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Debate Info

35
15
Sure, Why Not? No way, Oxymoron
Debate Score:50
Arguments:37
Total Votes:54
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 Sure, Why Not? (20)
 
 No way, Oxymoron (10)

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Would you support Atheist Chaplains for the Navy?

The Navy (and all US military) is looking at allowing Atheist Chaplains!  Yes, thats right Chaplains who do not have "faith".

This is being supported by http://militaryatheists.org/ The group called Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers or MAAF for short.

Check out the video here:

http://video.foxnews.com/v/2562464757001/controversy-over-push-for-atheist-chaplains-in-the-navy/?playlist_id=2114913880001

What is your view on this?

Sure, Why Not?

Side Score: 35
VS.

No way, Oxymoron

Side Score: 15

My father was an XO in the Navy and I plan on going in as a doctor. It can be stressful being far from home, sometimes in hostile enviroments. The last thing you want is to feel like an outsider within your own crew. Chaplains help remind us why we are out there. If atheists would feel better represented having chaplains of their own, they should have that right. I would imagine an atheist chaplain would preform burials and offer support to struggling atheists on the ship.

Side: Sure, Why Not?
2 points

Thank you for your service. :)

Side: Sure, Why Not?
2 points

If the atheists in the Navy feel they would benefit by having an Atheist "Chaplain" around to talk to, I don't see a problem with it.

Side: Sure, Why Not?

What would the conversation be about? The metaphysics of a non existing God.

Side: Sure, Why Not?
4 points

Mortality and how to deal with grief and loss, without all that Jesus crap thrown in.

Side: Sure, Why Not?
2 points

Personally I would not care. I don't see how it could limit or increase performance on the battlefield or wherever they may be needed.

Side: Sure, Why Not?
trumpet_guy(503) Clarified
1 point

The only reason I would care is that it would seem hyprpcritical since they tried to make a push to put christian chaplains out of the military.

Side: Sure, Why Not?

Well if they were to put atheist chaplains in, it would help balence out both groups so that the atheists would likely no longer feel the need to push the theist chaplains out.

Side: Sure, Why Not?
Quocalimar(6470) Clarified
1 point

You're confused like I am (or was before google) from what I have read so far I don't think Chaplains fight, I think they just console the dying, hence the reason everyone's saying they don't have faith so why should they be out there for faith purposes.

Side: Sure, Why Not?
2 points

Yes yes yes!!! Chaplains is kind of an ironic name but the main purpose for the "chaplains" is mental support for the troops. Do you know what they go through over there? Its unspeakable. If these chaplains can help the atheists we ship overseas then im absolutely all for it.

Side: Sure, Why Not?
trumpet_guy(503) Clarified
1 point
AveSatanas(4443) Clarified
3 points

The whole point of it is so atheists can get together with other atheists. Anyone can go to a councelor but sometimes people need help coming to grips with their mortality that comes with being an atheist. There is no next life. and thats hard to cope with especially when your one life is on the line. A regular concelor cant really help that much, but coming together with an atheist chaplain and other atheists who all share the same ideas can be really supporting for them. And ultimately it comes down to: our soldiers want it. Why not? They risk their lives and die for us and the religious cant put asside their prissy attitudes and sense of entitlement to hire a fucking atheist chaplain for them?

Side: Sure, Why Not?
2 points

I assume that the 'chaplian' will be rational, a humanist and be experienced in counseling. It will fulfill the needs of those that needs moral support in a secular context. I will support it.

Side: Sure, Why Not?
2 points

I support freedom of belief. My answer is yes. .

Side: Sure, Why Not?
1 point

Technically science teachers can be considered chaplains.

Side: Sure, Why Not?
wardogninja(1789) Clarified
1 point

I am not disagreeing with you, i am just curious how you reached that decision.

Side: Sure, Why Not?
3 points

Atheist don't believe in a higher being so there shouldn't be a need for Chaplains.

Side: No way, Oxymoron
1 point

Chaplains provide needed moral support. For the people out there in active duty in what is typically the most stressful time of their lives, that is an important thing to have. Atheists might not need bible readings, but they need someone to talk to, someone to bury the fallen in a manner that fits their own lifestyle, and most of all someone to remind them that they are not alone.

Side: Sure, Why Not?
2 points

That is a bit of an oxymoron seeing as how Atheists don't attend any sort of religious ceremonies what would an Atheist chaplain even do. By the way these guys look like militant atheists (budum tish) sorry I couldn't resist.

Side: No way, Oxymoron
2 points

What would they do? Provide emotional support? Counseler or something like that. Tell them to stay unbelieving? What would they do?!

Side: No way, Oxymoron
1 point

Counselors can not preform burials.

Side: Sure, Why Not?
2 points

Wouldn't an Atheist Chaplain basically be a therapist with less experience and credentials?

Side: No way, Oxymoron

Now how would that work? Why would an atheist want to be a chaplain? They shouldn't be chaplins because they don't even have a religion.

Side: No way, Oxymoron
1 point

By the way, if you are an Atheist then why make such a big deal out of it? Shouldn't you not care at all?

Side: No way, Oxymoron
Quocalimar(6470) Disputed
1 point

What rule of being an atheist says we should 'not care at all'? Have you ever been dying? I don't think you have, because if you were I would think you would have more insight into the mindset of someone in that situation. I imagine it's frightful, and they (the atheists) want to die in peace, just like the Christians. So my question to you is, why shouldn't they be allowed that?

Side: Sure, Why Not?
DevinSeay(1120) Disputed
1 point

Chaplains are religious officers in the military. Since Atheist do not believe in a God, why should they need a Chaplain?

If you are an Atheist, why do you need a Chaplain to have peace if you believe there is no afterlife?

Your argument is invalid.

Side: No way, Oxymoron