Publisher's Synopsis
For Man and Country: Atheist Chaplains in the US Army? asks the question whether the US Army should allow secular humanist and other non-religious leaders into the Chaplain Corps. Major Valeria Van Dress, a serving Army Chaplain, examines the issue objectively, allowing all side to share their perspectives. Her recommendation si for the Army to adjust to the increase of non-religious Soldiers without changing the composition of the Chaplain Corps.More than two centuries ago George Washington wanted to ensure clergy were present to meet the religious needs of his soldiers. Thus the chaplaincy in America was born. Over the ensuing years the US Army has gone to battle a multitude of times, and the chaplain was always there.The Army of today has evolved into something far beyond that ever conceived by General Washington, as has its chaplaincy. I doubt that he ever envisioned the wide variety of activities chaplains of the future would undertake, nor would he have guessed the diversity of religious needs that soldiers of the future would present. But Washington would recognize one thing that has not changed: the chaplain present with the troops, providing for their religious needs.But is this still the primary mission of chaplains: to provide religious support for soldiers? With the changing landscape of belief systems and spiritual stances, should the chaplaincy evolve to support a wider audience, or is the original mission still valid? This is a very difficult and complicated question and will not be resolved any time soon.This monograph is an excellent beginning for the discussion. Well-balanced, considerate and respectful, Chaplain Val Van Dress presents many of the legal and constitutional issues as well as the theological and philosophical debate between parties with different views on the issues. She has engaged people who represent a wide variety of viewpoints: both military and civilian, some with strong Theistic faith backgrounds, others who would characterize themselves as Humanist or Atheist. All of these voices are unique, and must be heard. It is my hope that after reading this, others will be encouraged to add their voices to the discussion, for this discussion is essential as the chaplaincy finds its way into the future.
