In Theory

On Nov. 5, a rampage at Ft. Hood, Texas, left at least 13 people dead and many wounded. The alleged gunman was Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan. News reports raised the possibility that his reputedly zealous religious views may have been a factor, although the investigation into the incident has not officially borne that out.

Should the religious background of all members of the Armed Forces be carefully scrutinized and monitored while they’re in uniform and serving the United States? Or does their freedom of religious expression, which is protected under the Constitution, supersede national security and the need to prevent such an act from happening again?

This is a difficult question. I believe that background checks should certainly be made, but whether there needs to be “carefully monitored and scrutinized” attention to religious practice, I cannot necessarily say.

Radical religious zealots are rare — they aren’t your average churchgoer, mosque-attending, temple-praying person of faith. I have a feeling that even when extremists cite their religion as the purpose for their actions, it is really about something more — perhaps something that might be revealed in a psych test or background check. If it did not show up in regular background checks, would a scrutiny of religious practice reveal a potential murderer?

I feel that my role is less about making calls on investigations, and more about offering love and support to a grieving nation.

The Rev. Sarah Halverson

Fairview Community Church

The right of religious expression gives no one the right to ignore or override the proper laws of our land. The religious background of immigrants and military recruits is something to consider, and any connections with extreme and zealous religious views should be scrutinized. They should have to swear that they agree to abide by our laws, and will never give precedence to religious customs or beliefs when there is any conflict. Unfortunately, some people get so involved in religious fantasies that they lose common sense and become as much of a problem for society as those hooked on drugs.

Jerry Parks

Member, Humanist Assn. of Orange County