Written by Don ByrdMilitary chaplains minister to the spiritual needs of personnel, but are barred from proselytizing their religious point of view to servicemen and women unless they are seeking guidance voluntarily. In the same way, military officials may not use their positions of authority to promote religion or mandate religious activities. Neither may they base rewards and punishments on personnel’s religion. These are not new policies.
But you would never know that by following the recent tempest after the Pentagon reiterated that position last week.
Written by Don Byrd
Yesterday, President Obama signed into law the 2013 Defense Authorization Act, but took the time to note his opposition to many elements of the bill, including a controversial provision that may require the military to accommodate the religious objections of military personnel.
Written by Don Byrd
The judge in the murder trial of Nidal Hasan has officially ordered him to be clean shaven for his trial, even if it requires him to be forcibly shaved, in violation of his religious beliefs.
Written by Don Byrd
Earlier this year, the U.S. Military revoked a license granted in 2003 allowing LifeWay Publishing to sell Bibles targeting military personnel with the official seal of each branch engraved on the front. It makes sense to discard this policy, right? The use of military seals to promote a particular religious text smacks of favoritism. At the very least, they would have to permit sacred text publishers of all faiths the same license. …
