Sierra Vista – Are there atheists in the military, what about pagans, Muslims and more? Is there a problem with being an atheist in the United States military today? Local soldiers tell a different story, here at Fort Huachuca there are many atheists, agnostics and even pagans. Among many troops at the enlisted level this is not necessarily a problem, however, officers that have gone to the various military academies may find it difficult to stomach.
West Point claims a stance of indifference though it does tend to push “Christianity” on its graduates with, “voluntary religious programs” which having been around the military for years means, what the CO wants. And than, here is the Oath of Office for Officers graduating. "I, “insert name here” having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of “insert rank” do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God."
If you are an atheist soldier, feel free to contact myself and I will help you locate a local person to you who can assist in problems you may be having with others.
jesse.mathewson@hotmail.com
Is it wrong, or just part of an oath? Of course there is also the pledge of allegiance which was changed in the 50's to reflect a very anti- everyone attitude of that time.
It should be noted that generally speaking the younger generation of enlisted soldier is far more accepting of these types of things, after all many of them grew up without the strict religious upbringings that others may have. Having spoken to many “anonymous” soldiers who are atheists, or agnostics it is easy to see that maybe the modern military is not as bad as some may think.
The next times you hear someone say, “There are no Atheists in the foxholes” remind them of Pat Tillman, a true American hero and an atheist from a family of atheists.
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Comments
I still wonder whether Pat Tillman remained an atheist in the foxhole.
Still, I'd rather serve alongside an atheist than a Muslim. There's that little thing about "fight[ing] and slay[ing] the infidels..."
Pagans have been in the "broom closet" in the military for years. The Pagans at Ft. Hood, Texas (my home town) paved the way for Pagans being more public with their religious views.
www.rickross.com/reference/wicca/wicca5.html
I learn something new everytime I read your articles. Thanks~
I would like to know what you consider "having been around the military for years!" Mainly in part because, if you have not actually served in the military, you really don't know who is what and what they believe. To say anything about something you were told by someone is considered "heresay" and that, if you are truely an "examiner", is weak fabrication of a biased view. The military is absolutely a unique job. It is one of those "You have to experience it yourself to have any credibility to make opinions about it or anything pertaining to it!"
Another observation I have made of your writing is that you seem to have done quite a variety of different things in a short while. However, given your views regarding faith, you would naturally have the propensity to "stretch the truth" more in order to justify your views. You see, if you cannot believe in a Creator or "higher power" which is responsible for creation, I find it difficult to believe you would stick to any one point of view on anything. Atheists always tend to rationalize everything to justify your belief system. You become over-analytical to the point of exhausting yourselves with your conquest of forcing everyone around you into agreeing with your point of view. You use deception just like your boss. If you can degrade other religions or faith, you think you can derail it, thereby turning people into atheists like yourself. This only proves your belief system is no different than most other deity believing religions. In this case, the deity is yourself.
Atheists present a paradox when taking Oaths. Traditionally, the Oath is taken and yes the last words are "So help me God". The reason? An Oath is a pledge to the Almighty making it an unbreakable Oath. Since atheists do not believe in God, there can be no oath they can swear to that is binding, be it to support and defend or to tell the truth in court. Without a belief in God, to whom does an atheist swear to? What Oath can ever bind them?
I must agree that I would rather (and have) served with atheists as opposed to Muslims. Chances of being murdered by an atheist in uniform is far less likely that being murdered by a Islamic sleeper agent.
Like gays, atheists have been in the military, are in the military now and will continue to serve in the military. Anyone who dedicates their life to protecting this country (founded on freedom to worship God) deserves to be honored, regardless of their life choices.
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