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5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent History of Military Chaplaincy in 12 Essays Covering Roman to Current Times, January 25, 2009
This is a very thought-provoking book on a subject that has been roundly ignored by historians. This is a history of military chaplaincy in a number of armies and societies from Roman times to the 21st century. Yet this work is not simply a history -- it is more a group of essays explaining the roles of military chaplains in wars throughout history and the issues they confronted. An number of eminent writers contribute essays on their particular historical area of interest, and all are of extremely high quality. They face the issues of each time and situation squarely, and the result is twelve very interesting essays inducing me to want to read more on the subject of military chaplains in each war covered by the essayist. For this I heartily recommend the fine bibliography included in this work. Why this book is so unpopular as to receive no reader reviews prior to this one is beyond me.
The individual putting this work together is Doris Bergen, a professor of history at Notre Dame, and whose speciality includes German chaplains under the Nazis in World War II. Her chapter is perhaps the most fascinating as the religious issues under the Nazis were intense. The German chaplains, Catholic and Protestant, were held in disfavor by the political authorities and their mere presence seemed to legitimatize genocide and the way the Germans conducted the way. Ultimately, military chaplains have to answer to everyone, even those both inside and outside the clergy who are hostile to military chaplains. The chaplains are not always appreciated by soldiers or civilians, and in modern times their service must be a labor of love and committment. The development of the tradition and service of these remarkable individuals is worth the understanding and consideration of every reader.
There are four main themes to this work that are present more or less in every essay. The first is simply the historical development of the institution of military chaplains throughout history. For most readers, this will be the least important aspect of the book. Secondly is the emotional and spiritual relationship between chaplains and their constituency -- the soldiers and sailors they serve. In this respect, the account by Rabbi Max Wall in the Second World War is a must read. Thirdly comes the conflict between the chaplain's position in serving two (or three) masters: his military superiors, superiors in his religious hierarchy, and, of course, his God. The military generally wants chaplains to be morale boosters, whereas religious authorities want the chaplain to be a servant of God and to conduct pastoral care of his flock. Many times the two roles are incompatible. This also causes chaplains to be seen as illegitimate in the eyes of all -- the military and religious authorities, the soldiers and sailors, and by civilains who would like the chaplains to perform in accordance to what the public might want. For example, chaplains in Iraq -- an "unjust" war to those on the left in the US, are called upon by those on the left to register their opposition to the war and seen as tools of the Administration if they do not. And lastly, there is the issue of moral and theological dilemmas. Soldiers kill, and chaplains minister openly to those going into battle. If killing is immoral, then how does (or can) a chaplain resolve the conflict, support but guide his flock in the way of his religion? In Islam, there is the concept of a holy war, but not in Judaism or Christianity (Saint Augustine's "just war" protecting innocents excepted).
In short, the conflicts are many, and how each chaplain resolves these issues is a personal trial and judgment. In many respects, I can think of no greater human story to tell -- but every such story is unique. That's what makes this work so remarkable -- the resolutions throughout history by chaplains of many different religions in many wars in many times and different societies. The story of a chaplain could be told a hundred different ways in a hundred different books or movies.
Nor does this work shy away from the pacifist revulsion of military chaplains as in the last essay by Michael Baxter -- in my opinion the weakest of the essays. Baxter states that chaplains serve some kind of strange warrior God, certainly not the Catholic God of Jesus Christ. Indeed, as one who has been under fire, I wish to take issue with the peaceful and secure Doctor Baxter whose only personal moral dilemma seems to be what to require of sinners in the confessional for penance. Military chaplains with the troops have no such luxury and have to confront the dead, dying, and those about to increase the dead and dying every day. Baxter may argue with the deceased Father Corby, a chaplain for the Union in the American Civil War, but Father Corby knew who he was and what was right and wrong and what he was doing (God's work.) I wonder if Doctor Baxter can say the same.
At any rate, the foregoing is just a sample of the conflicts and thought-provoking issues contained in this book. It would be in every reader's interest to read this work and THINK about its content.
I recommend that everyone purchase and read this book, then think about the banality of most of our lives and what the chaplains do. There is much to learn here.
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