God in the Military [Politics/Religion]

[Clive]

Maybe the reason the misperception persists that there are no atheists in foxholes is that nonbelievers must either shut up about their views or be hounded out of the military.

Just ask Army Spc. Jeremy Hall, who is making a splash in the news because of the way his atheism was attacked by superiors and fellow soldiers while he was risking his life in service to his country.

Hall, 23, served two combat tours in Iraq, winning the Combat Action Badge. But he's now stationed at Fort Riley, Kan., having been returned stateside early because the Army couldn't ensure his safety.

ARTICLE

[Uisce Beatha]

When I was in the military nobody gave a flying *fudge* what I was or what I wasn't.  Perhaps others here had different experiences.

Conceding situations like this probably exist I think the tone and language of the editorial suggests a strong bias.  Our writer wasn't there but she knows the Spc. "politely declined" to join in a prayer.  So on. 

Any chance the dude is an overbearing *bunghole* wearing his atheism on his sleeve?  I just don't see threats to his personal safety arising solely due to his atheism.  Perhaps things have changed.  Perhaps the Army is different.  Perhaps the Army in a combat zone is different.

[Spanky]

Weinstein, who co-wrote the book With God on Our Side: One Man's War Against an Evangelical Coup in America's Military, has documented how the ranks of our military have been infiltrated by members of the Officers' Christian Fellowship and other similar organizations. On its Web site, the OCF makes no secret of its mission which is to "raise up a godly military" by enlisting "ambassadors for Christ in uniform."

Not to get all religious here but if you are a true Christian wouldn't being in the military go against your beliefs? I mean that whole 'Thou shall not kill' rule and all.