 2017 10:18 AM

Jacob Ray — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 10:18:10 -0400

I would just like to thank all of the answers here. I gave this question a couple of days to sit here while I, myself, reflected on it. Most of my reflections came up in the answers, and some of the answers covered topics I did not catch onto.

Before I left college uncompleted, I was taking Comparative Mythology, Women in Culture, Anthropology; along with my prerequisite studies. For me, I like listening about other people's beliefs. I just find the stories, the foundations of their beliefs, fascinating. I can listen to a Christian retell the story of Job by heart all day, or a middle-easterner talking about Muhammad and the Battle of Badr, or a Buddhist talking about the Wrathful Deities, or a Celtic Pagan talking about the the adventures Cuchulain.

The point is, I see myself being open-minded, and if I feel the slightest from open-minded, I try to get better.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Apr 24 at 2017 1:22 AM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 01:22:05 -0400

Absolutely

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Apr 24 at 2017 1:24 AM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 01:24:05 -0400

Showing humility, brotherly love, empathy, kindness, while building trust.

Response by SFC Melissa Lukkarinen made Jul 28 at 2021 10:17 PM

SFC Melissa Lukkarinen — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 22:17:12 -0400

You are not required to know all of the religions as a veteran and a Chaplains Assistant for 13yrs. That was our job to be familiar with all religions. This back in 1982 when we had MOS testing which we hands on and written test we had to pass for our MOS which as a chaplains Assitant we had to set up for protest, catholic and Jewish services. This was for us to know and the chaplains only needed to practice in their own faith