ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS: HOW CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM IS IMPACTING THE MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
Well folks, it looks like we've got ourselves a bit of a holy war going on in the military and law enforcement. That's right, Christian nationalism is making its mark and causing quite the controversy. But don't worry, we're here to break it down for you in a way that's both detailed and witty (if we do say so ourselves).
First off, did you know that 73% of active military service members identify as people of faith?¹ That's a lot of praying going on. And with opportunities for worship, counseling, religious education, and more, it's no wonder religion plays such a big role in the military. But there are some challenges and controversies that come with it, such as the balance between religious liberty and constitutional separation of church and state. It's like trying to balance a Bible on your head while doing jumping jacks.
One of the biggest issues with Christian nationalism in the military is that it claims the United States was founded as a Christian nation and should be governed by Christian principles. It's like they're trying to make America into one big church potluck. And while some defend it as a legitimate expression of religious freedom and patriotism, others argue that it poses a threat to diversity, inclusion, and constitutional duty.
But what about law enforcement? Did you know that recruiting from the military may have some benefits for law enforcement, such as providing a pool of candidates with relevant skills, experience, and discipline?¹² That's right, those military veterans may just be the perfect fit for keeping the peace on our streets. But recruiting from the military may also pose some challenges or risks, such as creating a culture of militarization, aggression, or conformity. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
Now let's talk about the impact of Christian nationalism on law enforcement recruitment. It may attract some potential recruits who see it as a way of serving God and country, but it may also deter those who value religious diversity and pluralism. It's like trying to decide whether to eat a delicious slice of apple pie or a healthy salad. Tough choice, right?
But what about the impact of religious diversity in law enforcement? Well, it turns out that it can enhance police-community relations and improve police performance and professionalism.¹² But it can also pose some challenges and risks, such as difficulties or conflicts in accommodating religious beliefs and practices. It's like trying to juggle a bunch of different balls at once.
So what's the bottom line here? Well, it seems like there are pros and cons to everything when it comes to religion in the military and law enforcement. But one thing's for sure - we could all use a little more humor and laughter to lighten things up. So let's all take a deep breath, put on our funny hats, and try to find some common ground. After all, isn't that what being a good Christian (or human being) is all about?
THE DEFT DIVE
According to one source, religious life in the military centers on opportunities for voluntary worship, counseling, religious education, moral leadership training, pastoral support, religious retreats, child and youth ministries, and holiday observances¹. Close to **73%** of active military service members identify as people of faith¹.
However, there are also challenges and controversies regarding the role of religion in the military, such as the balance between religious liberty and constitutional separation of church and state, the diversity and inclusion of different faith groups and beliefs, the potential for discrimination or coercion based on religion, and the ethical implications of religion in war and violence²³⁴⁵⁶.
Bing, 7/10/2023
(1) Religion in the Military | Encyclopedia.com. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/religion-military.
(2) WHAT IS THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN THE MODERN MILITARY?. https://warroom.armywarcollege.edu/podcasts/what-is-the-role-of-religion-in-the-modern-military/.
(3) Pentagon unveils new religious liberty policies after pressure from .... https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/09/18/pentagon-unveils-new-religious-liberty-policies-after-pressure-from-conservative-lawmakers/.
(4) Military and Religion | SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-030-02866-4_32-1.
(5) Religious Belief in the Military | SOFREP. https://sofrep.com/news/religious-belief-in-the-military/.
(6) How Religious Is Our Military? 3 Ways Faith and Defending Freedom Go .... https://firstliberty.org/news/how-religious-is-our-military/.
Some examples of religious practices in the military are:
- - **Worship services** for different faith groups, led by chaplains or lay leaders, in chapels, tents, ships, or other locations³⁴.
- - **Religious holidays** such as Christmas, Easter, Passover, Ramadan, Diwali, etc., celebrated by service members and their families with special meals, decorations, ceremonies, or time off³.
- - **Religious symbols** such as crosses, stars of David, crescents, pentagrams, etc., worn as jewelry, tattoos, or on uniforms or dog tags⁴.
- - **Religious accommodations** such as dietary restrictions, head coverings, beards, prayer times, etc., granted by the military to service members who request them based on their sincerely held beliefs¹⁴.
- - **Religious education** such as Bible studies, Sunday schools, Quran classes, etc., offered by chaplains or volunteers to service members and their families³.
- - **Religious counseling** such as pastoral care, spiritual guidance, moral advice, etc., provided by chaplains or other religious leaders to service members and their families³.
These are just some of the examples of religious practices in the military. There may be more depending on the specific beliefs and traditions of each service member. The military tries to accommodate individual expressions of sincerely held beliefs as long as they do not adversely affect military readiness and unit cohesion¹⁴.
Bing, 7/10/2023
(1) Religion in the Military | Encyclopedia.com. https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/religion-military.
(2) Email: HQS-PolicyandStandards@uscg.mil COMDTINST 1000 - U.S. Department .... https://media.defense.gov/2021/Aug/30/2002843210/-1/-1/0/CI_1000_15.PDF.
(3) Pentagon unveils new religious liberty policies after pressure from .... https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/09/18/pentagon-unveils-new-religious-liberty-policies-after-pressure-from-conservative-lawmakers/.
(4) Religious Diversity in the U.S. Military. https://diversity.defense.gov/Portals/51/Documents/Resources/Commission/docs/Issue%20Papers/Paper%2022%20-%20Religious%20Diversity.pdf.
Christian nationalism is a political ideology that claims the United States was founded as a Christian nation and should be governed by Christian principles. It often conflates American patriotism with Christian identity and seeks to preserve or restore the dominance of white Christians in society¹.
The effect of Christian nationalism on the military is a matter of debate and controversy. Some argue that Christian nationalism poses a threat to the military's professionalism, diversity, cohesion, and constitutional duty. They point to examples of Christian nationalist symbols, slogans, and actions among some military personnel, especially during the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol²³⁴. They also criticize the influence of Christian nationalist groups and leaders on military policy, culture, and chaplaincy⁴.
Others defend Christian nationalism as a legitimate expression of religious freedom and patriotism. They argue that Christian nationalism does not imply intolerance or violence, but rather a commitment to moral values and national security. They claim that Christian nationalism reflects the beliefs and preferences of many service members and veterans, who are more likely to identify as Christians than the general population² .
Bing, 7/10/2023
(1) Views of U.S. as a Christian nation, Christian nationalism and its .... https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/10/27/views-of-the-u-s-as-a-christian-nation-and-opinions-about-christian-nationalism/.
(2) White Christian Nationalism: The Deep Story Behind the Capitol Insurrection. https://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/responses/white-christian-nationalism-the-deep-story-behind-the-capitol-insurrection.
(3) The Spiritual Lessons of a Christian Nationalist Military Defeat. https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/frenchpress/the-spiritual-lessons-of-a-christian/.
(4) The Coup & The Military-Christian Nationalist Industrial Complex. https://crooksandliars.com/2021/01/coup-military-christian-nationalist.
Christian nationalism may have both positive and negative effects on military recruitment, depending on the perspective and motivation of the potential recruits.
On the one hand, Christian nationalism may appeal to some people who see the military as a way of serving God and country, defending their faith and values, and fulfilling their patriotic duty. Some Christian nationalists may view the military as a mission field, where they can spread the gospel and influence others with their beliefs¹³. Some may also see the military as a source of strength and security for the nation, especially in times of crisis or conflict².
On the other hand, Christian nationalism may deter or alienate some people who do not share its ideology or agenda, or who value religious diversity and pluralism. Some people may be concerned about the potential for discrimination, coercion, or harassment based on their religious beliefs or lack thereof. Some may also question the compatibility of Christian nationalism with the constitutional principles of separation of church and state, religious freedom, and civil rights¹³⁴. Some may also doubt the legitimacy or morality of using violence in the name of God or Christianity².
Bing, 7/10/2023
(1) Michael Flynn is recruiting an ‘Army of God’ in growing Christian .... https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/michael-flynn-is-recruiting-an-army-of-god-in-growing-christian-nationalist-movement.
(2) The Coup & The Military-Christian Nationalist Industrial Complex. https://crooksandliars.com/2021/01/coup-military-christian-nationalist.
(3) Views of U.S. as a Christian nation, Christian nationalism and its .... https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/10/27/views-of-the-u-s-as-a-christian-nation-and-opinions-about-christian-nationalism/.
(4) What Is Christian Nationalism? | Christianity Today. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/february-web-only/what-is-christian-nationalism.html.
The religious diversity of the US military reflects the changing demographics and preferences of the American population, as well as the military's efforts to accommodate different faiths and beliefs among its service members.
According to a 2009 survey by the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute, the most common religious affiliations reported by military personnel were Protestant (35%), Catholic (22%), no religious preference (21%), and other Christian (11%). The survey also found that 8% of service members identified with non-Christian faiths, such as Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Wicca, and others¹.
Compared with the US civilian population, the military has a higher proportion of Christians and a lower proportion of religiously unaffiliated people. However, the military also has a higher proportion of non-Christian faiths than the general public. For example, Muslims make up 0.9% of the military, but only 0.6% of the civilian population. Similarly, Buddhists make up 0.7% of the military, but only 0.5% of the civilian population².
The religious diversity of the military is also influenced by other demographic factors, such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, and rank. For instance, Black and Hispanic service members are more likely to be Protestant than White or Asian service members. Women are more likely to be Catholic than men. Younger and lower-ranking service members are more likely to have no religious preference than older and higher-ranking service members¹.
The military has faced various challenges and controversies in dealing with religious diversity, such as balancing religious accommodation and readiness, preventing discrimination and harassment based on religion, ensuring chaplain diversity and quality, and addressing ethical dilemmas related to religion and war³⁴⁵. However, the military has also shown some progress and innovation in embracing religious diversity, such as allowing religious exemptions for uniforms and grooming standards, creating spaces for worship and meditation, providing training and education on religious pluralism, and supporting interfaith dialogue and cooperation²⁴⁵.
Bing, 7/10/2023
(1) Religious Diversity in the U.S. Military. https://diversity.defense.gov/Portals/51/Documents/Resources/Commission/docs/Issue%20Papers/Paper%2022%20-%20Religious%20Diversity.pdf.
(2) How the US military has embraced growing religious diversity. https://theconversation.com/how-the-us-military-has-embraced-growing-religious-diversity-124734.
(3) Accommodating Faith in the Military | Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2008/07/03/accommodating-faith-in-the-military/.
(4) How the US military has embraced growing religious diversity. https://religionnews.com/2019/11/12/how-the-us-military-has-embraced-growing-religious-diversity/.
(5) Religious Diversity and Challenges in the U.S. Military. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/religious-diversity-and-challenges-us-military-95786.
The impact of law enforcement recruitment from the military and Christian nationalism is not well-studied or understood, but it may have some implications for the diversity, culture, and performance of police departments.
On the one hand, recruiting from the military may have some benefits for law enforcement, such as providing a pool of candidates with relevant skills, experience, and discipline. Military veterans may also bring a sense of service, loyalty, and teamwork to their police work. Some studies have found that military veterans perform better than non-veterans on some measures of police performance, such as use of force, citizen complaints, and awards¹².
On the other hand, recruiting from the military may also pose some challenges or risks for law enforcement, such as creating a culture of militarization, aggression, or conformity. Military veterans may also face difficulties in adjusting to civilian policing, such as dealing with different rules of engagement, legal constraints, and community expectations. Some studies have found that military veterans are more likely than non-veterans to be involved in some types of misconduct, such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, and excessive force¹².
Christian nationalism may also have some influence on law enforcement recruitment and behavior, especially among military veterans who identify with this ideology. Christian nationalism is a political belief that the United States was founded as a Christian nation and should be governed by Christian principles. It often conflates American patriotism with Christian identity and seeks to preserve or restore the dominance of white Christians in society³.
Christian nationalists may be attracted to law enforcement as a way of serving God and country, defending their faith and values, and fulfilling their patriotic duty. They may also see law enforcement as a source of strength and security for the nation, especially in times of crisis or conflict³. However, Christian nationalists may also pose some problems or dangers for law enforcement, such as violating the constitutional separation of church and state, discriminating or harassing people of other faiths or no faith, or using violence in the name of God or Christianity. They may also be susceptible to radicalization by extremist groups or movements that promote conspiracy theories, anti-government sentiments, or white supremacy³⁴⁵.
Bing, 7/10/2023
(1) Recruiting for Diversity in Law Enforcement - Scholars at Harvard. https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/janewiseman/files/police_recruiting_research_summary_august_2021.pdf.
(2) It’s Time to Talk About Violent Christian Extremism - POLITICO. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/02/04/qanon-christian-extremism-nationalism-violence-466034.
(3) Recruitment, Hiring & Retention | COPS OFFICE. https://cops.usdoj.gov/recruitment_hiring_and_retention.
(4) A Crisis Facing Law Enforcement: Recruiting in the 21st Century. https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/a-crisis-facing-law-enforcement-recruiting-in-the-21st-century/.
(5) Trends and Threats of Hate & Antigovernment Extremism. https://www.splcenter.org/year-hate-extremism-2022/trends-and-threats.
Christian nationalism may affect police culture in various ways, such as shaping the attitudes, values, and behaviors of some police officers and influencing their interactions with the public and their peers.
Some possible effects of Christian nationalism on police culture are:
- - **A sense of mission and identity.** Some police officers who adhere to Christian nationalism may view their work as a way of serving God and country, defending their faith and values, and fulfilling their patriotic duty. They may also see themselves as part of a chosen or favored group that has a special role and responsibility in society¹².
- - **A tendency to favor or discriminate.** Some police officers who adhere to Christian nationalism may be more likely to favor or discriminate people based on their religious affiliation, ethnicity, race, or political orientation. They may be more supportive of or hostile to certain groups or individuals depending on whether they perceive them as allies or enemies of their cause¹²³.
- - **A susceptibility to radicalization or extremism.** Some police officers who adhere to Christian nationalism may be vulnerable to radicalization or extremism by groups or movements that promote conspiracy theories, anti-government sentiments, or white supremacy. They may be influenced by false or distorted information, propaganda, or rhetoric that appeals to their fears, grievances, or prejudices. They may also be willing to use violence in the name of God or Christianity²³⁴.
- - **A challenge to accountability and professionalism.** Some police officers who adhere to Christian nationalism may pose a challenge to the accountability and professionalism of the police force. They may resist or undermine policies or practices that aim to promote diversity, inclusion, or equity within the police force or among the public. They may also violate the constitutional principles of separation of church and state, religious freedom, and civil rights¹²³.
Bing, 7/10/2023
(1) God’s Country in Black and Blue: How Christian Nationalism Shapes .... https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2332649218790983.
(2) New report details the influence of Christian nationalism on the .... https://religionnews.com/2022/02/09/new-report-details-the-influence-of-christian-nationalism-on-the-insurrection/.
(3) Christian nationalism - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_nationalism.
(4) Christian Nationalism Is Worse Than You Think | Christianity Today. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/quick-to-listen/christian-nationalism-capitol-riots-trump-podcast.html.
Christian nationalism may affect military recruitment in various ways, such as attracting or deterring potential recruits based on their religious beliefs, values, and motivations.
Some possible effects of Christian nationalism on military recruitment are:
- - **An appeal to service and patriotism.** Some potential recruits who adhere to Christian nationalism may be drawn to the military as a way of serving God and country, defending their faith and values, and fulfilling their patriotic duty. They may also see the military as a mission field, where they can spread the gospel and influence others with their beliefs¹².
- - **A deterrent to diversity and pluralism.** Some potential recruits who do not share the ideology or agenda of Christian nationalism may be discouraged or alienated from joining the military. They may be concerned about the potential for discrimination, coercion, or harassment based on their religious beliefs or lack thereof. They may also question the compatibility of Christian nationalism with the constitutional principles of separation of church and state, religious freedom, and civil rights²³.
- - **A susceptibility to radicalization or extremism.** Some potential recruits who adhere to Christian nationalism may be vulnerable to radicalization or extremism by groups or movements that promote conspiracy theories, anti-government sentiments, or white supremacy. They may be influenced by false or distorted information, propaganda, or rhetoric that appeals to their fears, grievances, or prejudices. They may also be willing to use violence in the name of God or Christianity²⁴.
Bing, 7/10/2023
(1) Michael Flynn is recruiting an ‘Army of God’ in growing Christian .... https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/michael-flynn-is-recruiting-an-army-of-god-in-growing-christian-nationalist-movement.
(2) Views of U.S. as a Christian nation, Christian nationalism and its .... https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/10/27/views-of-the-u-s-as-a-christian-nation-and-opinions-about-christian-nationalism/.
(3) The Coup & The Military-Christian Nationalist Industrial Complex. https://crooksandliars.com/2021/01/coup-military-christian-nationalist.
(4) What Is Christian Nationalism? | Christianity Today. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/february-web-only/what-is-christian-nationalism.html.
Yes, there are some studies on the impact of religious diversity in law enforcement, although they are not very extensive or conclusive. Some of the main findings and challenges are:
- - **Religious diversity can enhance police-community relations.** By having a more diverse and representative police force, law enforcement agencies can build trust and rapport with different religious groups and communities, especially those that may feel marginalized or discriminated by the police. Religious diversity can also help police officers to understand and respect the cultural and religious sensitivities, needs, and rights of the people they serve¹².
- - **Religious diversity can improve police performance and professionalism.** By having a more diverse and inclusive police force, law enforcement agencies can benefit from the different skills, perspectives, and experiences of their officers, especially in dealing with complex and sensitive situations that involve religion. Religious diversity can also help police officers to avoid stereotypes, biases, or prejudices that may impair their judgment or behavior¹².
- - **Religious diversity can pose some challenges and risks for law enforcement.** By having a more diverse and pluralistic police force, law enforcement agencies may face some difficulties or conflicts in accommodating the religious beliefs and practices of their officers, especially when they clash with the policies, procedures, or expectations of the police work. Religious diversity can also create some tensions or divisions within the police force or between the police and the public, especially when religion is used to justify or promote violence, extremism, or discrimination¹³.
Bing, 7/10/2023
(1) The Positive Impact of Religious Diversity on a Police Force. https://www.policechiefmagazine.org/the-positive-impact-of-religious-diversity/.
(2) Few police officers are religion experts. That can create big problems. https://www.deseret.com/indepth/2019/8/1/20755777/few-police-officers-are-religion-experts-that-can-create-big-problems.
(3) Freedom of Religion and Law Enforcement Employment: Recent Court .... https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/freedom-religion-and-law-enforcement-employment-recent-court.
(4) A Practical Reference to Religious Diversity for Operational Police and .... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Practical_Reference_to_Religious_Diversity_for_Operational_Police_and_Emergency_Services.
