His general attacks, which you repeated without qualification, are the reason I would recommend you consider discussing an alternative view on the general condition of religion (or evangelical Christianity) in the US military.

One would hope that you would at least acknowledge the critics alongside Weinstein’s accusations. When you do not acknowledge that his assertions may be incorrect, or fail to point out where they factually are, one might get the perception that you are advocating his position. Your blog (and a comment you made elsewhere) give the appearance that you are already convinced, and supportive, of Weinstein’s position.

You might want to read the lawsuit you reported on. You said Chalker’s complaints included “mandatory attendance at sectarian Christian events and prayer sessions.” That’s not what the lawsuit says. It says he was required to attend military formations at which sectarian Christian prayers were given.

There was exactly one complaint made by Chalker (“numerous” is arguably a poor descriptor), for which he provided three examples. The examples didn’t “include” being forced to attend events with prayer–that’s the entirety of what they were.

Regarding the “Chaplain in Afghanistan who was filmed instructing soldiers how to circumvent General Order #1,” I’d advise you to view the video, which is widely available. No where in the video does the Chaplain instruct or even implicitly encourage any such thing. That falsehood has been discredited, but Weinstein appears content to spread it.

“The effects of these stories…may help explain why al Qaeda has been so successful since the war in Iraq began at recruitment.”

You’re right. These stories may help our adversaries recruit. But some of these stories are falsely portrayed and inaccurately transmitted. If that is the case, who is responsible for the “recruiting tool?” The Chaplain who is in the video who is doing nothing wrong, or the man who gets on the international news saying the Chaplain is proof of American “crusading”?

“[Weinstein] implores all officers to resist using their command authority to promote a particular worldview, or to allow the Chaplains in their unit to do the same.”

Chaplains don’t have command authority, and they are expressly permitted to “promote [their] worldview.” Would you suggest that a Jewish Chaplain not be allowed to deliver a religious message on a Jewish worldview during a Sabbath service?

Weinstein has a history of flippant, alliterative hyperbole. He’s a man with an axe to grind and a political agenda. You might consider that next time, before you write a blog that takes him at face value and provides him a platform.

An alternative view is available. Just ask.