No Military Chaplains for Humanists, Says Congress

How about getting rid of all of 'em?

House lawmakers late Tuesday (July 23) approved an amendment to a Pentagon spending bill to prevent the appointment of nonreligious military chaplains.

The amendment, sponsored by Rep. John C. Fleming, R-La., requires that only religious organizations be permitted to endorse chaplains for the military.

"The amendment holds the military to its current standards on endorsing agencies, which must be recognized religious and faith-based organizations," said Fleming's spokesman, Doug Sachtleben.

Comments

[Hugh Akston]

WHERES YOUR FLYING SPAGHETTI MONSTER NOW

[Sevo]

As an atheist, I applaud this decision!

[HellsBells]

Ah, so humanist chaplain is the new term for "life coach". Got it.

[SIV]

For Atheists, not collecting stamps IS a hobby!

[Bob Straub]

As an atheist, I think this decision is a load of crap. A humanist should be denied someone official person with whom to consult when in times of sadness, stress, guilt, or even joy? If no humanist or atheist "chaplains", then none for anyone. Equality!

[Bob Straub]

Apparently, the word "chaplain" is inappropriate for non-clergy persons. So call them something else, but that new word for current chaplains, too. Equality!

[Bgoptmst]

There are roughly one zillion programs in the military for secular minded people.

Seriously, if you don't believe in a higher power and want someone to talk to you go to the mental health people. They help you feel better about yourself without mentioning "god."

Maybe just maybe, we don't need to spend more money for bullshit military programs. I'm active duty btw, so lets pretend I have a basis of knowledge on this.

[Aresen]

The point about a chaplain is that what you say to them is protected by the "Seal of the Confessional".

IOW, if you are having a moral crisis, you can talk to a chaplain and they are bound not to reveal it to anyone. A 'mental health' professional, OTOH can be required to give out information under certain circumstances. (When I was very depressed due to a diagnosis of glaucoma, I went to see a counselor. The first thing he told me was that if I said anything that indicated I might commit suicide, he would be required to report it to the government - for my own protection, of course.)

[Sevo]

Bob Straub| 7.25.13 @ 10:39PM |#
"As an atheist, I think this decision is a load of crap. A humanist should be denied someone official person with whom to consult when in times of sadness, stress, guilt, or even joy?"

Gee, Bob, does it require an "official" person to preform those tasks?
I thought friends or spouses might do it with NOT DAMN INTRUSION BY GOVERNMENT AT ALL.
Just a hint

[Duke]

So Reason writes 10 articles a week on how mankind won't make it if pot isn't legalized like yesterday yet consistently makes snide remarks towards Christians? Uh, hypocrites much?

[Scarecrow Repair]

Uh, reading comprehension much?

[Duke]

Reason said "how 'bout get rid of all of 'em." So I think you're the one who can't read.

[Troglodyte Rex]

Congress shall make no god damn law.....