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

You've raised an interesting issue and one which has been asked as long as the military has conducted ceremonies.

Ceremonies generally celebrate or observe momentous occasions for those involved. For many, it's fitting or proper to give thanks to a divine being whom they believe enabled success or grants protection and wisdom for the task ahead. As you've noted, some do not subscribe to any belief system which a divine being. They choose to believe in reason and moral philosophy. Each of these are individual choices we all make.

Chaplains are cognizant of this plethora of belief systems and strive to be respectful towards all those present for ceremonies. This is why many prayers sound generic and are short.

In certain settings, the chaplain might introduce a disclaimer and invitation to join in a prayerful attitude according to your own tradition.

Whether to bow one's head or not is a challenging issue given the myriad of beliefs and non-belief in operation in any given formation. Even this can be limiting for both the believer and non-believer. One might wish to stand rigidly looking forward while another wishes to lie prostrate or reach arms spread towards upper realms. I think the slight bowing of the head is a minimal request for respect towards others, but would be hard pressed to ever demand someone do so as it crosses a line of forced practice. At the same time, I would find it hard to stop someone from kneeling if he or she felt strongly. As a chaplain I would advise them that prayers are still heard in any position. (For those who believe in a divine being.)

In short, personal practices are important at the individual and collective level and we each must respect one another while navigating public events in an organization driven by uniformity in appearance. There is no easy answer, but mutual respect is key.

Well, its certianly your right not to bow your head, or express your opinion where appropriate. Now that we all agree on what you have the right to do, let us consider what is right to do. It is my personal belief that this thing called polite society is a good thing as it helps people from all walks of life to get along. So, is it right for me to remind all my atheist friends evey day that they are are going straight to hades? Of course not it makes for unproductive, unnecessary awkward silences and, frankly, short lived friendships. So after that long winded statment is it right for you to stand quietly during an invocation? Of course it is. No one is forcing you to convert, do somthing vulgar, and most importantly cause your death.

Who says you have to bow your head. I was a agnostic atheist for most of my time in the military. Even after my conversion I don't bow my head. I believe that there is a reason that we have anthropomorphized God as "Our" father." I know if I bowed my head before my Earthly father his response would be "WTF are you doing?"

Religion does not belong at the workplace. I am far from an atheist and that is the closest you will get to knowing my religion. I am an Army Officer and nurse and that is what guides me.

Believe me, you are not alone! And it's not just Atheists. Pagans across the military are likewise "in the closet" about their beliefs. Most of this is because we do not have representation the way most other faiths do. All sects of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and now even Hindu have Chaplain Corps representation. But Pagans do not. As for Atheism (I hit on this on another thread), it would be near impossible to have an Atheist Chaplain. Not because the numbers aren't there, but because it isn't really logical to have a religious leader who has no religion. Atheism in and of itself cannot be classified as a religion because it is literally the LACK of religion.

As for your freedom to express your views, you are welcomed to share them, regardless of the reception. It is illegal and immoral for anyone to try and silence your belief simply because it differs from theirs.

I am always here, and you can spark any theological debate with me any time! We don't have to believe the same thing for me to care about and support you as my comrade and my sister-at-arms!

SPC(P) AnnMarie Gonzales Have to agree with you that non-believers should not be subjected to mandatory or near-mandatory exposure to or participation in prayers to anyone. The same probably rankles people of other than Christian faiths who may not appreciate a moment of silence in honor of a Christian God. It is my understanding that the Armed Services are coming to acknowledge the bind they put some people in and may be limiting the amount of praying at group functions.

For the same reason why a lot of gay individuals are still in the closet: You are in a minority, but you can easily hide it....and people do not like being in the minority.

Nowhere in the First Amendment is there event the slightest hint toward "freedom from religion." Thank God.

The courage of your position and belief should be strong enough to handle those who believe in a supreme being. Be prepared to handle some of what the zealots throw at you. Westwood Baptist Church has given a swollen eye to Fundamental Christians. I was born and raised a southern baptist and I don't know any who favorable view those biased and bigoted people. Be yourself. True to self. Anyone who would attempt to force another to believe or behave a particular way, has some real problems with their personal strength and faith. Cheers

So don't bow your head. Easy answer. You guys seem to confuse the idea of freedom of religion with freedom from religion. One you have, the other you don't.