Posted on Jun 18, 2015
Why are so many atheists in the military "in the closet"?
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Atheists in the military, many of us are in the closet about it.
Why is this?
My reasoning is because I would never want to tell someone what they should and should not believe (that's impossible). However, I think it's ridiculous that I have to participate in bowing my head in "group prayer" at award ceremonies and graduations.
I have never attacked anyone based on their beliefs.
Some how it's okay for theists to share their views on religion, but I'm not allowed mine? Why is my opinion considered a threat?
I think freedom from religion should be more widely accepted in our military.
Thoughts?
Why is this?
My reasoning is because I would never want to tell someone what they should and should not believe (that's impossible). However, I think it's ridiculous that I have to participate in bowing my head in "group prayer" at award ceremonies and graduations.
I have never attacked anyone based on their beliefs.
Some how it's okay for theists to share their views on religion, but I'm not allowed mine? Why is my opinion considered a threat?
I think freedom from religion should be more widely accepted in our military.
Thoughts?
Atheism
Religion
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 50
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I don't bow my head during the invocation/prayer. NOBODY can make you do that!
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I'm an atheist, generally I dont let ceremony bother me, its tradition, tradition is just something the military does.
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SPC(P) AnnMarie Gonzales
I don't bow at prayers or invocations.
My dog tags have said Atheist on them since day one.
I agree it is ridiculous that there is an invocation during every ceremony.
Theists can share they're religious views because there beliefs are similar. Different sects of Christians, or Jewish, or Muslims agree on the big picture, their god created the universe. They can argue over whose god is right. As an Atheist your view is seen by the more fundamental members as a threat. It can pull members from the flock.
Ultimately I hope both the religious and non-religious Soldier are striving for truth. But if you run into a fundamentalist on either side of the religious debate in your unit or chain of command, just tell them that talking about this topic with them makes you uncomfortable. And if they don't stop, or they use their position to negatively influence you because of yours, report it through the appropriate channels.
I don't bow at prayers or invocations.
My dog tags have said Atheist on them since day one.
I agree it is ridiculous that there is an invocation during every ceremony.
Theists can share they're religious views because there beliefs are similar. Different sects of Christians, or Jewish, or Muslims agree on the big picture, their god created the universe. They can argue over whose god is right. As an Atheist your view is seen by the more fundamental members as a threat. It can pull members from the flock.
Ultimately I hope both the religious and non-religious Soldier are striving for truth. But if you run into a fundamentalist on either side of the religious debate in your unit or chain of command, just tell them that talking about this topic with them makes you uncomfortable. And if they don't stop, or they use their position to negatively influence you because of yours, report it through the appropriate channels.
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SPC(P) AnnMarie Gonzales
I think you're one of the few people who could actually relate to my post. I guess other people misunderstood my intentions. This post wasn't about hurt feelings, but if anyone else experienced that same.
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WO1 (Join to see)
SPC(P) AnnMarie Gonzales
Thank you. There are a bunch more of us on here. But I haven't seen them in this thread yet.
1LT L S SPC (Join to see) among many others.
Whenever you say the A-word in a thread like this, you will get commenters who prove your point.
Thank you. There are a bunch more of us on here. But I haven't seen them in this thread yet.
1LT L S SPC (Join to see) among many others.
Whenever you say the A-word in a thread like this, you will get commenters who prove your point.
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