What beliefs and religions has the Pentagon removed from military records?

SadaNews - The decision by the U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) to reduce the list of approved religious symbols in military records has sparked controversy among some military personnel and veterans, after it cut the number of religious classifications from around 220 categories to just 31 categories starting next July.

According to a report published by the British newspaper Independent, the department affirmed that the step is not intended to define "officially recognized" religions or restrict freedom of belief, but rather aims to simplify the process of gathering data related to military chaplains and religious services within the armed forces.

The move has increased criticism against Pete Hegseth, who is accused of imposing his Christian views on the military and fueling a "culture war."

The Pentagon told the newspaper that soldiers will still be able to list their religious or philosophical beliefs on their military ID cards, even if they are not included in the new 31 categories.

Criticism

However, the decision faced criticism from some observers and former military clergy, who felt that reducing the classifications might send the wrong message about religious diversity within the armed forces, according to the report.

Opponents point out that the new list is not comprehensive and only focuses on major Christian denominations (which make up the majority), in addition to major world religions such as Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism, or general classifications like atheism and agnosticism.

The step has led to increased criticism against U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, accused of imposing his Christian views on the military and fueling a "culture war," amidst widespread dissatisfaction among veterans who feel that the decision violates the First Amendment of the Constitution.

The New List

According to the Independent, the new list removed or merged dozens of previous beliefs and sects under broader categories or under the classification of "other religions."

Below are the beliefs and sects that are no longer listed independently in the new list, as reported by the newspaper:

Messianic Judaism: A religious movement that blends Jewish beliefs with the faith that the promised Messiah is Jesus.

Ekankar: A modern spiritual movement that emphasizes the possibility of direct communication with God through meditation and spiritual experiences.

Heathenry: A contemporary revival of ancient Germanic and Northern beliefs that predated Christianity.

Beliefs of Native Americans: Diverse spiritual traditions associated with Indigenous peoples of America and their relationship with the land and nature.

Church of the Spiral Tree: A modern pagan religious group inspired by nature and ancient spiritualities.

Truth: A religious organization concerned with reviving ancient Scandinavian and Germanic religious heritage.

Order of the Rosy Cross: A Western spiritual and philosophical current focusing on esoteric knowledge and spiritual elevation.

Wicca and its branches: A modern pagan religion focusing on the veneration of nature and celebrating seasonal cycles and spiritual rituals, encompassing various schools and traditions that differ in some practices and beliefs.

Holy Well Society: An American religious organization serving followers of Wicca and nature-related spiritual religions.

Druidry: A spiritual movement inspired by the traditions of the druid priests among ancient Celtic peoples.

Theism: A philosophy that believes in the existence of a creator of the universe without direct intervention in human affairs or sending revelation.

Shamanism: A spiritual system based on spiritual intermediaries believed to communicate with unseen worlds.

Asatru: A modern religion reviving the beliefs and gods of ancient Northern European peoples.

Neopaganism: A general term encompassing a wide range of non-Abrahamic religions associated with nature and ancient traditions.

Humanism: An intellectual and ethical stance focusing on reason and human values without relying on religious doctrine.

Other Eastern Religions: A classification that used to include Asian beliefs not categorized under the major known Eastern religions.

Global Unitarianism: A liberal religious movement affirming belief freedom and religious pluralism.

Magic and Spirituality: A classification that includes beliefs in spiritual phenomena, occult practices, and communication with spirits.

Atheism: An intellectual stance based on disbelief in the existence of God or gods.

Source: Independent