100 Years of Christian Scientists in Military Chaplaincy
“A Chaplain who is a Christian Scientist might find himself in a combat zone or a coffeehouse, on a helicopter trip or a parachute jump. It’s all in a day’s work.”
—“Shepherd with a parachute,” The Christian Science Journal, November 1970
During the Vietnam War, Christian Scientists in the military chaplaincy counseled soldiers and held worship services. They also provided healing support through prayer, with excellent results. Chaplains reported that many of the problems they faced revolved around the moral dilemmas of war. Richard D. Kemp, a chaplain in the navy, recounted this in a 1968 issue of “Christian Science Activities for the Armed Services”:
“Many instances have been quite challenging to my metaphysical position, especially the handling and working with the casualties sent in from other units (women, children, Viet Cong, Marines, etc.). This week’s Lesson-Sermon made quite an impact on me. I was holding the head of a Vietnamese bringing comfort through prayer, while the doctor was doing all he could. Later I learned that the man was a member of the North Vietnamese Army. He is now recovering in the hospital. The Lesson had stated, “Love your enemies…; pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you” (Matt. 6:44). Truly our enemy is that which defiles man, and not person.”
Jim Hull was first stationed in Vietnam in July 1967. He was responsible for conducting non-denominational or Protestant services for men in his battalion and also taught English to the Vietnamese. In a report given after his return to the United States, Hull wrote, “I felt as though God was teaching me what it means to be a C.S. chaplain to all kinds of men.”
Jim Hull volunteered in a number of Vietnamese orphanages and regularly distributed gifts to the children from Christian Science churches. He wrote, “…this photo was taken at a Buddhist orphanage that sprung up out of nowhere in dusty scrub brush country.” During their months in Long Thanh, Hull and other soldiers regularly went to this orphanage and developed strong friendships with the children there.
Karl “Sandy” Sandberg – excerpts from our oral history project
Karl “Sandy” Sandberg, n.d.. Unknown photographer. Church Archives, Box 534081, Folder 379709.
Sandberg recounts his path to the chaplaincy and his experiences serving as a US Army chaplain in Vietnam.
Karl “Sandy” Sandberg, interviewed by Stephen Graham and Judy Huenneke, August 9, 2018.
Sandberg discusses what drew him to the chaplaincy—particularly his desire to serve in Vietnam, although not as a combatant.
Sandberg further discusses shipping out to Vietnam in 1970, immediately following his graduation.
Sandberg explains the importance of interfaith ministry, telling how he approached prayer with men of all denominations.
