Air Force to atheist Sgt.: "Recite 'So help me god' or get out"

[Starbucks Union Thug HokeyPuck]

If you're an atheist (as am I), saying "so help me God" isn't really any different than saying "hocus-pocus, if I am false let bad juju fall on my head."

I mean, it's just words. If you're treating religious references like they have mystical power... haven't you gone full circle back to being religious again?

It's about respect for the individual and respect for individualism as an idea.  People need to be allowed to be themselves when it comes to things that are central to who they are.  How do you not get this?

[Ebowed]

If you're an atheist (as am I), saying "so help me God" isn't really any different than saying "hocus-pocus, if I am false let bad juju fall on my head."

I mean, it's just words. If you're treating religious references like they have mystical power... haven't you gone full circle back to being religious again?

There's nothing mystical about respect.

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

An oath began as a mystical thing, and I think retains a bit of that quality to it even today.  It is possible for an atheist to have a commitment that is of an almost religious quality.

[H.E. VOLODYMYR ZELENKSYY]

An oath began as a mystical thing, and I think retains a bit of that quality to it even today.  It is possible for an atheist to have a commitment that is of an almost religious quality.

What does that even mean in this context? Why should that mean this man should be forced to invoke a god he doesn't believe in?

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

An oath began as a mystical thing, and I think retains a bit of that quality to it even today.  It is possible for an atheist to have a commitment that is of an almost religious quality.

What does that even mean in this context? Why should that mean this man should be forced to invoke a god he doesn't believe in?

I would think it means he shouldn't have to, as it would contradict his religious commitment.  I wonder if there could be some other source of help he can reference that is more in line with his beliefs.

[Ebowed]

An oath began as a mystical thing, and I think retains a bit of that quality to it even today.  It is possible for an atheist to have a commitment that is of an almost religious quality.

What does that even mean in this context? Why should that mean this man should be forced to invoke a god he doesn't believe in?

I would think it means he shouldn't have to, as it would contradict his religious commitment.  I wonder if there could be some other source of help he can reference that is more in line with his beliefs.

I don't think so.  This sounds sort of like that 'atheists are religious / believe in God, even if they don't realise it' line of reasoning that I've come across.  I can't really speak for anyone else, but personally I wouldn't need to be referencing anything like that if taking an oath of that nature.  For me, it would be best to omit the line.

[Starbucks Union Thug HokeyPuck]

http://www.stripes.com/news/air-force-drops-so-help-me-god-requirement-will-allow-airman-to-re-enlist-1.303637

Well, the AF backed down and this great American will be allowed to continue his service without invoking any gods that he does not believe in.

Glorious news!