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Religious Intolerance in the Military

By TChris, Section Civil Liberties
Posted on Sat Jun 04, 2005 at 07:53:24 AM EST
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by TChris

The First Amendment's Establishment Clause prohibits government from favoring one religion over another, and from promoting religion generally. That constitutional requirement applies to the military just as it applies to all other branches of government. As a Washington Post editorial notes today, it's disturbing to learn that an Air Force Academy chaplain urged cadets to convert classmates "by warning that they 'will burn in the fires of hell' if they do not accept Christ."

During basic training, freshman cadets who decline to attend after-dinner chapel are marched back to their dormitories in "heathen flights" organized by upperclassmen. A Jewish student is taunted as a Christ killer and told that the Holocaust was the just punishment for that offense. The academy's head football coach posts a banner in the locker room that proclaims, "I am a Christian first and last. . . . I am a member of Team Jesus Christ."

First and foremost, government officials and employees are part of Team America -- a team that is equally open to all religious beliefs. The Pentagon contends that it has addressed the problem of religious intolerance by appointing a task force, but the Post questions whether the task force conducted its investigation in good faith.

Mikey Weinstein, a 1977 academy graduate who says his cadet son has been harassed for being Jewish, said his only contact with the task force was a phone call asking him to stop criticizing it. Capt. MeLinda Morton, a chaplain who spoke out against what she considers strident evangelizing on campus, said she was interviewed for a scant 15 minutes on the task force's last day of investigation. A Yale Divinity School professor who helped flag the religious problems at the academy was never contacted.

At a time when the military is desperate for bodies, making cadets feel unwelcome because of their religious beliefs is counterproductive. More importantly, it is contrary to the fundamental values upon which our society is based. Religious intolerance is a problem that the military needs to take seriously.

It is especially important ... that cadets not feel that professing a certain religion is part of the norm to which they must adhere. Cadets need to know that they can serve the Air Force, and their country, even if they haven't signed up for Team Jesus Christ.

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    Religious Intolerance in the Military | 7 comments (7 topical)
    Re: Religious Intolerance in the Military (none / 0) (#1)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    Inevitably this was going to happen within the political and social atmosphere of today. Mixing politics, religion, and everyday life was bound to have some bleed over to other aspects of American life. Unfortunately I don't think the public cares too much. Most people disagree with such strident prosyletizing, but they can't be distracted from "American Idol", MTV, and the Jacko Trial/Circus going on 24 hours a day. But I am sure pseudo Fascists like ppj and all of his brethren that enjoy posting on this site don't see anything wrong with what the cadets are doing and how dare any liberal try and take GOD out of the military. Who cares if some Jews or Muslims get their rights stomped on, they aren't real Americans anyway. Right Conservatives?

    Re: Religious Intolerance in the Military (none / 0) (#2)
    by Che's Lounge on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    Puppets?

    Re: Religious Intolerance in the Military (none / 0) (#3)
    by soccerdad on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    for a good report on this topic go to Yurica report

    Re: Religious Intolerance in the Military (none / 0) (#4)
    by Rational on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    Just goes to show the hypocricy of the military ( a redundant phrase). Gays and whistle blowers get cashiered immediately after being reduced in rank ( ex Chief of Joint Chiefs - Shin...? and recent demotion and "retirement" of Gen who challenged Rummy on forces in Iraq) but they have to work with bigots and cultist's. Cashier the second in command. Make it a immediate cause for dismissal for any cadet to speak of cultism ( religion by a more accurate name) and cashier any officer or em who makes any public display of cultism. Same policy as towards Gays should apply. And same conditions so if going to a Gay bar ( a legal activity) is grounds for dismissal so being seen going to a cults temple should be grounds for immediate dismissal.

    Re: Religious Intolerance in the Military (none / 0) (#5)
    by scarshapedstar on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    "A Jewish student is taunted as a Christ killer and told that the Holocaust was the just punishment for that offense." Um, I think that soldier ought to have his "hero" status revoked.

    Re: Religious Intolerance in the Military (none / 0) (#6)
    by Aaron on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:41 PM EST
    The evangelicals have got their tactics down, if you can subvert the command structure in the military, they'll be no need to waste time bothering with infiltrating the Congress and controlling the presidency. Gain control of the US military and you control the country. Doubtless before this is over the highways around Colorado Springs will be lined with Jews, heathens and heretics, crucified before the altar of Christ.

    Re: Religious Intolerance in the Military (none / 0) (#7)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 12:59:42 PM EST
    Colorado Springs as the capitol of Gilead, huh Aaron?

    Religious Intolerance in the Military | 7 comments (7 topical)