Religious discrimination in the military?

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 11:42:17 -0400

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?

Response by Sgt S.P. Woodke made Apr 24 at 2014 12:03 PM

Sgt S.P. Woodke — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 12:03:27 -0400

its all part of a grandios plan to take unit cohesiveness and weaken us...

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 3:23 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 15:23:57 -0400

Most uncomfortable situation I ever had with this - as an O-3 who is not very religious, I had an O-5 and an O-4 I worked with come up to me and ask me point blank, "what religion I was" and if I'd like to "come pray with them at lunch". I answered, "science" and "we'll see".

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 24 at 2014 4:28 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 16:28:41 -0400

I can honestly say that I was never persecuted because of my religious preference. I am a 7th Day Adventist by the way. and the only problem I had was locating the Adventist churches off post because they very rarely had religious services for us on post. I answered a lot of questions about my religion, I attributed it to nothing more than interest and an attempt to learn about my beliefs. I never pushed my beliefs on others and I expected the same from them.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Apr 24 at 2014 5:05 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 17:05:13 -0400

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.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 8:35 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 20:35:22 -0400

I can honestly say that my Chaplain is an awesome guy all around. He is a Christian but he caters to everyone's needs no matter who or what they pray to and he never pushes his religion on anyone. I myself am not a Christian but I do agree with what SSG Woods said about Christians getting the shaft when it comes to fair treatment. If I can notice it then it is a problem and it should be addressed.

Response by Sgt S.P. Woodke made Apr 25 at 2014 11:04 AM

Sgt S.P. Woodke — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:04:30 -0400

the media only has the power -due to the efforts of the military - keeping this a FREE society...It looks as if SOMEONE in the fourth estate and fifth estate has been "taking dubious advantage" of our Service...

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 25 at 2014 11:57 AM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 11:57:09 -0400

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.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 5:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 17:32:28 -0400

I am a staunch believer in Jesus Christ and not ashamed to admit it. I too have been persecuted and ostracized in a previous unit by several individuals who are pagans and atheist. One of them was our BN XO who berated me for my beliefs. The sad thing is I had never ever said anything negative towards them nor held any type of contempt or hatred.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 10:40 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 22:40:11 -0400

If you read some of the threads created by your original question, you will see where these "bogus" headlines come from...........

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 10:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 22:58:35 -0400

I would say as long as we try to accommodate other religious practices one or more other groups will be inadvertently discriminated against. One group allowed to wear beards/turbans and another not in my opinion is not right. Big Army needs to set a standard and go by it for everyone or else again one group will be discriminated against.

Another thing I dont agree with is being forced during ceremonies to stand there locked up listening to a chaplain preach a Christian prayer. A good percentage of soldiers are not religious and should not have to be forced to listen to prayer. To me this is a form of discrimination.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2014 1:03 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 01:03:00 -0400

So just to drop my 2 cents...I am Christian...and I love my GOD! With that I also signed up for the love of my country. Now I do not have a problem with abiding by the regulations that military has governed over me. I am not going to preach, or quote scripture, because I do not feel like I need to get my point across. I am not going to knock anyone's belief, but this is what I will say. This country whether you accept it or not was founded on a religious belief, and this country has given us the freedom to practice any religion or belief. Here is where my problem starts, I do not push my religion on anyone, nor should anyone push their religion or belief on me. We all have that right in this country to believe what we feel is right, so long as it does not break the laws of the land. Lately, I have seen that certain religious groups/atheist groups have been forcing our leaders in Washington and State to part ways that offend them i.e. the Pledge of Allegiance, because it has "one nation under God", or prayers at certain functions, because that is not how or what they practice. Another problem I have is making the exception for those of other religions that go again the regulations the military has imposed. With that the Army has come out with a changes to AR 670-1 (Army Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia). In these changes they are allowing individuals to grow beards because of religious practice. Now I am not saying that they are wrong, but I have been in the Army for 17 years, and I have known many individuals who were Muslim. They have always abided by the regulation, and I have never seen a soldier who did not shave because of religious practices. They did however practice parts of their religion that do not go against Army Regulation i.e. Ramadan. With all that I want to say this, what you are forcing me to do or making exception for, because of your religion or your belief is offensive to me. No one in the military is forcing you to pray; just stand there at parade rest like any other good soldier would do. Do not say the phrase "one nation under God" and leave it out of YOUR Pledge. Do not have rallies to force government building to take certain things down, because it does not follow you practices. STOP taking those things away from me, because you do not agree with them. Practice what you want, but leave my religion alone in your search to whatever it might be. We as leaders are suppose to understand empathy, not sympathy. You have no sympathy for my religion, therefore why should I sympathize and make adjustments for yours?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2014 4:37 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 16:37:39 -0400

I am sickened by the hate directed against a religion that has calmed down. Not so with many Muslims and yet, why are we picking on Christians? Yes, a maniacal minority.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Apr 26 at 2014 5:02 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 17:02:37 -0400

I'm a Contemporary Catholic (Not Orthodox). When I was in Religion was not discussed. We Had Chaplains but it was considered a personal thing. Now some of the neatest folks I served with were Chaplains 2 Rabbis and a Black Minister (He used to joke he went through the Seminary on a Football Scholarship). Also one of the worst was a Catholic Priest. Considering our lifestyle it probably wasn't coducive to more Orthodox Christian Faiths.

Response by CSM Chris McKeown made Apr 26 at 2014 5:34 PM

CSM Chris McKeown — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 17:34:17 -0400

OK I am no bible thumper and to be honest I could give a rats ass on what religion a person belongs to are not. However I believe that every person in America has a right to practice their religion on their on time even those in the military. I believe everyone should be allowed to pray openly, this includes prayers at meals, at night before bed, before a event and definitely when in a combat situation and their life is on the line.

I also believe every American including those in the military should be allowed to carry and read and openly display books of their faith like the Holy Bible, Koran, etc...

However I do not believe religious attire is appropriate with uniforms of the military unless they are in chaplain status. I also believe there should be no beards unless a person has a medical profile that cover such.

For you Christians take head to Lords Prayer (See Below) as there is insight there for the tribulations you are enduring in today's military.

The Lords Prayer: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2014 11:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 23:20:46 -0400

As a Muslim in the Army I have experienced all types of religious discrimination. The Army dis tolerant as a whole. However individual commands sometimes makes its extremely difficult to practice any other religion other than Christianity.

Response by SFC Lamont Womack made Apr 27 at 2014 10:22 AM

SFC Lamont Womack — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 10:22:26 -0400

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.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Apr 27 at 2014 4:28 PM

MAJ Jim Woods — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 16:28:06 -0400

SSG Woods, no relation, is spot on. Getting into a debate with non-believers or those who believe differently is like allowing them to go into battle un-armed. I choose not to participate with someone who is un-armed.

I believe in the Bible and what it says as The (MY) Word. I accept others that believe what their Word says as long as they give me and Christianity the same respect that I give them and their Religion. I have friends that I made in Iraq that are very devout Muslim and they respect my Christianity. We exchange Christmas and Ramadan Greetings. The Bible does not say hate/ignore/dis-respect those who do not believe as you do but it does warn you to guard your heart to the teachings of them who would deceive you.

As I see different grooming standards, uniform standards, and so on, I wonder how we have moved from a military that was based on many back grounds but same standards to many backgrounds and many standards.

As for me and my house, We will serve the Lord.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 27 at 2014 5:12 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 17:12:47 -0400

I have had to stand through a prayer given by a christian at every large formation, formal dinner and sadly before every mission in theater.

If you were willing to do the same regardless to the flavor of chaplain meaning if he was muslim you wouldn't have an issue with praying his prayers then you have a point.

Personally I find convictions that do not invite criticism and debate to be inconsistent with an organization capable of as much destruction as the US military to be dangerous.

Just because you don't get is all your way doesn't mean discrimination.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 12:15 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:15:10 -0400

My two pennies on religion in the military: It seems that, yes, you may declare yourself any religion you choose. The bottom line here is that there are the mainstream largely accepted religions and that's what is available on military bases. I don't really feel this is discrimination. It's just what's available because of supply and demand. I don't think it's reasonable to expect chaplains to know about all the dozens of different religions being practiced around the world. I also don't believe anyone should have to bow their head in prayer to any god they don't believe in. If there is a prayer to a specific god at an official function and someone doesn't bow their head, so be it. No one should be pressured into participating in a religion they don't believe in. Now if that individual is somehow rude or disrespectful that's another story but I've never seen that happen. Anyway, if your head is bowed and your eyes are closed in prayer, how do you even know that the person next to you is just standing in silence out of respect for your right to practice as you wish? This whole thing should not even be an issue but deep down many people have a problem with accepting differences.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 4:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 16:20:34 -0400

There IS religious discrimination in the military. I saw an article about Sikh soldiers being permitted to grow beards and wear a turban while in uniform. Of course I personally don't discriminate any religion; but when was the last time you saw a Jewish soldier wearing a yamaka in uniform? Or native American soldiers being able to keep the pony tails often seen in their culture? Or Christian soldiers displaying a cross in uniform other than a chain that has to be hidden? It's called a "uniform" for a reason.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 8:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 20:37:34 -0400

I don't understand why issues such as religion and sexuality are ever talked about in the military. Bottom line I find most of these conversations in the military belittling to one party or the other.Service members are given time to worship that is the time you should use for that outside of those time frames you need to wait until you take your uniform off to discuss religion. Every time I am in formation and the chaplain says "let us Pray" and i stand there at attention quietly out of respect of my comrades and their beliefs only to be chastised and alienated for my "unacceptable social behavior to god" It's getting ridiculous.

As far as religious exceptions to regulations I call bull. I don't care what your religion is you gave up your right to do that when you joined. You can not say anything about your commander and chief that would have a negative impact even if you want to, because you gave that right up. Same with your right to your religious practice if your religious practice is that important then don't join simple as that. So stop showing up to formations with a full beard playing the religion card.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Apr 28 at 2014 10:08 PM

MAJ Bryan Zeski — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 22:08:35 -0400

I try and keep my private life - including my faith and belief system - separate from my work life. I don't ask anybody what they believe and I don't ask them to join me in whatever I do. That being said, I also won't shy away from, or avoid the topic if it comes up - and it does. I've had many discussions with numerous Servicemembers from a variety of belief structures. Personally, I enjoy the conversations and I enjoy the debate because I've found that discussing my ideas and thoughts on a subject with someone else of a differing belief tends to hone my ability to articulate and better relay my opinion to others with the greatest effectiveness.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 11:11 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 May 2014 11:11:32 -0400

It depends on how thick skinned you are and also what side of the content you stand on. I saw the maintenance magazine the Army has and decided there was notice on how to remove unauthorized marks that the manufacturer had put on army equipment. The company was feeling religious and put a passage reference on the SN at the end. The army is not allowing it, I'm glad, for political reasons and it wasn't in the contract. when I ask to inspect the items to ensure we are compliant, at least two others said they were glad they were on there and would not remove them. Now as being the unreligious I find it offensive that some company would do that, and then that others would think its ok. Were not a christian Army. But as a major has pointed out it is ok to announce your love of this person in uniform and in public, but being anything else is still looked down upon. So yes there is and there are those that cross the line between public and private in the military. You can push religious services in uniform and formation, but you can't denounce them in the same setting. No the christians are not being discriminated against its all the rest. Just as spell check keeps making the "c" capital but the A in army is not recognized.

Response by SGT Nathan Huff made May 24 at 2014 11:41 AM

SGT Nathan Huff — Sat, 24 May 2014 11:41:48 -0400

As promised:

The military as an establishment is christian focused when it comes to spiritual support. The vast majority of chaplains are of the christian faith, there are Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish chaplains also. There are Zero (0) Pagan chaplains as of 2013.

There are other faiths that also have Zero (0) chaplains that I am aware of. My current focus though is on the Pagan(heathen, wiccan, witch, shaman, Asatru, ect..)

Another Soldier (of the Nordic faith)and myself (Eclectic Pagan) began working with our chaplain to find us a location to at least have a support group / Discussion group for those of our faith and anyone else who wished to attend.

Our first Chaplain shot us down, a few months later a new chaplain replaced the old one due to PCS orders. This new chaplain very amazing and very supportive of our desire. He gave us a back room of the Chapel on our post. And supported us in helping this group grow.

The next few months was a nightmare for us and our chaplain as we had to fight this through the chaplain chain of command, all the way up to 8th army EO. even after the orders came down to allow this, other chaplains were sending there assistants out to remove all of our flyers. All church services in that building were moved. That is just touching the surface of what went on.

The strangle hold the christian chaplains have upon religious freedom in the Army is honestly a disgrace, to our country and the constitution we have sworn to defend. Many of the reasons this happens in the army, is because of how a chaplain MUST be sponsored by there denomination and still be Ordained as a priest/ clergy of there faith. by supporting the Pagan faith groups, they risk loosing there sponsorship, and that would be the end of there carriers.

So yes there is religious discrimination within the military, but that is in part to the external bias.

Response by SSG William Sutter made May 24 at 2014 5:13 PM

SSG William Sutter — Sat, 24 May 2014 17:13:34 -0400

Religious discrimination is not lawful in the military. This also includes cracking jokes about other service members religion. I am an Equal Opportunity Leader in my organization I am will say this. Joking about someone's religion is not lawful and I will see to it that the regulation is met in what should be done with someone who does it. As far as any religion that is not in the regulation as far as what is authorized. If someone has a problem with it they can file the necessary paperwork requesting it go get added to the authorized list. Some religions are not authorized due to the nature of the religion. If, for any reason, the religion is not supportive of the good order and discipline of the Army then it will not be authorized.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2014 12:43 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 May 2014 12:43:41 -0400

I haven't noticed any religious discrimination in my command or surrounding units. I do believe it'd be better if it was kept private, I try to keep it that way myself. Why would I want someone to know my own private choice?

Response by PO1 Brian Palay made Jul 19 at 2014 6:23 AM

PO1 Brian Palay — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 06:23:37 -0400

I always was discrimated against for religion I just accepted that they didn't know enough of religion to let me go to temple so I just worked harded to show them up in every expect I could plus there is about 6 Jewish chaplains in the navy

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2014 2:21 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Jul 2014 14:21:34 -0400

I think the real problem is not that we do not believe in God, but that He does not believe in us....... Just saying!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 11 at 2014 3:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:24:34 -0500

I have been discriminated against in the army as a muslim. I joined in 1997. From 1997 to mid 2001 i never been or heard of any fellow muslim being discriminated against. from last 2001 to present. I have been called names, ask about my loyalty, touched, and denied awards, counseled and lost rank over being a muslims. all this has happen after i became a NCO.

events that happen to me, going backward order.

about 5 days ago. my unit taking I guess passports for our soon Africa deployment (nothing to do with Ebola, other side of Africa). Civilian picture taker ask me to take my Kufi off. I told him it was religious. he state that he knows and i have to take it. i tell him no. then then reports me. He had the chaplin take his off. I was not. I am told that if i don't take the picture i will be counseled. i look up the state department rules on it. there allow religious head gear as long as it doesn't cover your face. i inform him of this. He then state and the S1 NCO (Cpl) agrees that it not a state department thing. but a military thing, and the military doesn't allow that in official photos. I then inform them both that the military does allow it. and tell them of AR600-20, AR600-8-14, and AR670-1. I ask what regulation where they going off of. they had none. the civilian said he just didn't want to do it. i talk to the CPL off to the side and explained to him that as a NCO you need to learn to how to look up regulation. a simple google search would have exposed the civilian.

Called a ISIS member while during a release run on Fort Bliss (1 month ago), by a group of NCOs who where running the other directions. and the yelled it after i ran by. then they ran off. i was stop by other NCO from chasing them.

while in the PX (east Bliss), a lower ranking soldiers told me i was going to burn in hell, and needed to be kick out of the army for being a muslim. I just laugh, and pointed to his emply sleeve. (June 2014)

while in the PX (main post), I was followed by a group of NCOs (some Srs) around the PX for about 30 minutes. I then stop and confronted them. they ask why i was allowed in the army. they openly questioned my loyalty. I remember their name and reported them. (20 March 2014). I had only been on Bliss for about 2 weeks.

almost 2 years ago. I was cussed and and physical grabbed (3 or 4 times), by a 1SG. i stated that my religious head gear was allowed under army regulations. he continue to cuss, and said he didn't care about ARs. i pushed him away, mulit times. he continued to grab me, and tried to take my Kufi off. that when i punched him (multi times), then pushed him and hit him with a chair. after being grabbed by fellow NCOs and soldiers from hurting him more. i was arrest. to make a long story short. He was kickout. I was demoted to SGT.

3 years ago. while a OC at Fort McCoy. I was called Taliban member by a fellow NCO while walking in McCoy (post club), for lunch, and called other names by NCO. We then got into a argument. never saw that NCO again.

there are other sadly events. this is but a few. so yes there is discrimination in the army.

I would ask some of you to just read some of the comments made on rally point by officers, enlisted, and sadly fellow NCOs about Muslims. take out the word islam, Islamic, or Muslim and replace it with Chrisitan, or Jew. An tell me how you would feel if someone(s) post such stuff about your religion. but it ok to say about followers of Islam.

SGT Abdul-Aziz

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Nov 13 at 2014 3:22 PM

Cpl Brett Wagner — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 15:22:40 -0500

SSG V. Michelle Woods - Wow did I ever miss out on a great conversation here... I agree with what you have to say. The only religion that is safe to attack in today's world is Christianity. No one in our government or news agency dares say anything about Islam or any other religion.

Like the Kinks said "It's a mixed up muddled up shook up world" huh? One last comment I really dislike when someone takes scripture out of context and uses one or two sentences. The epistles of the new testament where meant to be read in context and with understanding of the social, political, economic situations at the time. So I don't think someone telling you Jesus doesn't want you to teach is wrong. Who is it that teaches a child from birth? I'm pretty sure that teaching has gone on since the dawn of man and God has never switched the roles for carrying and caring for a child. It's a good thing too because men would never go through all that it takes to birth and rear a child.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 3:52 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 15:52:06 -0500

I was going to make a comment about "religious discrimination" but somehow the thread took a different turn, in my opinion of course.

Two things that stood out for me as I was reading the rest of the comments. First was SSG V. Michelle Woods comment to SSG Hasbun, and I will paraphrase "..The Bible says to not debate such things with non believers because non believers couldn't possibly understand a book based on faith." As a Buddhist, this makes me a non-believer. So I ask you SSG V. Michelle Woods, could we have then a healthy mature conversation about your Christian faith or any Christian faith in general in interests of learning from one another or does the fact I'm a non-believer exclude me from said conversation?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, you mentioned in your comment "It still does NOT in any way negate the discrimination by other faiths and beliefs towards other faiths and beliefs (Muslims against Christians; Jews against Muslims; atheists against Christians; Buddhists against agnostics, etc, etc)." The last part intrigued me the most, as I am Buddhist. In my journey, I have not encountered any Buddhist I know that has discriminated against Agnostics, I myself have never discriminated an Agnostic. Was there a personal recollection that happened or that it happened to someone you know?

As a Buddhist, I seek Truth. In seeking truth we should discard the competitive attitudes and unite to work hand-in hand to achieve our noble aim of religious harmony for the well being of mankind. Man’s longing for answers to the three questions who am I, am I need and what I am doing here gave rise to various answers which eventually led to the development of religion. That is the purpose of every religion; to explain the workings of the universe and man’s place in that universe.

The Buddhist attitude of tolerance and understanding convinced many great thinkers , philosophers , rationalists ,freethinkers and even agnostics to appreciate Buddhism as a peaceful way of life devoid of fear and superstition . If we, the religionists(I don't think thats even a proper word) of today cannot get together to work in harmony without discrimination or hostility towards one another, the peace that we talk of would only remain as a dream.

There are many common virtues for religionists to introduce in theory and practice in the
name of religion, so that people may lead a righteous, peaceful and cultured way of life.
There is no need for us to belittle one another. If we do so, we would only pave the way for
the anti-religious groups who are waiting to ridicule and condemn all religions. We should not behave in such a way as to show our hostile attitude to our co-religionists. If we so, people will say that religions encourage mankind to be divided.

For me and me only, I think I shall refrain from commenting on any future topics concerning religion(s).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2014 3:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 15:51:40 -0500

PO2 Kleeger, my military experience has so far been similar to yours in regards to discrimination ( I still crack jokes with my friends in my former unit while still holding each other in high regards.) However, recently I have had my eyes opened up to there being people who have been discriminated against, most commonly for being Christians. It (the discrimination of religion) seems to me is coming from two sources:
A) the "new age" group who believes that all, or most, religions are same in their roots
B) the anti theist group, which to me seems to be ironic that those who believe there is no God wishes everyone to think in the same manner.

Just my personal view on matters

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 5:10 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 05:10:17 -0500

I concider myself a very religious man and the lord has answered my prayers many times. I was raised Presbyterian. I even have some LDS in the family. But what I do not do is disrespect and discriminate against those that may have a different belief than me. It amazes me that many who believe in christianity... Catholic, LDS, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestant, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Anglican, Baptists, Adventist, Jehovah's Witnesses etc etc etc. All believe they follow the right path. They all can quote from the bible and get ten different opinions from ten different people. But they just can't seem to get along with each other. By god they know they are right and you are wrong. And their path is the path to follow. But if they can't get along with each other how are they going to except a religion that is not Christian.

I think what is important is just having faith. Faith in what ever you believe in. Even if you are atheist or what ever direction you have chosen to intrust. Nobody truly knows which path is correct only that you get there. And trust in your faith and believe. Because in the end YOU will find out if your path was correct or not.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 4:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:05:45 -0500

Absolutely, there is discrimination in the Military, although I can only speak on the Army. As a female Muslim I was the butt of many jokes and comments...but I am secure in my beliefs and did not let that bother me. What did bother me is being forced to attend Christmas gatherings, at every military function having to pray "in the name of Jesus" and being denied of wearing hijab, which is the head covering, and if you can't imagine what it would look like, just picture a gator--which is standard issue in the Army.
First it was because "the hood on my gas mass wouldn't fit properly then because the stupid beret, (yes I said what every one else was thinking), then ultimately my Commander and AO said no, that it would "disrupt the good order" of the organization. So Jewish and Seik Soldiers can wear their perspective head gear but Muslims can't... is there any more blatant discrimination than that...Now that I am retired I wear my hijab everyday and I love it.
Thankfully that even though the Army isn't merciful, God is....

Response by PFC Jim Mills made Jan 4 at 2015 1:43 AM

PFC Jim Mills — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 01:43:17 -0500

I think the problem goes to the piint that as a country we were excepting of other views and now we cant even be excepted of our views!! This country was based on certain core values and we shouldn't have strayed from our beliefs! Shame on us

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jan 5 at 2015 9:51 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 09:51:53 -0500

It has only been a "thing" to persecute Christianity within the last 10-15 years or so...I do not ever remember it being an issue one way or the other for the first 15 or so of my career. I never remember a time when an issue was raised because we had a "moment" from the Chaplain before an FTX or gunnery or during any of the myriad of briefings I sat through on suicide prevention or any other topic. I shake my head as I witness things from the outside now and wonder to myself if we have gone overboard with the pc crap that society has so wholeheartedly embraced. Once again the Army and the military as a whole seem to be some sort of test bed for societal change.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 10:29 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 22:29:29 -0500

Never posted on RP before, but this issue is near and dear to my heart! I'm a Chaplain Assistant and have experience the... uglier side of discrimination because of my Faith. Why, I couldn't count the number of times fun has been poked at me. I even experienced an NCO ripping a Bible out of my hands as I was reading it and ask me "Do you really believe this stuff???"
But for the most part it doesn't bother people. The point of the Chaplain Corp is to support EVERYONE.

Nurture the living, care for the wounded, honor the dead!

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Feb 25 at 2015 12:31 AM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 00:31:32 -0500

I never cared about who was what religion, didn't matter to me as long as it wasn't forced on me.. the only time I got mad though i didn't show it was when a major felt the need to read the bible to me.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2017 5:27 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 17:27:40 -0500

Atheism/Agnosticism isn't very well tolerated. I can't tell you how many invocations I've been forced to sit through.

Oh well, it just a part of life.