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Military atheists want new rules on prayer
Stars and Stripes ^ | Wednesday, November 12, 2008 | By Leo Shane III

Posted on 11/14/2008 2:37:10 PM PST by PeteePie

Coalition complains of religious discrimination in the services By Leo Shane III, Stars and Stripes Mideast edition, Wednesday, November 12, 2008

WASHINGTON — A coalition of atheists and agnostics wants the new White House to protect young military members from what they see as rampant religious discrimination in the services.

The Secular Coalition for America held a news conference Monday urging new rules against proselytizing and more training for chaplains on how to handle nonreligious troops.

"When they say ‘there are no atheists in foxholes’ it’s slanderous," said Wayne Adkins, a former Army first lieutenant who served in Iraq in 2004 and 2005. "To deny their existence is to deny that they serve."

(Excerpt) Read more at stripes.com ...


TOPICS: Constitution/Conservatism; Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: alreadyposted; antigod; atheist; evil; god; idiotalert; moralabsolutes; prayer; stuckonstupid; voluntaryprayer
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IMO, if this minority opinion league succeeds in taking away our "Ultimate Weapon System," aka G-O-D, then I truly believe we will see our ultimate defeat in the field, i.e, when they took Him out of public schools. Remind your Congress criter to approve annual funding for the military Chaplin Corps!!
1 posted on 11/14/2008 2:37:10 PM PST by PeteePie
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To: PeteePie
"When they say ‘there are no atheists in foxholes’ it’s slanderous," said Wayne Adkins, a former Army first lieutenant who served in Iraq in 2004 and 2005. "To deny their existence is to deny that they serve."

Here is a serious question...serious. Is there a singlr atheist out there who isn't also stupid?

2 posted on 11/14/2008 2:39:47 PM PST by stevem
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To: PeteePie

I’m waiting for the day that our country finally stands up to all this crap and shuts these people down. If they don’t like this country and the way we do things, put them on a plane and send them to the Middle East.


3 posted on 11/14/2008 2:41:50 PM PST by RC2
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To: PeteePie

Chaplin = Chaplain - sorry


4 posted on 11/14/2008 2:45:09 PM PST by PeteePie (thinking about a name change...)
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To: RC2
put them on a plane and send them to the Middle East.

We already did -- to fight for our country.

5 posted on 11/14/2008 2:46:18 PM PST by antiRepublicrat
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To: antiRepublicrat

Then leave them there and let the rest of our people come home.


6 posted on 11/14/2008 2:47:15 PM PST by RC2
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To: RC2
Apparently, a lot of the atheists in the military are already in the Middle East fighting and dying for your freedom and safety.
7 posted on 11/14/2008 2:49:40 PM PST by trumandogz (The Democrats are driving us to Socialism at 100 MPH -The GOP is driving us to Socialism at 97.5 MPH)
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To: PeteePie

Have these whiners start digging latrines. Sounds like they have too much free time on their hands.


8 posted on 11/14/2008 2:50:10 PM PST by afnamvet
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To: PeteePie

Apparently to be an “atheist or agnostic” is to suffer fits of the vapors when religion comes into the room.


9 posted on 11/14/2008 2:50:56 PM PST by r9etb
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To: PeteePie

“A coalition of atheists and agnostics wants the new White House”

It’s not a NEW White House. It’s the same old White House that was built when this Country and our Constitution stood with and believed in God. Get over it!


10 posted on 11/14/2008 2:51:57 PM PST by mortal19440
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To: trumandogz

I have no problem with an atheist.....until they start trying to tear down others beliefs.


11 posted on 11/14/2008 2:52:59 PM PST by RC2
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Comment #12 Removed by Moderator

To: PeteePie
“When they say ‘there are no atheists in foxholes’ it’s slanderous,” said Wayne Adkins, a former Army first lieutenant who served in Iraq in 2004 and 2005. “To deny their existence is to deny that they serve.”

What an absolute A$$. This is a generalized “saying”, not military policy — or even official “opinion” of the Pentagon.

Unless they are forced to pray or stand there while a Chaplin is preaching TO THEM, or trying to convert them, then this is a ridiculously stupid issue.

Do they find it objectionable to be in ear shot when a chaplin is praying over one of their fallen “comrades”?

13 posted on 11/14/2008 2:56:14 PM PST by Jackson Brown
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To: trumandogz

“There are no atheists in foxholes”.


14 posted on 11/14/2008 2:57:47 PM PST by Wiggins
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To: RC2
Then leave them there and let the rest of our people come home.

Nice that you would abandon our soldiers just because of their religious preferences.

15 posted on 11/14/2008 2:58:57 PM PST by antiRepublicrat
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To: RC2

What other groups of American citizens would you like to see ‘shut down’? Those people you are suggesting don’t like this country are serving in her military. Funny thing for them to be doing, eh?


16 posted on 11/14/2008 3:00:06 PM PST by dmz
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To: Jackson Brown
Unless they are forced to pray or stand there while a Chaplin is preaching TO THEM

I remember basic on Sundays. You could either go to religious services or scrub latrines yet again. Not exactly forced, but I wasn't the only atheist in the chapel there to finally get a short break.

I don't agree with them wanting to change ceremonies (when in Rome...), but the persecution is real. I never had a chaplain try to convert me though, and I've known -- and respected -- a lot of them. May just be a few bad apples.

17 posted on 11/14/2008 3:05:29 PM PST by antiRepublicrat
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To: r9etb
Apparently to be an “atheist or agnostic” is to suffer fits of the vapors when religion comes into the room.

They do seem like an awfully fragile lot, don't they?

18 posted on 11/14/2008 3:08:11 PM PST by aWolverine
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Comment #19 Removed by Moderator

To: RC2

Well then why is it that you want to send them to the Middle East?


20 posted on 11/14/2008 3:10:07 PM PST by trumandogz (The Democrats are driving us to Socialism at 100 MPH -The GOP is driving us to Socialism at 97.5 MPH)
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To: dmz
But he's right. We should put "atheists" in their own companies and do the same with "homosexuals." You asked what groups he'd like to see shut down. WELL WHAT THE HELL ARE THE ATHEISTS AND THE HOMOSEXUALS DOING? They are depriving American soldiers of their right to worship. It sounds like these little pissant groups are the morons who are shutting people down to me.

Flame away! We're surrending this country to this pissant groups as it is. There is no such thing as an American anymore. Look at the last so-called "election." This country is over because we've decided that we should adjust our way of life to every little pissant who comes down the road pissing and moaning about something. I don't even recognize this as the country I grew up in. That's why we are broke and moving towards Communism.

21 posted on 11/14/2008 3:11:01 PM PST by FlingWingFlyer (I voted for McCain/Palin so I can look my grandchildren in the eyes when I tell them I'm sorry.)
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To: PeteePie

I dont understand why Atheists always get their panties in a wad about God. If they REALLY dont belive in God then just treat the subject like Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny...why does the very mention of God have to set these people off?


22 posted on 11/14/2008 3:13:48 PM PST by FeliciaCat (I like my money where I can see it...hanging in my closet.)
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To: trumandogz

I don’t care where they go. If they want to be shit disturbers.....leave. Look.......we now have a President-elect that won’t even prove he is qualified. We have gays breaking into our churches, muslims are working toward sharia law for this country, terrorist cells are number in the hundreds, gangs run rampid in our cities. What else do you want to list? This country is at a breaking point and it’s going to blow one of these days.


23 posted on 11/14/2008 3:14:04 PM PST by RC2
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To: PeteePie
more training for chaplains on how to handle nonreligious troops.

Sounds like they need their own chaplain; does that sound worse than a community organizer for anarchists?

24 posted on 11/14/2008 3:20:27 PM PST by Bernard (If you always tell the truth, you never have to remember exactly what you said.)
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To: PeteePie

Atheists appear to be a very whiny bunch. I’ll have to pray for them...


25 posted on 11/14/2008 3:23:11 PM PST by brytlea (You can fool enough of the people enough of the time.)
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To: LibLieSlayer
The only way to solve this problem is with “friendly fire”.

From my evangelical Christian standpoint, that's not even funny, no way. I don't care whether they believe or not when they're in the foxhole, as long as they're shooting. We can discuss theology when the fights over. This isn't Islam. We don't build the Kingdom of God by killing unbelievers no matter how obnoxious they are.

26 posted on 11/14/2008 3:26:32 PM PST by tbpiper (Now irate and tireless, but mostly irate.)
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To: antiRepublicrat

My Dad was a lifer (Air Force), and an atheist, altho I doubt he preached that to anyone. He never mentioned any sort of persecution.


27 posted on 11/14/2008 3:26:32 PM PST by brytlea (You can fool enough of the people enough of the time.)
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To: antiRepublicrat
Nice that you would abandon our soldiers just because of their religious preferences.

So, atheists have a 'religious preference' in your uninformed opinion?

28 posted on 11/14/2008 3:32:16 PM PST by realdifferent1 ("If you saw Atlas,...what would you tell him to do?"... "To shrug.")
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To: antiRepublicrat
I don't agree with them wanting to change ceremonies (when in Rome...), but the persecution is real.

I'm sorry for your experiences. Though I'm not a vet, I worked with military unit's on military bases (not basic training!!) most of my adult life. MOST were enlisted, not officers.

I knew several atheists/agnostics at many bases — I don't have a “religious preference”, but I believe in God) — and I saw nor heard of any problems from them -- FWIW...

There should be NO (nadda, ZIP) persecution whatsoever, but what I saw as a red hearing was the emphasis by the head of this outfit on the saying “there are no atheists in foxholes” as though this was Pentagon policy -- or even opinion -- AND it meant that atheist/agnostics don't "exist"

This is -- or became before I was born (I'm 61) -- a “general/civilian” saying that means scared people will likely pray and is a general metaphor (accurate or not) for all situations for people in danger of dying...thanks for the reply!!!

29 posted on 11/14/2008 3:36:31 PM PST by Jackson Brown
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To: RC2

You and me both.

What’s slanderous is the incessant babble that this isn’t a Christian nation, and more people need to confront these loons that keep trying to destroy this country with their separation of church and state lunacy while screaming “theocracy” all the time.

The weather is nice in Cuba!


30 posted on 11/14/2008 3:42:38 PM PST by tpanther (All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke)
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To: FeliciaCat
why does the very mention of God have to set these people off?

They're afraid they might be wrong....

31 posted on 11/14/2008 3:51:45 PM PST by usmcobra (Go ask Obama for your change, and don't bug me!)
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To: TCH
“I’m waiting for the day that our country finally stands up to all this crap and SHOOTS these people down. ...”

So you are advocating shooting people who do not share your particular religious belief?

Please explain where you are any different from the beheaders, who advocate the very same thing.

32 posted on 11/14/2008 3:54:52 PM PST by Coyoteman (Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.)
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To: brytlea
My Dad was a lifer (Air Force), and an atheist, altho I doubt he preached that to anyone. He never mentioned any sort of persecution.

The dirty little secret is there isn't any. The military has been politically correct just like everything else for decades now.

And now it'll only get much worse, soon enough open gayness will replace "don't ask don't tell" and decent normal Americans will be forced into the closets for their religious beliefs because of hate crimes against gays etc. etc. etc.

The further this nation moves away from conservatism and Christianity the sooner it implodes.

And all this is plainly biblical.

Jan. 20th 2009. A(nother) day which will live in infamy.

33 posted on 11/14/2008 4:01:54 PM PST by tpanther (All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke)
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To: Jackson Brown
...a “general/civilian” saying that means scared people will likely pray and is a general metaphor (accurate or not) for all situations for people in danger of dying...

Of course it's metaphor, but liberals are endlessly seeking ways to cling to their victimhood in this country, it's just what they do.

34 posted on 11/14/2008 4:22:28 PM PST by tpanther (All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke)
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To: PeteePie

Why do they always want to try their little social experiments with the military??


35 posted on 11/14/2008 4:26:20 PM PST by submarinerswife ("If I win I can't 't be stopped! If I lose I shall be dead." - George S. Patton)
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To: submarinerswife

Probably because they don’t respect the mission of the military, so they get a twofer.


36 posted on 11/14/2008 4:27:26 PM PST by brytlea (You can fool enough of the people enough of the time.)
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To: LibLieSlayer

I play UT2004 as “Friendly_Fire”. When I kill people in the game it shows to them “You were killed by Friendly_Fire”, and when I go on a killing spree, it shows “Friendly_Fire is on a killing spree”. Occasionally I can get to the point in the game where it says I am unstoppable. Very fun to blow off some steam.


37 posted on 11/14/2008 5:11:38 PM PST by LuxMaker (The Constitution is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary, Thomas J 1819)
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To: PeteePie
When they say ‘there are no atheists in foxholes’ it’s slanderous," said Wayne Adkins, a former Army first lieutenant

Former 1LT? Was he injured and medically discharged or something like that? I don't know ANY former 1LTs. Some former captains, and lots of former majors and LTCs. This is like a 'former private.'
38 posted on 11/14/2008 5:14:00 PM PST by SeminoleSoldier
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To: Coyoteman

No. I would not actually shoot them... I was being a smart-a$$...

However, I sure would like to do just that at times for the damage atheists, and those of similar persuasion, do to our culture.

BTW, when push comes to shove, an atheist soldier is not going to be too concerned with the well-being of his fellow soldiers, or the treatment of POWs, or civilians, or much of anything else. Such considerations depend entirely on an absolute moral reference. Atheists, by definition, have no foundation on which to set moral absolutes... everything is relative to the individual’s subjective point of view; i.e.: situational ethics. That is the mindset that dominates most of our culture these days.


39 posted on 11/14/2008 5:15:03 PM PST by TCH (Another redneck clinging to guns and religion)
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To: PeteePie

One more thing - I’m suspicious of whiners. I know several agnostics and atheist in my unit and to my knowledge they have never been harassed. When a soldier complains of being mistreated, he may be right, but it seems like most of the time they just don’t want to take responsibility for being crappy soldiers.


40 posted on 11/14/2008 5:35:17 PM PST by SeminoleSoldier
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To: LibLieSlayer
The only way to solve this problem is with “friendly fire”. LLS

I can't post what I'm thinking right now. I can't think of a term that both fits you and is suitable for mixed company.
41 posted on 11/14/2008 5:38:26 PM PST by SeminoleSoldier
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To: TCH
BTW, when push comes to shove, an atheist soldier is not going to be too concerned with the well-being of his fellow soldiers, or the treatment of POWs, or civilians, or much of anything else. Such considerations depend entirely on an absolute moral reference. Atheists, by definition, have no foundation on which to set moral absolutes... everything is relative to the individual’s subjective point of view; i.e.: situational ethics. That is the mindset that dominates most of our culture these days.

You realize, don't you, that you have just libeled a good many fine soldiers, both past and present.

Adherence to your particular religion is not a prerequisite to being a good soldier.

And the more of your posts I read here, the fewer soldiers I suspect agree 100% with your beliefs. You appear to be quite a ways out on the fringe.

42 posted on 11/14/2008 5:54:18 PM PST by Coyoteman (Religious belief does not constitute scientific evidence, nor does it convey scientific knowledge.)
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To: RC2

Bingo!!


43 posted on 11/14/2008 5:59:56 PM PST by PeteePie (thinking about a name change...)
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To: Coyoteman

No he’s not on the fringe. He’s stating a logical fact.

Whether you agree with their beliefs or not, people who believe there is a reward for their actions in life after they die are far more inclined to sacrifice their own life for that reward... be it diving on a grenade to save their friends, or flying a jetliner into a skyscraper.

A person who makes such sacrifice without believing there is a reward, however, could arguably be held to greater honor for selflessness.

But it is not libel of such soldiers, neither past nor present, to state such obvious fact.


44 posted on 11/14/2008 6:10:37 PM PST by OHelix
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To: OHelix; Coyoteman

As a former soldier, the evos like canine dude are given to hysterical hyperbole as part of their MO. Hardly scientific they are.


45 posted on 11/14/2008 6:24:01 PM PST by valkyry1 (McCain/Palin 2008)
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To: Jackson Brown
Unless they are forced to pray or stand there while a Chaplin is preaching TO THEM, or trying to convert them, then this is a ridiculously stupid issue.

Some right here at FR seem to think forcing religion on military personnel is not only a good idea, but their duty!

To be fair, some don't.

46 posted on 11/14/2008 6:27:40 PM PST by Gumlegs
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To: tpanther
...but liberals are endlessly seeking ways to cling to their victimhood in this country, it's just what they do.

I'll go a tad further and say that defines WHO they are. Without “victimhood” (their’s or feelings of guilt about others), there would be NO SUCH THING as liberals...period.

47 posted on 11/14/2008 6:46:02 PM PST by Jackson Brown
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To: PeteePie

...endowed by their creator with unalienable rights...

This is the what protects atheists and believers from the power of the State, once we get rid of this, as many would like, we’re doomed to the whims of “man” and the “state”.


48 posted on 11/14/2008 6:53:34 PM PST by word_warrior_bob (You can now see my amazing doggie and new puppy on my homepage!! Come say hello to Jake & Sonny)
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To: Gumlegs
Some right here at FR seem to think forcing religion on military personnel is not only a good idea, but their duty!

I couldn't believe that post you linked. When they come to my door, they get 30 seconds to get back to their car and leave.

I don't understand how people who want no infringement on THEIR religion think it's OK to infringe on other's “brand” of faith (or lack of).

Sheesh!! Gladly, by my estimation, this is an extreme minority view here and in the US.

49 posted on 11/14/2008 6:56:22 PM PST by Jackson Brown
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To: Jackson Brown; Cvengr
I hope you're right that it's a minority view; from my experience here I'm not so sure.

The conversation with Cvengr continued to post 200 of that thread. I never did seem to get him/her/it to understand my point.

50 posted on 11/14/2008 6:59:44 PM PST by Gumlegs
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