Log In | Register
Dear Secretary Gates:
The Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) has learned on numerous occasions over the past several years about blatantly sectarian Christian religious programs and Christian proselytizing in the military. The proselytizing is unconstitutional and we demand you issue an order to stop it now.
Our letter addresses a particularly pernicious subcategory of proselytizing that must also cease immediately. The military often substitutes evangelical chaplains in the place of professional mental health care for service members suffering from mental health conditions, especially post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These reports have recently become increasingly frequent and alarming.
Among the many types of shocking incidents and illicit and dehumanizing practices reported to MRFF have been the military's teaching of creationism as an actual bona fide means of suicide prevention; the use of a parachurch military ministry's evangelical Christian program to treat PTSD; service members seeking help being sent to and proselytized by chaplains instead of being sent to mental health professionals; articles in official military publications stating that finding Jesus is the only solution to the mental health problems faced by members of our armed forces; mandatory mental health training inside chapels, plus countless "Spiritual Fitness" events and programs being promoted as mental health solutions.
Perhaps the most alarmingly repugnant stories are those coming in from our recent war veterans regarding the widespread practice of "battlefield Christian proselytizing." When, on active duty, our service members sought urgently needed mental health counseling while on the battlefield and with the gun smoke practically still in their faces, they were instead sent to evangelizing chaplains, who are apparently being used with increasing frequency to provide mental health care due to the acute shortage of mental health professionals. Chaplains are not certified, professional mental health experts.
Proselytizing in the Military: Chaplains and Religion Substituted for Professional Mental Health Care
Article Source: The Huffington Post- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
- Public Discussion (4)
Another alarming matter is that, due to the heavy promotion by the military of sectarian Christian religious "solutions" to mental health problems, non-religious, even moderately religious, service members struggling with mental health issues or contemplating suicide may not seek the help they need because they think they will just get evangelical, fundamentalist Christianity rammed down their throats if they do.
I think it is great that chaplains are available in the military for service men and women who want their services. I also think religious services should be provided by chaplains, and mental health services should be provided by mental health professionals. Someone requesting a pastor should not be provided with a psychiatrist -- and vice versa.
- 6 votes
#1 - Mon Aug 16, 2010 5:22 AM EDTIt would be better to handle pastoral care the way it is handled in many hospitals. Medical care goes on as usual, and pastoral care is available to those who request it. These religious services are not meant to replace any part of hospital care, including mental health or social services.
Some religious hospitals have chaplains, priests, nuns, eucharistic ministers, etc who go from room to room meeting the newly-admitted patients, offering their services. But it is in a "no pressure" manner, and the patient is not made to feel obligated to accept these services.
The military needs to view physically, emotionally and mentally stressed or injured members as patients needing medical care, not potential religious converts. If a GI asks for the chaplain, send one to him--in addition to the appropriate medical and mental health professionals.
- 4 votes
Exactly, Took. It's ashamed the DOD doesn't see it so clearly.
- 3 votes
Unfortunately this sort of religious zeal or extremism is eroding the secular nature of the military institution, and is giving credence to the 'crusade' or 'religious war' argument by critics.
- 1 vote
You're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
