Should religion/prayers be included at military events?

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 16:35:40 -0500

I'm not trying to beat up such a common topic but all the discussion raises a simple question in my mind. Should religion/prayers continue to be included at military events?

I was recently asked if anyone in our in my chain of command advocates for or against a specific religion. My answer was an easy "no" but then I started thinking about it later on. We have prayers at the beginning of most events we attend. Chaplains are leading prayers at everything from PME graduations to promotion ceremonies and so on.

My answer to the original question is still no because I've never seen a leader at any level "push" a specific religion on anyone.

The fact that this is such a hot topic makes it hard for me to understand why prayers are still a staple of most military events. My thought would be to take it out these types of events and end the bickering over it. I believe what I believe and the path I've chosen whether or not someone addresses it at the next formal event.

Please understand these are just my thoughts/opinions and I look at it like nothing more. Also, I do not hold anyone else's opinion against them. I simply think this issue has become more complicated than it should be because everyone is worried about what's been done to accommodate their personal beliefs. I look at it like I don't need anyone else to do these things in such forums to validate my beliefs.

So, do you think prayers should continue to be included at military events?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2014 4:41 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 16:41:22 -0500

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member, I do think that prayers are appropriate at the ceremonies and events you mentioned, but after hearing the other side of the argument from atheists here on RallyPoint, I could certainly see the argument that prayers are out of bounds because they advocate for belief in God, and that is (possibly/probably) offensive to atheists.

My personal beliefs are 100% in line with having a chaplain at an event, saying a prayer.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2014 7:16 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 19:16:11 -0500

Sir,

If I have it right: You understand how others feel but still desire to have your personal beliefs addressed in front of a captive and diverse audience.

I know many people that would respond the same way but I just can't wrap my head around it.

Response by SFC Melker Johansson made Nov 18 at 2014 9:25 PM

SFC Melker Johansson — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 21:25:18 -0500

If prayers should be included at military events, they need offer the opportunity for people of other faiths to pray to their divinity. It cannot be an exclusive thing for just the Judeo-Christian belief systems. How about a public prayer to the Flying Spaghetti Monster?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2014 9:35 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 21:35:41 -0500

I would say that having a chaplain at events is important. It spiritual growth is one of our pillars of strength we push in the USAF and it is a tradition that is carried on. For retirements, promotions and things of a personal nature it is up to the honored individual if they would like a chaplain. This is more about providing spiritual support vs. pushing one religion or another. Since events like graduations and ceremonies are meant to recognize personal growth in life (usually the prayers are non-denominational) and about belief in one's self and accomplishment.

Response by SFC Brian Vasquez made Nov 19 at 2014 12:50 AM

SFC Brian Vasquez — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 00:50:18 -0500

This country was founded by biblical beliefs..we are the only country who turn there back on our God for the sake of political or social acceptance or pressures. Every religion has prayer...and only three dont belief in a god as a higher power or a creator..thats satanist, wiccan and athiest

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 9:52 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 21:52:28 -0500

People are finding so much to be offended by lately, I don't see how anything gets done anymore. Maybe that is why things are going downhill these days, everyone is so focused on being offended that everything else becomes less important?

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Jan 11 at 2015 1:39 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 13:39:42 -0500

My 2 cents... Absolutely!

I say this not directed toward any one religion but with the definition of what prayer is.

Merriam Webster defines prayer as: a (1) : an address (as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought (2) : a set order of words used in praying

Oxford defines it as: a solemn request for help; or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship.

When I graduated from PLDC in the stone age... we had a SNCO deliver the benediction... "give this new Sergeants the strength and fortitude to..." as a new CO came on board the Chaplain would say a prayer for his time in command... when we went to war... the Chaplain and even I said a little prayer to my unit... lets do this... do it right... and go home!

Been kicking around for 30 years and never had a chaplain push a specific religion... unlike my peers and seniors. Prayers that have been offered up to "Big Sky 6" at an event have been done so as "we" would like a favorable outcome to a specific endeavor/undertaking... and or offering up a "Great Big Thanks" for a favorable outcome to an endeavor/undertaking. That's it.

Well... my 2 cents anyways.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 12 at 2015 1:39 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 13:39:01 -0500

Before we went downrange, we would gather in a tight circle , lay hands on each others hands and offer a prayer that all went well, I am saddened to find out that it is not done as much anymore as widely as it used to be.

Response by SR Javier Betancourt made Jan 12 at 2015 1:39 PM

SR Javier Betancourt — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 13:39:34 -0500

I believe we should not remove Prayers from military events although there is sposed to be a line drawn to accommodate those of different beliefs I'm not saying to stop for a certain amount of people but to allow those to be dismissed

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2015 6:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jan 2015 18:29:01 -0500

In some cases prayer is tastefully done, and in others it's a 5 minute sermon to a captive audience. Why not simply offer a moment of silence so that people can pray/reflect on the event at hand? Best of both worlds, everyone gets to pray/reflect together and no one is abusing the moment to push their theology on everyone else.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 13 at 2015 2:59 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 14:59:22 -0500

There is a fine line between traditional prayers and overly religious ones. My faith is extremely important to me but I don't want to shove it down anyone's throat. Having said that, the tradition of a prayer before ceremonies goes back to when our country was founded.

I find that at the end, just saying "In Your Name, Amen" really can be a great way of being inclusive yet appeasing many faiths. When we say it in a group, we can still make it a personal comment.

Prayer is a time for reflection, meditation, humbling ourselves, taking a step back to think, among many other benefits. I use it to talk to God, others can use it to do what they see fit as long as it is respectful.

Response by SMSgt Ottis West made Jan 15 at 2015 9:04 PM

SMSgt Ottis West — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 21:04:55 -0500

Did a little research.
Prayer has been a part of America since her founding, and has defined her in government, military, and spirit. Congressional statutes, first passed in 1775, require: 1) Exemplary Conduct and; 2) prayer and Divine Services in the US Armed Forces, which were fully practiced and enforced until the last few decades.

With that said I think prayer should continue for purely selfish reasons as I am a Christian. However, with respect to others faith or lack their of a moment of silence works just as well for me allowing me to pray as I see fit. Most public prayers in the military are speeches today anyway and are almost devoid of God and hardly ever refer to Christ.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 9:13 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 21:13:23 -0500

Prayers has always been alright with me as long they are generally inclusive. Even though my beliefs defer from the Soldiers in my left or right. I still show proper respect. That's what's all about at the end of the day. Bullets or IED's do not distinguish if you believe in deity or not.

Response by CW3 Eddy Vleugels made Jan 18 at 2015 11:33 AM

CW3 Eddy Vleugels — Sun, 18 Jan 2015 11:33:10 -0500

I would say definitely not. Prayers have no place in an official ceremony.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2015 4:08 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 16:08:34 -0500

If it's a retirement ceremony, I can respect the choice of the honoree to have a chaplain there to say a prayer, if they so desire. Otherwise, I like SSG Private RallyPoint Member's suggestion to have a moment of silence in lieu of a prayer at a military ceremony. I think it would be appropriate for the chaplain to lead the moment of silence as well.

I attended a family function (social gathering) for my husband's old unit and a prayer was said. At the time, I felt uncomfortable, or at least sensitive to the fact that another family present was clearly not of the Christian faith. I can only imagine how these situations might be off-putting or a deterrent to maximum participation.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made Jan 21 at 2015 1:54 AM

MSG Scott McBride — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 01:54:46 -0500

I'm not a religious man, never have been. It is a tradition however and I have no opinion one way or another; when the Chap says bow your head, I just stand quietly...too each his own.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Jan 21 at 2015 1:58 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 01:58:00 -0500

If you want to have a quick prayer, go for it. Just don't make a sermon out of it. I can sit quietly for a minute. Can we then have a minute for every other religion that wants to prey their way? Might be a very long intro. Us atheists will just play a game of poker while everybody does their thing.

Response by SGT Marika Waiters made Jan 21 at 2015 5:50 PM

SGT Marika Waiters — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 17:50:19 -0500

Someone once said "there are no atheists in fizzles." I think that says it all.

Response by MSgt Jarrod Tanner made Jan 22 at 2015 11:20 AM

MSgt Jarrod Tanner — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 11:20:23 -0500

I am not going to say whether or not prayer should be at an event. however, instead of asking if prayer should be allowed at an event, you should ask if religion should be in the military period. What I mean if you question praying at an event you are also questioning if a pastors, priest, fathers, or ministers should wear the uniform. This would mean no last rights read when someone passes on the battle field.

Be careful what you question, it could cause you, your friend, or co-worker out of a job.

Just my 2 cents.

Jarrod

Response by COL Robert Davies made Jan 30 at 2015 6:14 PM

COL Robert Davies — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 18:14:03 -0500

In for a penny or a pound. As far as I have seen I may be the only Senior Army Chaplain that has responded. This seems to only be discussing public ceremonies that are mandatory attendance; changes of command and the like. The Chief of Chaplains' expectation was that his chaplains knew Army Regulation and his policy that we would pray generically so as to not infringe upon the rights and sensitivities of anyone in attendance. Memorials are a little different and are worship services.

That being said there were a few Junior Chaplains who thought is was their "God given right" to step on anyone and everyone's toes as often as possible and to the greatest degree possible. Needless to say they were in violation of both AR and CC policy and hurting every other chaplain who was secure enough in their faith not to beat others over the head to feel better about themselves and their faith.

As far as I know I never stepped on or infringed upon anyone's toes in more than 27 years in both active and reserve service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 7:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 19:45:19 -0500

Simply put yes. The longer I am in the more I see any Prayer or Religious discussion being pushed to the back corner not to be heard from.

Response by CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 8:19 PM

CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 20:19:43 -0500

Prayers are pro-forma and part of a ceremony. Anyone can be asked to offer gratitude for those being honored. The one who prays also needs to have the sensitivity to know the audience and the occasion. I prefer that the one who prays does not say "we" when praying, as s/he is not praying for/with all. They should pray "I," as they may be the only one praying to their God. Those who are present need not join in the prayer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2015 11:35 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 23:35:18 -0500

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member absolutely. This country was founded on religious freedom, why not exercise it? I feel a well done prayer, not sermon, should be done as a blessing to open and close a ceremony. This can be done without forcing people to listen to a sermon or feel like they were being pushed towards religion, rather just a blessing.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made Jan 31 at 2015 12:38 AM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 00:38:27 -0500

The best way to put it is, "it depends". Most ceremonies have some type of invocation (non denominational one). There might be a ceremony that does not call for it.

In Italy I had the honor to fill in for the Garrison Commander on several of his events. Every Italian military event that I attended had a 1 hour mass prior of the ceremony. It is part of their culture. And with the culture comes lots of wine afterwards.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 9:08 AM

CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 09:08:15 -0500

Since 1789, all US service members have sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution. The First Amendment guarantees the right of every American citizen to free speech and the free exercise of religion. As a chaplain and born-again Christian, I hold my right to worship Jesus Christ so strongly that I will defend your right to worship the Flying Spaghetti Monster. We cannot allow our government to strip religious liberty from our military any more than the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Response by Maj Robert Sugg made Feb 2 at 2015 9:45 AM

Maj Robert Sugg — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 09:45:55 -0500

If you are at all interested in this subject, please read the article originally posted in the Air & Space Power Journal. It should save opinions based on misunderstanding.

http://www.au.af.mil/au/afri/aspj/digital/pdf/articles/2014-May-Jun/F-Sugg.pdf

Response by 1LT Mark Murphy made Feb 2 at 2015 6:45 PM

1LT Mark Murphy — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 18:45:29 -0500

Former 57X here (Chaplain Candidate). There are many ways to do pray without offending people, and still not feeling like you betrayed your conscience, or one's fealty to High King Jesus. Some evangelicals feel that saying, "in Jesus' name I pray, amen", is critical. However, to make a long story short, the Lord's Prayer, located in the gospels, does not have that tag line in it, and it's the model prayer Christ have us. So, being an evangelical myself, I feel no requirement to say, "in Jesus' name, amen."...that being said, if a commander ever told me specifically not to pray in Jesus' name, I would be compelled by the honor of my Lord to tell that commander, "well, sorry sir, but, that means that now, if you task me to pray at this function, I have to pray 'in Jesus' name'". That's how an LTC Chaplain that I respect handled it...actually, at one mandatory outing, he ended his prayer, "and as a Christian I pray, in Jesus' name, amen" (I'd have to double check that wording from the book he wrote that I read for a chaplain class at seminary). Afterwards, a Jewish man walked up to him and thanked him for praying in the way that he did!

All the aforementioned goes a little beyond what you are talking about, but I felt it relavent. To tell the truth, I think it's good, because it gives those Soldiers who do have a relationship with God the chance to express themselves religiously. It doesn't cause an undo entanglement or relationship between any faith and the government, in my opinion.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 1:45 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 13:45:13 -0500

Absolutely. One of the biggest problems the military has is SUICIDE. I listen to all the reasons on how to help a Soldier deal with issues and NEVER have I heard anyone talk about seeking you faith. It's always, support groups, family, peers ect. All that is very essential but without you FAITH it's all a mouthful of fruit salad. Faith is what keeps it all together and puts it into persepctive.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 5:19 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 17:19:35 -0500

I think that Soldiers should be allowed the time. Our unit does have a Chaplain that is supportive of it. Worship time is scheduled in during drill, and I'm fully supportive of continuing the practice as I have assumed command.

Why? Those that do not wish to endorse the services are welcome to not participate. They may engage in other religious practices, or utilize the time for their own self-reflection. Prayer at the dining out was a quick one, and I see no reason why it would not. Nobody asks you to subscribe to the same, and if you wish to pray to a different God or just silently respect the views of the rest, that is fine.

The problem is that people want to give up everything that could offend someone. If that's the case, should pork be offered at dining outs? Should people be allowed to have drill on Saturday (Sabbath)? Do we discipline people that wish to pray??

Exposure is part of tolerance. I have no problems accommodating a religious belief, but do expect that to go both ways. If I find out a Soldier is trying to dictate a religion or belittling another member for holding different beliefs, I would be more than happy to provide education and or disciplinary action.
v/r,
CPT BUtler

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 5:20 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 17:20:46 -0500

It's tradition. It's tradition. It's tradition.

Why do people want to effortlessly change long standing traditions merely to avoid offending a few people?

This is getting out of hand.

When the CH says, "pray with me," or "bow your heads," just go ahead and pull out your phone and play Words with Friends. No one will care.

Response by MSgt Michelle Mondia made Feb 14 at 2015 6:03 PM

MSgt Michelle Mondia — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 18:03:12 -0500

I've heard prayer called "reflection" and then it includes everyone. That keeps it all inclusive, still a little spiritual but not overtly religious in nature.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Feb 14 at 2015 6:14 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 18:14:25 -0500

Last week I did the National Anthem and the Invocation for an awards ceremony. Here's my thought. Whether you believe in prayer/God or not; what problem do you have with someone wishing goodness upon you and thanking their God for you? They are expressing gratitude and thankfulness. I'd be focused on that more than on who they think they should thank for it. That's just my $5.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Feb 14 at 2015 10:21 PM

LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 22:21:25 -0500

I think we should. Increasingly I am seeing different religious groups participating in invocations and benedictions. I think that is good.

Tradition is that we open and close with a heart of thankfulness and gratitude. During that time period, people should be able to do what they want in any way.

Meditation is good for everyone, regardless of your religion. I pray during that time period but others can do other things.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2015 9:58 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Feb 2015 21:58:17 -0500

I say yes. I don't have any heart burn with a Muslim/Jewish/Protestant/Christian priest/pastor/rabi/imam leading prayers because I will pray the way I want according to my beliefs.

Response by Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay made Feb 16 at 2015 1:00 PM

Sgt Ramon Nacanaynay — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 13:00:15 -0500

Check-out "The War Prayer" by Mark Twain and feel the irony.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2015 1:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 13:01:38 -0500

Yes. Invocations are appropriate

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Feb 16 at 2015 6:05 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 18:05:49 -0500

Sure, why not? Some folks get really get wrapped up in religion, the opiate of the masses. I've been to many things that had a prayer. I just quietly and respectively stood/sat thru them and am happy to report nothing bad befell me from hearing them.

Response by SGT Christina Barron made Feb 17 at 2015 12:39 PM

SGT Christina Barron — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 12:39:32 -0500

Any prayers should in no way be addressed to any specific deity. And those offering prayers should be sensitive to the religious beliefs of the Service Members so as to try not to offend anyone (someone will probably be offended anyway, but try to not offend them). That being said, Chaplains cannot go against the tenets of their endorsing denomination, either.

I am aware that some Service Members claim to be atheist, so they will not want prayers of any kind. (On a side note, when bullets are flying at them, they will likely be asking some nameless, faceless being to keep them alive, and that fits my definition of prayer, so are they really atheist?)

I believe more and more Service Members are indicating they are Non-Denominational or No Religious Preference, not that they are Atheist, so I would hope they would not be offended by a simple prayer to a non-specific Deity.

On the other hand, there are still many Service Members who hold varying degrees of specific religious beliefs. Many of them would be offended if no prayer was offered as they embark on whatever new step in their military career is happening.

Public prayer should also be given be the appropriate person. At my WLC graduation, we didn't have a Chaplain present, so we as students were asked to nominate someone to give the prayer, then the Cadre selected from the nominees. The Soldier selected had previously told me that she was an Atheist, and that offended me, as a believer, that someone who professed a disbelief in any Deity was asked to pray for all of us. Yes, her prayer was worded well, but if she didn't believe in what she was praying, it seemed to me to be insincere, hypocritical, and disrespectful to those of us who do believe in a Deity.

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Feb 17 at 2015 12:42 PM

SFC Walt Littleton — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 12:42:22 -0500

I am a Christian and even though I have my beliefs and the ability to spread the word I don't preach it as if my religion is better than anyone else's. So yes I think it is significant to pray to your God or your religion. It is what has kept us moral and allows AMERICANS to fight for the freedoms of others. As I like to say AMERICANS for the most part are fighters of Evil in this world and it should always be this way. A prime example is the world today. Our President has made it clear he is not a Christian and does not think we should be the moral leader of the free world and just look at world events and how they are worsening each day. If you look at each religion of the world the premise is to be moral, live and love one another. All religious wars and viciousness be used throught time have been by DICTATORS who's primary goal is to use religion, fear and intimidation to control the populations. They do this by installing fear and insuring populations are not allowed to be educated except by them. To some it up, prayer is needed and should be used often. It doesn't have to be my God or religion it's a moral pledge to stay that way. I've been a non-believer and now I know a better happier way of living.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 1:08 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 13:08:33 -0500

If you can pray fervently when bullets are flying in your direction, it seems only reasonable to allow time for a little prayer when they are not!

Response by Maj Chris Koch made Feb 17 at 2015 3:32 PM

Maj Chris Koch — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 15:32:59 -0500

No!

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Feb 17 at 2015 8:13 PM

SGT Mark Sullivan — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 20:13:00 -0500

There is nothing the matter with a decent Benediction at the beginning of an event. Whether you believe in God or not, it's not going to kill you unless you're the anti-christ. Many people like a short sweet Benediction before a ceremony.

Response by SGT James Murphy made Feb 18 at 2015 1:41 AM

SGT James Murphy — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 01:41:55 -0500

Again.... YES! Here is the oath for those whom may have forgot! http://youtu.be/GtjQjGTEylo

U.S. Armed Forces Oath of Enlistment - Hear the Text

Listen to and read the text of the United States Armed Forces Oath of Enlistment, taken by marines, soldiers, airmen, sailors, and guardians. This oath was e...

Response by PO2 Christopher Clark made Feb 18 at 2015 2:12 PM

PO2 Christopher Clark — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:12:25 -0500

Absolutely

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 12:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:46:46 -0500

When you have someone who prays, it is part of who we are as a military and a Nation. But because of everyone's personal belief. .... it has spiraled out of control. No I have nothing against anyone who does not believe in what I believe in. But, that does not mean I have to stop praying. And it also means that you do not have to listen when it is done at the beginning or the end of any military ceremony that we all have attended once or twice in our military careers.

Ones opinion is just that. And when we go away from that...... then it becomes an issue. Let those who want to be heard, heard. But, I don't have to believe or listen. That's all.

Response by SGT Anthony Bussing made May 22 at 2015 7:02 PM

SGT Anthony Bussing — Fri, 22 May 2015 19:02:50 -0400

no! religion should be included in anything other then religious services...

if you want to pray...fine and dandy...do it on your own time...

just my 2 cents worth

Response by SGT James Murphy made May 25 at 2015 11:28 AM

SGT James Murphy — Mon, 25 May 2015 11:28:38 -0400

Always! Please Read John 3:16.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2015 12:27 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2015 12:27:15 -0400

No.

I'm not offended by religious ceremonies. I find it incredulous to be expected to participate in one, however.

That the army takes the first amendment for granted and blatantly defies it so often and so thoughtlessly IS offensive to me.

edit: take -> takes, removed redundant "however"

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 25 at 2015 12:30 PM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Mon, 25 May 2015 12:30:40 -0400

Yes, but there are ways to do it respectfully. No one can force anyone to bow heads or even pray though. Never forget that

Response by SPC Alejandro Martinez made May 25 at 2015 2:36 PM

SPC Alejandro Martinez — Mon, 25 May 2015 14:36:10 -0400

Prayer should be allowed. Christian hopefully.

Response by SFC Alvis Petrey made Jun 3 at 2015 7:07 PM

SFC Alvis Petrey — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 19:07:33 -0400

Yes is my answer. Of the 22 yrs in the service I was never pushed to any one religion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 9:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:33:56 -0500

To me, absolutely! Many others might disagree, and that is what makes our nation great! The freedom to say either way!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 6 at 2015 9:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 09:35:54 -0500

no , in the pic above,what if one of those dudes was a Muslim or Hindu? and the Chaplin does not know that ? that would be totally wrong and uncomfortable. that's why religion should not be part of ceremonies but only meant for last rights .

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Nov 6 at 2015 2:18 PM

CH (LTC) Robert Leroe — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 14:18:28 -0500

Chaplains traditionally offer a non-sectarian prayer at change-of-command ceremonies, dining-ins, balls, retirement ceremonies, bldg dedications, etc. I had a Co Cdr in Korea say to me "Hell, no". He was 6 klicks from the DMZ and didn't want any help from Above. OK. We could all use a blessing.

Response by MSgt Mike Ruikka made Feb 24 at 2016 2:09 AM

MSgt Mike Ruikka — Wed, 24 Feb 2016 02:09:53 -0500

In my 40 plus years around the military(dependant and my own service) I never once heard a chaplain press one religion over another. My understanding of chaplain duties is to minister to the troops for regular services(Sunday) and spiritual guidance during times of personal hardship. Most places I was at had, at most, 3 or 4 chaplains, who would often cross the lines of other religions, not to influence, but to offer advice on some problem. And just because we join the military, doesn't mean we gave up any of our Constitutional rights. Prayers, in whatever form, are generally generic in form. And most of us were open minded enough, not to be offended by a prayer meant to offer reassurance.

Response by SGT James Murphy made Feb 25 at 2016 6:29 PM

SGT James Murphy — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 18:29:02 -0500

I'm an old guys so we always respected our Chaplin and Always Prayed. In some smaller ASA outfits we all went to meals at the same time and our Capt. Lead The Meal Prayer. He was Catholic so we said the Catholic Prayer. I'm Lutheren so no big Deal I thought and we even had some athiests and one or two Jews who had no trouble with it. We actually said had the Jewish Prayer on two events that I remember being their High Holidays... so again No Big Deal. This Political Correct Bull has got to stop! WE ARE A CHRISTIAN NATION! By Population so Suck It Up ButterCup! We're going to be doing Christian Prayers in MY HOUSE. I believe this should extend to the Military as well.

Response by SPC Alejandro Martinez made Feb 29 at 2016 9:52 PM

SPC Alejandro Martinez — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 21:52:33 -0500

Yes, prayers should continue to be included at military events. They should be less than 5 minutes long no matter the content.

Response by CH (LTC) Robert Leroe made Mar 3 at 2016 2:36 PM

CH (LTC) Robert Leroe — Thu, 03 Mar 2016 14:36:15 -0500

When I prayed at military balls and change of command ceremonies, I tried to be inclusive. Since this was a "command performance," I did not want to offend those who had to be there...so I would end my prayers with either "In Your strong and mighty Name, Amen", or "In Your thrice-holy Name, Amen." When fellow-Christian chaplains objected to this, I reminded them that the model "Lord's Prayer" did not end "in Jesus' Name." The worldview of a prayer determines whether it is Christian.

Response by SSG Samuel Kermon made May 31 at 2020 7:28 AM

SSG Samuel Kermon — Sun, 31 May 2020 07:28:13 -0400

Keep the prayers.