If they had a mandatory prayer formation which prayed to satan, would you react like this?

Question

Here's an atheists response to a question about atheists being forced to attend prayers in the military. As a Christian, would you be equally ok with being forced to attend a prayer formation if the prayer was to Satan, Allah, or Zeus?

"Being that I am in the Military, I am an atheist, and I have been subjected to prayer that was NOT by choice, I can honestly say it's not that big of a deal. Some of the people I work with are also atheists and they feel the same as I do. We understand everyone has different beliefs, and as I've been told, you have to pick your battles. This one is not one that I would care to fight. Enough is done to accommodate me and my personal beliefs that most of the time, I am ok with whatever other people believe. The only bad thing about the military is I feel that Chaplin's are over used. Anytime anyone has a problem they say go talk to the chaplin. What good, honestly, does that do me? As far as violating regulations, maybe this one: Military officials may not subject members of the armed forces to involuntary worship or prayers, particularly when the full power of the government backed by punitive action under the UCMJ* is employed to command their presence and participation."

Answer 1

I have never seen anyone forced to pray at any Army formation or function and I have been in for over 20 years. You may not like it when the group prays but no one is forcing you to bow your head and do so. It may be uncomfortable for you but a lot of situations are when you are part of a large organization. Relax - there is nothing personnel about it - no one is trying to convert you.

Answer 2

you have repeatedly asked this same question worded differently each time. no one is force to pray if you don't want to. no one is holding a gun to your head and saying you much pray to God now. would you like to know why Chaplin's are use as a first line of counseling, because most have had class for counseling. a Chaplin can work around most hours soldier work and thus a soldier can get some counseling. if you are sent to marriage counseling you can ask the Chaplin nicely to leave out all the God stuff and they say okay. (been there done that) nice try on that one. once again there is a Chaplin that has done course for family/marriage counseling. its hard to find a marriage counselor if they work m-f from 10-4, because even though have it minatory on your file for counseling if there training that has to be its put first and is harder to make an appointment during those times. have the same respect you would if you went to a friends house and they prayed before each meal as you would for your fellow soldier. its not hurting you in anyway.

Answer 3

Here is how my roommate explained it to me. He is an Army chaplain candidate.



"the chaplain's job is less of a spritual guide and more of a moral support role. There is a sense of political correctness about the job that you have to be ok with before you volunteer. The military is a very diverse crowd and you have to cater to everyone and not just your own religion or denomination. Yea you get called to lead prayers and do many things that a preacher or priest or whatever role you can think of, but at then end of the day you are doing less preaching and more offering empathy and emotional support."



I myself am a conservative Christian in training for Navy SEALs and I'd have to say that was the best possible explanation of the job I have ever heard.

Answer 4

That's a pretty tolerant atheist. But he's right, you have to pick your battles. If you want a transfer, you can use that as an excuse. If not, they can make you attend but they can't make you pray. Don't think that you enjoy it less than the others just because you don't believe it.



The simple truth is that Christians don't have to put up with crap like that because they're the majority. But 90% of them would bow to Mecca if they were in the Saudi navy.



I'm a non-believer now, but I have been well-indoctrinated into Christianity. I can tell you there's nothing Christian about forcing others to worship.



On chaplains, they are presumably trained as councilors, and meeting with them carries less stigma than meeting with a shrink.

Answer 5

typically people use the chaplain as a form of a stress card. Politically, and the military is political, it is like telling everybody to back the F*** off.



If all you wanted to do was to miss out on the prayer formation, you could have gone to it not because they are praying, but you could do it as a respect for those who value the togetherness, and sense of innate spiritual safety.



Like most realists and athiest believe, human emotion is a heavy influence on the way things turn out. That being said, you should be even more sympathetic and observant to the spiritually inclined.

Answer 6

So you somehow think that forced atheism is any more moral than forced monotheistic religion? And no one is forced to pray anything. You might have to attend a formation where a prayer is said, but you aren't forced to recite it. Grow a set and get over it. People pray in this world, and that's not going to change, and if you honestly have your feelings hurt over it, then you really need some thicker skin.

Answer 7

Man - you really need to get over yourself.



Why don't you simply mature a little and have as much respect for other people's beliefs as you want them to have for yours?

Answer 8

i don't get it, I've never been subject to involuntary prayer, I'm atheist, in canadian forces... where ever your stationed sounds freaky... seriosly must be front line to have to pray