Wow.
How did we get here? It would seem to me that a secular humanist can gain access to the counseling Torpy claims is lacking in the military for aetheist Soldiers through the myriad behavioral health facilities and providers, all who conduct their counseling in a non-religious fashion.
This smells of a red herring argument, and I suspect there are other motives at play. The interviewer from Mother Jones reveals his cards when he says:
A lot of Mother Jones readers could be forgiven for wondering why a government department has its own clergy corps in the first place, much less why atheists are interested in working with those clerics.
It appears the Mother Jones crowd is less concerned about filling the perceived gap in support to atheist Soldiers, and more concerned about the elimination of the chaplaincy in the Armed Forces all together.
If you've been reading recently, you know that maintaining the values base in our military leaders is of prime importance to me. People will get their values from somewhere, the question becomes, as Americans, where do we want our military leaders to be getting their value system?
Do Americans want their sons and daughters to be led into very dangerous places by men and women who derive their value system from a "whatever feels good, do it" worldview? Or, would you rather trust your most precious commodity--your children-- to people who view them as valuable gifts, created in the image of God, worthy and precious as individuals?
As I've mentioned before, the Army Values are deeply rooted in a Judeo-Christian way of thinking. The example of Christ can be seen in each and every one of them.
I appreciate the service of all Americans--religious or humanist--but let's not undercut the time-proven systems that support the moral, ethical and spiritual needs of the majority of the force just to satisfy the personal convictions of an admitted few.
"Do Americans want their sons and daughters to be led into very dangerous places by men and women who derive their value system from a "whatever feels good, do it" worldview? Or, would you rather trust your most precious commodity--your children-- to people who view them as valuable gifts, created in the image of God, worthy and precious as individuals?"
ReplyDeleteThis argument is a false dilemma based on false assertions. First, the value system you attribute to atheists is actually hedonism, not atheism. Second, you frame the choice between hedonists and religions which believe people are made in the image of god. This ignores any religion which does not believe man was made in god's image; as well as, the Buddhist and Hindu chaplains who already serve the force with honor.
As an agnostic I see the argument for atheist chaplains as a cry for attention; however, your screed is just as whiny.
"As I've mentioned before, the Army Values are deeply rooted in a Judeo-Christian way of thinking. The example of Christ can be seen in each and every one of them."
ReplyDeleteFunny, I can see an Eastern influence in the Army Values. I'm sure if we went back and asked the Norse they would see Odin's influence. I'm fairly comfortable believing Saladin and Ghengis Khan would see their beliefs reflected in these values. Hmmm, maybe the influence we see is a matter of the lens through which we look, rather than some fundamental truth.
I don't discount that others can feel an affinity to the Army Values. They are somewhat universal to an American culture, and probably across other cultures (which admittedly I am no expert).
ReplyDeleteI do believe, however, that Jesus can be seen demonstrating each of these 7 values within the gospels. I can find and read about those examples at any time. I'm not as sure where I can find similar accounts for Buddah, Ghengis Khan, Salahaddin, or any of the pantheon religions.
My bottom line is, I'm just not sure what an atheist chaplain would bring to the table, as far as bolstering a Soldier's commitment to the Army Values.