The Use of Religion in Early Chaplaincy

THE USE OF RELIGION IN EARLY CHAPLAINCY

A PAPER SUBMITTED TO DR. CHARLES DAVIDSON

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

THE COURSE CHPL 500 B02

LIBERTY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

BY

JEREMIAH HAGLER

MONDAY AUGUST 27, 2012

When it comes to the use of religion in the early history of the chaplaincy it would seem that it was invented mostly to rouse the troops to battle. They would motivate the troops by insuring them that the gods where on their side. They would also make ensure the soldiers that the battles they fought where that of a higher calling.

We can look as far back as Moses to see an example of a man that was both a commander and a chaplain. Moses led the Hebrew troops in battle against the Amalekites. Here we see Moses as the commander/chaplain of sorts for the Hebrew forces while they where in battle against the Amalekites. One connection to the fact that the chaplain must rouse the troops is Moses himself. If we look no further then Moses' hands we will see that when they where lifter the soldiers one, but when Moses's hands fell so did the troops. We can even look at Joshua brought the Ark to the battle of Jericho. This motivated the men and Joshua watched as the city fell. Joshua and Moses did not motivate the men with tricks; they motivated the men and stood as a reminder of why they fought. This is one of the biggest tasks that stand in front of the Chaplain.

We can even look to Constantine who received a vision. This vision, Constantine claimed, was from God letting him know that with Him he would be victorious. This only furthers to show the shaping of what would come to be known as a chaplain. We continue to see armies bring with them someone that would take care and nurture the faith of the troops. This person would revitalize the troops and make sure that their spiritual health was maintained. We can even continue to see this represented in the Roman and Barbarian. The sole responsibility of this person was mainly to promote the kingdom and thus its righteousness. Sadly most of these early chaplains or spiritual leaders focused on symbolism and not so much on the individual faith of the soldiers they ministered.

If we continue onward to reign of Charlemagne, we will see that his Army went a great way to try and earn victory and even favor in the eyes of the gods. The chaplains of the time went to