Why are so many atheists in the military "in the closet"?

I don't bow my head during the invocation/prayer. NOBODY can make you do that!

I'm an atheist, generally I dont let ceremony bother me, its tradition, tradition is just something the military does.

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.

SPC AnnMarie Gonzales, your beliefs are as valid as any one else's. And pushing one's beliefs onto others is never appropriate - in either direction.

As a rabbi, I have always been very troubled by mandatory prayer in Jesus' name. While the majority of our country are Christian, the First Amendment Separation Clause makes it very clear that this is NOT a "Christian Country".

The reality is that the majority in the military are conservative and Christian - to be something other is often a handicap, so many keep their views private, and suffer as part of the group. I know I did, and I'm not an Atheist, so it must be worse for you...

I come from a highly legalistic, completely hypocritical, religious background, so there were a number of years when I was in the service that I was very ANTI-God.

During that time I bowed my head during prayer out of respect... not out of belief. Call it meditation, call it a moment of silence... I certainly wasn't participating in someone else's faith.

I draw a parallel between that and the playing of the National Anthem. When I personally hear the music, it takes me to a different place and mindset, it fills me with pride, thoughts of comrades and country... there are times when it even brings a tear to my eye... not everyone feels that though, as evidenced by the guy playing on his phone... I can't make him feel what I feel, but I do think it's common courtesy for him to show respect.

I eventually came to terms with my FAITH... but I still have feelings ranging from pity to spite for religion. Some of my friends that display the most morality and integrity identify themselves as atheists, and some of the worst cases of theft have come from people who loudly advertise themselves as Christians.

Sometimes it's just a case of doing as the Romans do when in Rome.

I hardly ever know the religious beliefs of those at my table unless they are close to me. By close I do not mean proximity. I will bow my head, pray or not, etc out of respect to the group. What meaning I give is up to me and what meaning the others give is up to them.

Why do we have to make it an issue?

Simple respect for each other should suffice.

I really didn't think that was a thing. I can't say I know many soldiers that really talk about faith to be honest. I will say that I am Deist. I will respect all faiths. I don't have an issue with bowing my head. I see it as paying respect to my follow soldiers. I am sure if I asked for some special consideration they would abide by it too. It would be the same if you were of another faith, say Islam, and you asked for some silence while you prayed. Then your fellow soldiers said "I don't have to be quiet. I am not Muslim!" It is about being a decent person and respecting another. I bow my head. I don't talk to anyone. I don't think intercessory pray really does anything but I will still respect those that do. As the very least you can close your eyes and take a quick nap.

Because there can be negative repercussions to being anything other than Christian in the military.

Prayer involves more than simply bowing one's head. Prayer is between an individual and their god, or whatever their spiritual alignment might be. I don't have one, but that doesn't mean I have to show disrespect to others who do. I have no problem with lowering my eyes, or head and contemplating other things for the whole 20 seconds it takes for others to have their ghost chats.

Put the energy into your career, it will do more of you than fighting tradition.