Research Catalog

Religion in the ranks belief and religious experience in the Canadian Forces

Title: Religion in the ranks [electronic resource] : belief and religious experience in the Canadian Forces / Joanne Benham Rennick.
Author: Benham Rennick, Joanne, 1970-
Publication: Toronto : University of Toronto Press, [2011]

Available Online

Details

Description

1 online resource (xiv, 212 pages) : illustrations.

Summary

"What role does religion play in the Canadian Forces today? Examining the changing functions of the official religious leaders in the chaplaincy as well as the place and purpose of religion in the lives of regular military personnel, Religion in the Ranks explores this question in the context of late modernity and the Canadian secular state. In-depth interviews with chaplains and with personnel of differing spiritual beliefs offer insight into how religion affects the real life experiences of those who have endured difficult assignments, witnessed atrocities, and struggled to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder. While identifying the historic function of religion in the Canadian Forces, Joanne Benham Rennick demonstrates that spiritual interests remain important, even to those who do not consider themselves to be religious. Arguing that the leadership, practices, and beliefs rooted in religious affiliations create essential support systems for individuals, both at home and on assignment, Benham Rennick shows that there is still a place for religion in Canada's military."--pub. desc.

Uniform Title

Religion in the ranks (Online)

Alternative Title

Religion in the ranks (Online)

Subject

Canada. Canadian Armed Forces > Religious life
Military chaplains > Canada
Soldiers > Religious life > Canada
Soldiers > Canada > Interviews
Military chaplains > Canada > Interviews

Bibliography (note)

Includes bibliographical references (pages [183]-197) and index.

Access (note)

Access restricted to authorized users.

Contents

Introduction -- Premise --Methods -- The late modern approach to religion -- A historical overview of the CF chaplaincy -- 1914-1945 : Forming a Chaplain Branch -- 1946-1980 : Becoming a modern bureaucratic force -- 1980-2007 : A 'postmodern' context -- The twenty-first century : towards an interfaith branch -- Unusual officers -- Personality, motivation, commitment -- Presence, trust and rapport -- Alike but different -- The rank and file -- Private religion -- Religious interests as a response to hardship and suffering -- Formal religion -- Conclusions -- The continuing significance of religion -- Modernization and religion in the CF -- Lack of religious knowledge -- Stigma and anomie -- The persistence of religion.

LCCN