Military chaplains should give sectarian prayers

U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif, is pushing a controversial provision in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007. Hunter wants chaplains to have the legal right to pray at both public and private ceremonies in accordance with their faith traditions. This newspaper is critical of the provision. It suggests that the provision doesn't belong in the bill, and that Hunter is holding up "substantial employment" for Maine. The bill contains money for Bath Iron Works and the naval shipyard in Kittery.

The newspaper offers a questionable assertion as to the motive of Hunter, suggesting that he is proposing the measure because he is "ever mindful of the voting power of religious conservatives...". I can't read Hunter's mind. He may be mindful of the convictions of religious conservatives. And if so, good for him. He may just feel downright righteous about it himself, and religious conservatives be da**ed.

I suspect that the editorial writer may be equally culpable of being "mindful of the voting power" of a power base diametrically opposed to religious conservatives. Heaven knows where I would have gained that perception, but it might have something to do with this newspaper having a fairly consistent track record of being politically left of center in its pronouncements, especially on social issues.

Setting all that aside, the editorial allows that "There is a legitimate public discussion to be had about the role of religion in the nation's life." The paper says the defense bill is not that place. I say it is as good a place as any, perhaps better than most.

Nothing on earth (material) is more important than war. Nothing eternal (spiritual) is more important than a nation's religion. In our nation politics is -- unfortunately for the noble, weak and fallible politicians -- the place where the two intersect. More specifically, the United States resolves disputes over war and religion by debating legislation and voting to create laws and select candidates.

I applaud this paper for publicly supporting a debate over the role of religion in the nation's life. Muslim nations don't allow that, nor do those controlled by dictators, Marxists and communists. It is one of the great hallmarks of free nations like ours. And the inevitable tensions are not painlessly maintained, especially in the body politic.

The editorial suggests that Maine's economy could be hurt by this provision. Everybody knows that this provision will not change whether the defense bill passes or fails. This appropriations bill will be approved. This economic argument is convenient, but not realistic, in relation to this provision.

The question that faces all of us is whether chaplains, regardless of their faith tradition, should be legally allowed to pray in a manner that honors their religion in both public and private settings. The answer is clearly yes, hence the bill should be passed with the provision included.

This means that I, an evangelical protestant Christian, will listen to a Muslim chaplain pray to Allah at an official military meeting. It means that I will sit in a room and listen to a prayer offered by a native American pagan. She will offer this prayer officially as a chaplain of one of our military branches.

Not a problem. This is a small price to pay to sit in a meeting and hear men and women pray with integrity, no matter their belief. The more vexing aspect of this debate is found in the school room.

What should our nation do about the Muslim school teacher who chooses to teach his fifth graders that Christians are "dhimmis" (second class citizens)? Some will argue, perhaps the KJ, that this is wrong because the teacher is paid by taxpayers, some of whom are Christian. They would conclude that the Muslim teacher must, therefore, be secular in what he teaches.

I support the Muslim teacher's right to present this idea as one that is consistent with his beliefs, just as I (were I a teacher) would present the idea that the only way to God and heaven is through belief in Jesus Christ. It is consistent with my beliefs.

Americans do not support allowing the teacher to lead fifth graders to a religious conversion. Nor would we, however, wish to erect an impediment to any individual's free inquiry and choice regarding their beliefs. This right is, of course, properly attenuated in matters involving minors.

Michael S. Heath is Executive Director of the Christian Civic League of Maine, www.christiancivicleague.org. You can reach him at mike@cclmaine.org.

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