"Spent 3 years in the Army, 1964-67. My buddies all knew I was atheist. In formations, etc., I stood or sat straight and kept my eyes open. Maybe a knowing smirk. I can listen to lots of horseshit without being offended or…"
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Casey Braden
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Members of the US Military - Advice and Insight Please
Started this discussion. Last reply by Brian Wood Dec 2, 2011. 11 Replies 0 Likes
Greetings. I am a currently deployed member of an army national guard unit, and have been an atheist for a number of years. While my atheism is incredibly important to me and many fellow soldiers…Continue
Tags: establishment clause, army, military, prayer
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Brian Wood replied to Casey Braden's discussion 'Members of the US Military - Advice and Insight Please'
Edward Nygma replied to Casey Braden's discussion 'Members of the US Military - Advice and Insight Please'"As others have said, be very careful about this. Of course you have every right to voice your concerns, but evangelical Christianity is deeply entrenched in military culture. Things can get ugly really fast for an atheist in the…"
Casey Braden replied to Casey Braden's discussion 'Members of the US Military - Advice and Insight Please'"Thank you for your response, Kevin. I welcome any and all comments and advice, I just assumed (incorrectly, I suppose), that those without military experience wouldn't understand the culture and the intense faith that many soldiers have.…"
Kevin Strong replied to Casey Braden's discussion 'Members of the US Military - Advice and Insight Please'"Casey, be careful here. A number of suits have been filed and won or settled favorably with regards to the "spiritual guidance" of soldiers. Operate first inside your chain of command, let them know that you and those you represent respect…"
Bill Butler replied to Casey Braden's discussion 'Members of the US Military - Advice and Insight Please'"I assume that when these prayers happen are you in formation already and unable to excuse your self. If that is the case you might consider approaching the Chaplin in private and ask him to hold the prayer as…"
Ron V replied to Casey Braden's discussion 'Members of the US Military - Advice and Insight Please'"Have you contacted the Freedom from Religion Foundation, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, or the ACLU? They may act on your behalf and maintain your anonymity. You should contact them and explain the whole…"
Rocky Oliver (LotusGeek) replied to Casey Braden's discussion 'Members of the US Military - Advice and Insight Please'"I think the best way to determine what should happen is for you to go directly to the chaplain and explain the situation. Be tactful, be respectful, and be honest. Explain that you're not the only one, you speak on behalf of many, and you want…"
Casey Braden replied to Casey Braden's discussion 'Members of the US Military - Advice and Insight Please'"I've heard of that sort of thing, where theists will argue that our country offers freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion. However, the Establishment Clause has been clearly defined by the courts to state that the government…"
Steve replied to Casey Braden's discussion 'Members of the US Military - Advice and Insight Please'"The same way that political assemblies or some schools get around the Establishment Clause: "non-secterian prayers" or invocations". Which of course is nonsense, as it's still basically a Christian prayer. It's just a code…"
Matthew replied to Casey Braden's discussion 'Members of the US Military - Advice and Insight Please'"Don't bow your head &I keep eyes open. Be very careful on how you express your opinion. Good luck"
Casey Braden posted a discussionMembers of the US Military - Advice and Insight Please
Greetings. I am a currently deployed member of an army national guard unit, and have been an atheist for a number of years. While my atheism is incredibly important to me and many fellow soldiers are aware of my stance, I don't parade it around because I am in a fairly visible position and don't want to alienate my soldiers. I am currently being put in a difficult position, though.Our battalion is regularly holding mandatory formations or ceremonies where the chaplain offers clearly…See More
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- At 12:56pm on October 18, 2011,
Robert Karp said… Welcome to the Think Atheist community Casey!
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