CHRISTIANS: Would you fight alongside atheist soldiers to defend your country? Why or why not?

Question

Here's a story of an officer who tried to shut down an atheist gathering:
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-military-religion-lawsuit,0,3548630.story

Would you consider this appropriate in the military or would you instead be glad to fight alongside atheist soldiers?

Dog Sneeze: While that is no doubt true on both sides (and the middle), the question is still valid. At least one answerer here has already applauded the effort to shut down an atheist gathering (which, by the way, had been okayed through the chaplain's office).

Answer 1

I am in the US Air Force and I have been to Iraq and Afghanistan. There are actually LESS Christians in the military than you would imagine. Where I work there are several Atheist, a few Catholics, a couple of Baptist, an Anglican, and we even have a Wiccan. The religious choices of my coworkers do not hinder me from working with them. I would choose one of the Atheist in my office to be on my team in combat every time.

Answer 2

I'm ex-Army and an atheist and something just seems wrong with the guy's story. A Major is battalion level usually, that means a lot of people would know him. It isn't something the Army could hide or cover up.

Furthermore, if you look it up Atheists are actually over represented in the military. I was in during the 80s and I never felt any pressure one way or the other, even when dealing with the Chaplins who have other non-religious roles. I also knew lots of other guys. All you gotta do is get a look at their dog tags and you can tell because they list it there so they know what to do when you get your *** shot and you are going to die.

Answer 3

I am a British atheist who served in the Royal Navy for 29 years.

It is inconveivable in the British Armed Forces that any particular religion, belief system or non-belief system should be used in the manner alleged in this law suit.

In the Navy we had all faiths, all races and all genders. I have never known of any serviceman who abused his position in regards to faith - it would not be tolerated and is indeed illegal.

It shocks me to hear that extremeist fundamentalists have been allowed to gain a foothold in a position of power in the very force that is supposed to defend the freedoms of your country. I feel very sorry for you.

It is an evil that should be rooted out and destroyed utterly.

Sorry I ranted on but I can't get over this story - it is very upsetting.

Answer 4

I should hope they wouldn't. I was never harassed once about my views while I was in the military, and I wasn't particularly shy about expressing myself either. However, I can't say I'm surprised by this story. The structure of the military is perfect for abuses of power such as that. Most of the people that I encountered in the service were decent, open minded individuals, but it only takes one bigoted fool to ruin it all.

Answer 5

That's a very weird story! I feel like I don't have all
the facts at all! Anyway, to answer your question,
of course I would fight alongside of atheist soldiers to
defend my country because I would know that it
was God's will for me to do that!

Answer 6

First i'll declare that anybody who could positioned themselves in harms thank you to guard our u . s . is greater then a hero. i'm one hundred% fundie Christian and fully help the defense force ultimately recognizing Wiccans on their head stones with a pentacle. The conclusions human beings leap to,, look absurd to us Christians . we are commanded to love human beings an identical way Christ does and to furnish our lives for non believers. it is definitely one in all the justifications i'm nevertheless right here BTW. Atheist are worth of my existence's artwork. So are Christians and Muslims and the Flying Pastafarians. would the Lord richly bless you and grant you peace and expertise.

Answer 7

When I was in the military (Viet Nam era), about every 6-months, they'd come around asking whether anyone needed their dog tags replaced. I always said yes. I took it as an opportunity to change my 'religious preference'. at various times, I had dog tags that said:

Catholic
No preference (no pref)
Buddhist
Atheist
Agnostic
Unbeliever
Apostate
Heathen

Answer 8

I don't know about atheists,but there are active Pagan organizations in the military. I don't know that they have been treated like this, but it wouldn't surprise me.

Answer 9

In defense of my country, it does not matter who fights along side me. Our focus in that case is on the mission at hand.

Answer 10

I will fight alongside muslims, catholics, christians, hindus, pagans, wiccans and anyother religion for my contry. You see, Britain is very diffent from you over religious, homophobic Americans.