Full Description
This book examines the neglected role of religion in the British Army in an era of rapid and far-reaching change. Covering the Cold War, the end of empire, seismic shifts in Britain's cultural and religious landscape, and the dramatic shrinkage of the armed forces, Michael Snape reveals religion's abiding importance at an institutional, individual and operational level. He explores the religious contexts of the Army's warfighting, counterinsurgency and peacekeeping operations, including the Korean, Falklands and Gulf Wars; the 'Emergencies' in Malaya, Kenya and Cyprus; the Northern Ireland conflict; UN and NATO operations in the Balkans; and Iraq and Afghanistan after 9/11. He also charts the religious responses of British soldiers to allies, adversaries and civilian populations. This is a unique and significant contribution to our understanding of the secularisation of British society, the social and cultural history of the British Army, and religion and war in the contemporary world.
Contents
List of figures; Acknowledgements; Note on the text; List of abbreviations; Introduction; Part I: 1. Morale, values and standards; 2. Regulations and tradition; 3. Dealing with diversity; Part II: 4. Chaplaincy structures, recruitment and training; 5. Chaplaincy and moral guidance; 6. Chaplaincy, celebrity and controversy; 7. Chaplaincy, convergence and diversification; 8. A ministry of presence; Part III: 9. The religion of the soldier; 10. Collaborations and confrontations; 11. Faith and morals; Conclusion; Selected primary sources; Index.
