Original Intent: Military Chaplaincy

On July 9, 1776 this statement was made, "the Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a Chaplain to each Regiment, with the pay of Thirty-three Dollars and one third per month—The Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure Chaplains accordingly; persons of good Characters and exemplary lives—To see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect and attend carefully upon religious exercises. The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger—The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country." 

In this statement from the Continental Congress a person doesn't see pluralism or tolerance. What we read in this statement is several facts about why George Washington wanted chaplains serving with his troops. First, we see that Chaplains were (and still are) to be persons of good character and exemplary lives. Exemplary is defined as "worthy of being imitated." In our modern day military chaplaincy this is no longer the case more often than not. Don't get me wrong, there is still some great chaplains serving in the military, but many no longer meet the standard of exemplary. Second, the continental congress expected all inferior officers and soldiers to attend religious services (or exercises). Can you imagine if our President or congress made a statement like this in 2014? A media war would break out. Finally, its the belief of Washington that defines the purpose of chaplains serving our first military. Washington hoped and trusted that every officer and man would endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier. Why would Washington believe this? First, Washington was a Christian himself and knew there was only one way our first military would succeed in defending our country, for our soldiers to come to Christ and become regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit. In fact in Washington's farewell address, Washington reminded Americans that religious teachings and values must never be removed from politics and public policy declaring this:
 
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion, and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician equally with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them."

In summary, our military chaplaincy has drifted from the standards expected by our first Commander and Chief and Greatest General, George Washington. But most importantly, it no longer meets the standards of the true founder of America, God. Where pluralism and liberalism reign, Christ is pushed aside as just another religion and marginalized. Compromise now reigns in the military chaplaincy. To be a military chaplain the way the Army expects, compromise will reign and the Great Commission will be nonexistent in the lives of Christian chaplains. Military chaplains who genuinely want to proclaim Christ and the good news, they now, more than ever must be "as shrewd as a serpent and innocent as a dove" (Matthew 10:16). The wolves are around every corner seeking to devour a Spirit led chaplain or Christian soldier who seeks to honor God with their witness and testimony. These are truly perilous times.