Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Omkara]

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/07/08/atheist.soldier/index.html

Interesting stuff, this "One Nation, Under God. . ."

[Rteacher]

Religious freedom means freedom to practice what's generally accepted to be a bona fide religion.

It doesn't mean being free from any trace of religion.

Like Ben Stein noted, where does it found in the Constitution that America is an explicitly atheistic nation?
http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/benstein2.asp

Traditionally, chaplains have ministered to the spiritual needs of soldiers, and they are required to be sensitive to religious diversity.

Here's from the U.S. Army website:


You must obtain an ecclesiastical endorsement from your faith group. This endorsement should certify that you are:

A clergy person in your denomination or faith group.
Qualified spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally to serve as a Chaplain in the Army.
Sensitive to religious pluralism and able to provide for the free exercise of religion by all military personnel, their family members and civilians who work for the Army.

Educationally, you must:

Possess a baccalaureate degree of not less than 120 semester hours.
Possess a graduate degree in theological or religious studies, plus have earned at least a total of 72 semester hours in graduate work in these fields of study.
http://www.goarmy.com/chaplain/

I think that soldiers who want to evangelize their sectarian faith in an organized way while in active service should be allowed to do so only at the discretion of military commanders, who need to make a judgement call on its effect on overall morale.

I would think that if there were a significant number of complaints from soldiers being harassed or discriminated against, the commanders would act to limit or bar such activity.

If the commanders themselves promote aggressive prosylitizing by a particular sect, there would likely be legal challenges by members of other faith traditions.

However, because there is a compelling public (and/or national) interest in the promotion of nonsectarian faith in God (especially in a battlefield situation) petitions and lawsuits brought forth by atheists would have less legal standing, in my opinion.

[uberscheisse]

[Young FRANKenstein]

[mithridates]

[uberscheisse]

[mithridates]

[Rteacher]

Of course, individuals (and groups) are free not to practice a religion.

But religious freedom protects the right of individuals (and groups) to practice their religion - which often entails preaching to those without religion - in public places, forums, and door-to-door, etc. . .

Of course, when people say "they're not interested" that should be respected, and aggressive tactics are usually bad preaching (and counter-productive.)

The main issue is governmental promotion of sectarian religion.

My positition is that only nonsectarian religious principles should be promoted by government - and the U.S. government has no Constitutional basis for promoting atheistic principles.

Here's the American Civil Liberties Union position on Freedom of Religion-
http://www.aclu.org/religion/gen/27282res20061103.html

[Young FRANKenstein]

[Omkara]

What is a "non-sectarian religious principle"? Can't get ahold of that one.

[Rteacher]

A non-sectarian religious principle would be one which is consistent with the original essential teachings of all revealed scriptures and major religious traditions.

For example: to not unnecessary kill or harm any living being.

Although there are differences in detail (and inevitably some corruption over time) the underlying principles are basically the same with regard to regulating animal slaughter, intoxication, illicit sex, and gambling.

And although there are different names and concepts, the general principle is to glorify the Supreme Person and the various Holy Names of God.

[xingyiman]

Until this trial goes forward it could be that the dude is just filing a frivalous lawsuit because he was disciplined for something totally unrelated. Wouldn't be the first time. We wont know until everyone's side is made known. It's like talking to people who have been let go from hogwans. It seems those people NEVER did anything to warrant their getting the sack.

[Binch Lover]