If a chaplain is expected to counsel people of faiths he does not believe, why couldn't he be an atheist?

Question

I am completely serious. I have considered this in regards to myself. Please think it over before responding. Let's at least pretend that we are intelligent adults.

I sincerely thank you who have answered so far. Your answers have been thoughtful and devoid of anger or misunderstanding.

Sinbaad: Perhaps it is supposed to be that one believes. However, if I were a Christian chaplain and I were to counsel a Muslim, would I not find myself in the same boat?

Inasmuch as there are principles to be shared, I think that this could work out. Even though I lack the slightest shred of theism, I am a very moral person; because I am a member of human society. I believe in being faithful toward others, in being loving toward others. I hope for world peace and enjoy my grandchildren. I believe that laws should be obeyed and that we should all be respectful one to the other. I just don't have the same motivation as theists.

This is the only time that I am asking that if indeed you find this question interesting, you vote on that "Interesting" vote thing down over there. Thank you.

Answer 1

I've always just assumed that a chaplain has a religious background but I don't know if religion is required for this position. Precisely for the reason that you state, counseling for faiths other than his/her own, I guess the role for the chaplain should be more as a counselor. I myself am a Christian (Catholic) and would expect to hear counsel of a Christian nature but there is such a thing as a grief counselor.

I looked up the definition for chaplain on Mirriam-Webster's website and this is what came up:

Main Entry: chap·lain
Pronunciation: \ˈcha-plən\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English chapelein, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin cappellanus, from cappella
Date: 14th century
1 : a clergyman in charge of a chapel
2 : a clergyman officially attached to a branch of the military, to an institution, or to a family or court
3 : a person chosen to conduct religious exercises (as at a meeting of a club or society)
4 : a clergyman appointed to assist a bishop (as at a liturgical function)

I guess the appropriate title should then be grief counselor rather than chaplain (because of the definition for chaplain).

Answer 2

Dear Ultraviolet Oasis,

As some of the other answers have pointed out-- part of what a chaplain does is to offer counsel and comfort especially to those who are facing death.

While certain religions have very distinct views on death and the afterlife. Atheists as a group do not and as a result of that there is no guarantee that the answer they provide for death is a comfort. While you personally as an atheist may feel that you have comfort in facing death the range of belief is very wide.

i think Atheists can definitely fulfill the role of a grief counselor but i think you would not want to call them a Chaplain since by the very definition of the word it applies some belief in God to function in that capacity.

Those are my two cents.

Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 3

He could most certainly be a counselor, but it would be near impossible for him to be an effective minister if he did not believe what he was preaching.

And part of the chaplain's duty is the religious aspect... people being consoled at the loss of a loved one (regardless of their beliefs about the afterlife) want to be comforted, and the chaplain's talk of God and heaven provides a lot more comfort than the Atheist version.

Answer 4

Christ mentioned that when you have the religion the dimensions of a mustard seed, you'll be able to say to the mountain be eliminated and it's going to be as you've mentioned.( mountains, giants and some thing that turns out not possible to recover from or arise towards) It's an issue of beginning your center and enabling it. But unbelievers have became their backs on HIM fully. I could like to grasp why are unbelievers in this discussion board while you simplest suppose in common sense and technology? (((edit))) debate? Exactly There is a technology discussion board. Are you right here looking to persuade believers to not suppose in GOD? Or simply right here to mock?

Answer 5

I see no reason why being an atheist would preclude someone from being a chaplain...unless the organization in question has specific ordination requirements (such as the US military)

Answer 6

Okay Ultraviolet oasis, you have created a paradox! Atheism is fine but to be a chaplian or priest is not kosher ! To counsel people u have to believe in what u are saying.

Answer 7

i believe he could. although good luck in the job interview. i wouldn't mind an atheist.

i would imagine most chaplains were religion majors in college....and i would also imagine not too many atheists were religion majors <----all speculation.