Why do you feel that your religion is appropriate in the military ?

2015-04-12T21:11:50-04:00

I have read so many posts on RallyPoint with different people giving their 2 cents about how they feel is "right" when it comes to religion in the military.

So what makes you right and another person wrong?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 9:38 PM

2015-04-12T21:38:39-04:00

I do not feel that any particular religion is necessarily appropriate.

We should be able to worship as we choose without forcing our beliefs on any one else.

That is the problem, everyone wants to force their opinion instead of allowing others to maintain theirs.

Lets be free to choose.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Apr 13 at 2015 3:31 AM

2015-04-13T03:31:16-04:00

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

With that said, we are Constitutionally guaranteed to practice the religion of our choosing. Yes I realize that people on active duty must make certain concessions while in uniform, practicing on base, etc.

For example, some Native American tribes I believe take peyote as part of their practice (Natives please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) and Rastafari practitioners smoke marijuana as part of their religion. Obviously the military and for the most part our government prohibit taking illegal drugs (drug legalization is a topic for another discussion).

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made Apr 13 at 2015 5:08 AM

2015-04-13T05:08:23-04:00

well while i served i did not have any faith so we did not speak of it
now every relegion think they are the one but if you look into it don't they all
hope for the same thing peace and harmony

Response by PO2 Vince Chmiel made Apr 13 at 2015 9:43 AM

2015-04-13T09:43:19-04:00

MY RELIGION IS RIGHT! Right for ME. I practice the religion I feel is best for me. Does that mean you have the same religious views I do? No, not necessarily.
The my religion is better than yours argument has been around for centuries, literally. I mean, wars have been fought over it, and the strongest, most violent "grudges" are still going strong because of that argument.
Yeah, in most religions, part of the being a good [Christian, Jew, Hindu, Islam] is to spread the religion, but I think that needs to be a bit more tempered these days. So, I say, allow everyone to practice the religion that fits them. If someone leans towards the same religious beliefs, invite that person to join your religion celebrations. In no way should anyone have a religion, or lack of religion be force on them.
I realize this can be difficult in the military, especially on a deployed ship. But we, as a military community, should be able to work out a reasonable solution. We are already one of the most diverse working environments. We should be used to it by now.

Response by SGT John Wesley made Apr 13 at 2015 11:59 AM

2015-04-13T11:59:22-04:00

Your question is a good one! As far as I've seen, some people are just intolerant of others religion. No way can anybody else be right, have an opinion, etc.

It's human nature to feel self righteous to include what religion you choose.

Response by SPC David S. made Apr 14 at 2015 10:29 AM

2015-04-14T10:29:53-04:00

Individuals come into the military with some 18 years of enculturation. This brings with it all degrees and forms of religiosity. So to say that my religion is the "right" one for the military I would argue that to be a misnomer. I think to often "freedom of religion" forces us down the road of not wanting to offend or alienate. The truth is that religions are different and instead of embracing these differences we fear them thus causing all sorts of problems because we choose to focus on the differences instead of the common ground. To often we latch on to religious institutional constructs and allow that to over shadow the end results that we are all looking to achieve. This goes beyond religious ideologies and is further complicated by political and other cultural differences. I wouldn't say there is a right or a wrong religion for the military as that would only perpetuate the indifference in regards to religions. My religion works for me yet for my atheist friends, Jewish friends and all my other friends of different faiths their ideologies on religion works for them as well. I think if we focus more on caring about each other than casting out we will be in a much better place. However that is much easier said than done.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 14 at 2015 2:17 PM

2015-04-14T14:17:49-04:00

I agree with the last statement. By using the word you is not directly meaning the person starting the discussion. Just saying.
If you think I'm wrong to believe the way I do, then that is your right and belief. I don't force my beliefs on anyone, so in turn what gives anyone the right to do the same to me. By saying that I shouldn't believe the way I do, and that it offends them. Well if I bow my head and say grace to myself how does that offend you. Or that I say a quick prayer before I get in the truck as a TC, or driver. Did I ask you to join in. If I did and you say no then fine, that will be the last of it and won't ask again. Why should I have to quit because it offends you. Suck it up butter cup. There are things that you probably do That someone else doesn't like. Should you be allowed not to what that person doesn't like.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 3:24 PM

2015-04-14T15:24:34-04:00

I'm not understanding some of your answer. Are you directing that at me or people in general?

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-04-14T16:54:19-04:00

Yup, I read your response wrong. Never mind. lol

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 10:41 PM

2015-04-14T22:41:32-04:00

My religion is my personal spiritual belief, and that will never be changed by anyone or anything. Since being in the military I have never pushed my religion on anyone around me, but if someone chooses to engage me in a conversation about religion then I will discuss it with them. Being a member of the LDS Church I find that the topic comes up with I am asked about if I drink, smoke and other things that my beliefs do not align with what seems to be the "norm" around me.

Response by PO3 Tanis Huston made Apr 15 at 2015 9:18 AM

2015-04-15T09:18:37-04:00

I believe that in a sense the military is a religion of its own. At one point or another in our chosen path we believe in the oath that we took. We "worship" together as units. Regardless of branch we all fight for the same cause.

I tend to think that we have come a long way and we should still hang tight to our own religious beliefs since in some cases made us who we are or in a case of someone who converted to a religion, they found the peace they where seeking. Which ever the case maybe to down talk them or tell then their religion is wrong is not right.

We are a diversified group of people from our cultures, to where we grew up, to the color of our skin why should religion be any different. Whether you believe, don't believe or on the fence none are right and none are wrong, that's free agency!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 9:25 AM

2015-04-15T09:25:37-04:00

Staff Sergeant, to echo what many of the other posters have said no one religion is right for the Department of Defense. I would personally never say that one religion is right and the other is wrong with the caveat as long as it doesn't interfere with unit cohesiveness or accomplishing the mission.
The United States is a melting pot of different people each with there own religious beliefs and is supposed to be a land of toleration. As long as a service member isn't trying to force there religion on someone else who really cares what religion is right as long as it provides the individual some degree of comfort and stability.

Response by PO3 Richard Beasley made Aug 13 at 2023 10:59 AM

2023-08-13T10:59:25-04:00

I don't have better experience with this type of issues. But I don't think there is a major difference about religion for being a military. If there is anything about religion I am ready to learn. Thank you!