There has been much written in the last little while regarding the CAF (Canadian Armed Forces) directive that chaplains can no longer refer to God in public official ceremonies. Events such as Remembrance Day services or graduations.

I think it’s a good idea. Now before you get out the torches and pitchforks, hear me out.

When my father was in the Canadian Forces, CAF chaplains were either Christian or Jewish. All praying to the same God. And they ministered to a military made up primarily of those who shared their beliefs.

But times they are a changing.  Some Christians are upset that Christian chaplains can no longer invoke the name of God in public, official events. 

They forget that it also means that they won’t hear someone praying to Mother Earth, Allah or Brahman. Which, as a Christian, I would find offensive.

I guess the question is: If the government is going to have an official ceremony that includes a prayer, who gets to decide which God gets prayed to?

My understanding is that chaplains are still free to express their personal religious and spiritual beliefs in chapel services, at funerals and in personal counselling. Christian Chaplains are still free to represent Christ to Christian CAF members.

Have a great week, and remember: To see what is really possible, you will have to attempt the impossible.