Atheists in the military have alternative to church for the summer

[cbayer]

http://www.examiner.com/article/atheists-the-military-have-alternative-to-church-for-the-summer

ATHEISTS IN FOXHOLES JULY 18, 2012 BY: JOHN WARZEL



The Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers is an independent social group that connects atheist men and women in the military with each other around the world. For years, they have been advocating for official status for atheists and humanists. They have finally been recognized and are offering "alternatives to church" programs during summer training in military academies, according to Christian Post today.

MAAF president Jason Torpy:

This is recognition of nontheists that we should expect from the Academies in the future. It is a credit to the senior cadets and local volunteers that this has happened, and it is encouraging and appropriate that the military leaders have recognized the atheists in their ranks after not having done so for so many decades.

Some perceive a problem with this. Chaplain (Col.) Ron Crews is one of them. He points out that a group with no faith cannot have a chaplain if there is no belief in the "spiritual dimension." Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt claims that this just an attempt by atheists to remove Christian chaplains.

Most atheists respect the beliefs of others, so long as they keep it to themselves, and are not out to eliminate anybody. Torpy 's goal is to have equal treatment of diverse groups, to educate about what atheism is, and for acceptance. There are several other groups striving for support from the Academies, so there are plenty of challenges ahead. But, for now, this is a progressive step in the right direction.

[Ian David]

1. Isn't that flag backwards? n/t

[cbayer]

2. Those are atheist dog tags. Not sure about the flag.

[trotsky]

3. This is why:

http://www.marlowwhite.com/faq/f-why-is-the-flag-patch-reversed.html

The blue field of stars should always be in the highest position of honor. When viewing the flag on a wall, the highest position of honor is the upper left when displayed horizontally, and at the top (upper left) when displayed vertically. When displayed on a "moving object" like a person or vehicle, the highest position of honor is the front, and not the rear; so the field of blue should be displayed to the front.

[Ian David]

4. Oh! That's cool! I didn't know that! Thanks!

So, if I put a flag decal on the BACK of my car, the blue should be on the left.

If I put a flag decal on the SIDE of my car, the blue should be facing the front of my car? I think I have to go out to my driveway and fix something. Thanks!