It’s not a secret that atheists are not treated respectfully in regards to their religious beliefs or lack thereof. Ronald Regan made quite offensive comments toward atheism. George H. W. Bush went so far as to say atheists shouldn’t be considered citizens. Even here in Minneapolis student Michael Bristor was denied an honor roll certificate because as an atheist he refused to participate in his public school’s unconstitutional ‘prayer time’. However one place that atheists face discrimination that the public does not often hear about is in the military.
Captain Ryan Jean was stationed at the Iraq-Kuwait border when he had to take the Army’s spiritual fitness test, a part of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program. One question inquired as to whether Jean felt that his life had some spiritual significance. Because Jean was an atheist, he answered no. As a result his results said that he showed signs of depression, something that was not true. Though the test results are supposed to be confidential, Jean was sent to see a chaplain who then told Jean that he might as well resign as he had no place in ‘god’s army’. Further, the group Jean leads, the Atheists of Meade (Ft. Mead is where Jean is now stationed), is not allowed to meet in Army buildings dedicated to religious purposes.
As an atheist myself, it is difficult for me to imagine what arguments could be made to defend the Army in this issue. From my point of view, it is a breach of these soldiers’ First Amendment rights to freedom of religion. I could see how the atheist position of having no god could be mistaken as having no religion, therefore leaving them ineligible for use of religious-focused buildings. However military chaplains serve more purposes than purely religious ones. They act as counselors and sometimes mentors. However the chaplain has shown a religious affiliation in being named chaplain, and often if atheist soldiers come with concerns the chaplain will attempt to convert him or her, rather than help. This is of course not true in all cases, but in many it is.
For some this issue may be a violation of rights, but for some it could be seen as fair and acceptable. Atheism is a stumbling point for many, and for the military especially. When people think of minorities they often think of African-Americans, Hispanics, or gays, but not often atheists. This sometimes causes the concerns of atheist groups to go unheard. No matter your opinion, these atheist soldiers deserve to be heard.
http://www.stripes.com/military-atheists-seeking-the-rights-and-benefits-offered-to-religious-groups-1.153105
I think this is an interesting topic, but I think the army has an argument that most Americans would actually defend. If we are "one nation under God" and we must still place our hands on the bible to testify, then it is probably safe to say that most Americans feel united, to a certain extent through religion. We want an army of men (and women!) who are united and fighting for the "American" cause. What better way to ensure those two , especially in the eyes of the public, than to claim to be united under the longest lasting tradition in the United States?
ReplyDeleteI am not saying I agree or subscribe to this argument, but it is one that can be made and it is one that will have a lot of sway over many Americans.