Religion at WP

Runt

5-Year Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2013
Messages
16
To put it briefly, I'm a Buddhist. Would I face any type of religious discrimination at West Point? I am very casual and laid back about my religious beliefs, and will very rarely bring them up without being directly asked. Through a few articles I've read online, some atheists and minority-religion students feel a bit uncomfortable in WP's atmosphere. I'm not too easily offended, but I do expect some basic toleration. How Christian is the atmosphere, and is imposed on the student body? Also, would my religion hurt my chances to advance in the army?
 
I'm not a cadet there, but from my brief overnight visit, it seemed like everyone was on their own religion-wise. The student body certainly didn't appear only religious; it took a while for me to figure out who in my room was a Christian, nonbeliever, or adherent of another faith. Put simply, your faith is your faith. The only hint of religion I got was for a ceremonial prayer for a special dinner, and even for that, the speaker (a cadet) stated, "please bow your heads if you choose to do so." Further, any discrimination against your faith specifically would be an offense, I'm sure. I think you will be fine, man.
 
Thank you very much man. Definitely was a bit of a concern, but that description sounds good to me. I think the articles I read were written by people with incredibly thin skin.
 
In the two years I've been here, I have never been forced to pray, attend a religious service, or even been asked what my religion is (except to put it on my dog tags). While there are many active religious groups (churches and cadet clubs), my experience with them has always been positive (hosting free dinners, delivering valentine's day cards and candy, etc.). During Beast, there may not be a buddhist chaplain's time, but the other religions welcome everyone with open arms and free food.
 
Hi, as a cadet I can give you some insight as well.

during BCT (beast) you will have the opportunity to practice any religion you choose in the designated times. If for your religion, you practice on days other than Sunday, your chain of command will (should) ask you your preferences and will work to accomodate you.

Everyone will form up, and something along the lines of "if you are jewish, line up over here, christian, here, catholic, LDS,"... and so on so they can take you to your respective places. If they do not list your religion, talk to your chain of command to find out where to go.


during the academic year, religious practices are usually pretty subdued. As we all come from so many different cultures and places, most of us keep to ourselves, and are very understanding of everyone else.

In short, I would not be worried. West Point makes it a point to accomodate everyone's belief just like the Army does, and the cadets here ( I won't say there are not exceptions) are very open to one another.

PM me if you have any other questions.
 
I think the articles I read were written by people with incredibly thin skin.

If you are talking about the person that left West Point and wrote articles on the Huffington Post, don't worry, it's not like what that person says it is.
 
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