This article is about how recently, when atheist soldiers in the military apply to be chaplains or lay leaders for their troops, they've been turned down because the army doesn't recognize atheism as a religion. Depending on the definition, however, atheism can in fact be considered a religion. Despite this, and despite the 10,000 soldiers that identify as "atheist" or "agnostic," the military has been steadfast in their resolve that these men and women can't become chaplains for their men.
The author clearly thinks this mindset the army has is ridiculous. He uses pathos when describing the torment other religions, notably Christianity, subject atheists to; they constantly pester atheists with the thought of religion. Some even go far enough to say things like, "that if they don't believe in Jesus, why are they in uniform, because this is God's army." He also appeals to logos by using facts like the number of atheists in the army, and the definition of atheism as decided by the Supreme Court, to make his point.
As an atheist, this author definately persuaded me. I think it's ridiculous that people could look down on other people for something as trivial as religion. If God really is as all-loving as people say, he will excuse and understand my skepticism. Just because someone doesn't believe in God doesn't mean that others won't be moved by their words, making them just as effective as a chaplain as a devote Christian. All in all, I think the army is being silly about this.
"There are atheists in foxholes"
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinionla/la-ed-atheist-20111117,0,1064733.story
Silly army people...
ReplyDeleteit seems like the army is prejudice about atheists which is wrong. Also, I like how you connected it to your own beliefs and used pathos!
ReplyDeleteAtheism is not a religion. PLain and simple. They are completely against religion, they think that religion is the cause of many problems in the world. So calling atheism a religion would be contradicting what they stand for. That being said, I believe people should have the right to believe whatever they want to believe. It's wrong to judge someone because they're an atheist, it's wrong to judge someone because they're a muslim, Christian, jew, etc. Any man can say great things, do great things, think great things, regardless of what they believe or do not believe in. Prejudice goes both ways though, atheists aren't "special" because they are facing opposition, every man from any religion has faced the same prejudices. So before we go and say "poor atheist", cross out 'atheist', and replace it with the entire human race.
ReplyDelete