In many ways, “Chaplains Under Fire” is a case study of religion in the public square. As those who come to tomorrow night’s screening in Boston will see, we have clergy being hired by the State, paid for with public funds, serving our military men and women. And, as the film shows, often ministering to them in dire situations.
When controversies erupt over the role of religion in other situations, one cannot help but wonder whether the case of military chaplains cannot help shed light on the debate. Several articles today wrestle with whether NY Mayor Bloomberg has acted correctly in making the commemoration of 9/11 an entirely secular affair, with no participating clergy. The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post blogs, and others have weighed in. What do you think?