Abstract

This chapter explores the role and history of military chaplains. Religion has been a part of the US military since its infancy under the Continental Congress. As the number of chaplains has grown and the role has become more formalized, they have absorbed other functions. They are teachers, formal military event leaders, social workers, mental health counselors, aids to command, and more. Chaplains have become integrated into the military ethos. They are the military’s symbolic representation of moral exceptionalism. The oft-cited “two-collar problem” chaplains discuss is nominally about feeling torn between commitments to their faith and the military organization. However, it is about managing deeply habituated theological and moral obligations (one collar) that the military has redefined (the other collar).

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.