Spiritual Readiness: Essentials for Military Leaders and Chaplains

Excerpt

Drs. Koenig, Carey, and Al Zaben have provided a notable public service in writing this manualized study for approaching the varying dimensions of “spiritual readiness” necessary for a functioning military in contemporary society. In so doing, they have come some way in de-mystifying military culture for civilian health care providers as well as for the general public. In the USA, where draft and conscription ended decades ago, fewer and fewer families have friends and loved ones who are part of any military service. This book is eye opening in the way it allows the public to see that military leadership has resources and is aware of the inner needs of soldiers whose lives are committed to a life of service more than to one in search of social status or economic advancement. The book, moreover, avoids any jingoistic or nationalistic vocabulary or religious language which positions one religious or cultural tradition over against another. …