Under Orders: A Spiritual Handbook for Military Personnel

by William McCoy

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932124500
• ISBN13: 9781932124507
• Release Date: June 2005
• Publisher: edein publishing
• Length: 248 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Good Help

This is a good book for any chaplain or servicemember. However, there is an error in the section in which he discusses Buddhism: the Dalai Lama (which he misspells here) was not the person the Beatles met, it was actually the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who wasn't Buddhist but a Hindu teacher who introduced Transcendental Meditation to Westerners.

Captivating, Inspirational, Timely and On Point

This book is for EVERYONE and not just those in the military. Since I am not in the military, I was pleasantly surprised and impressed that it did not turn out to be another one of those I was THERE books, where the author recounts some moment in time and it's all about THEIR experience in the military. This book is different and quite refreshing. Instead this is a book where YOU are the captive audience reflecting upon YOUR own personal experiences. It's a hard book to put down because you find yourself constantly thinking and evaluating your own personal faith. Under Orders makes you stop, think, and explore your own identity and tests your spiritual journey. I really enjoyed this book and find myself thumbing back through it over and over. You will dog ear your favorites like I have... Don't pass this one up, I highly recommend it for EVERYONE.

CG - Fellow Soldier and Multiple Tour Combat Veteran

Chaplain McCoy's book provides what many who seek spiritual answers in today's modern world are looking for. Bill, through his real life examples in the book, lets you know that is OK to question your faith and to understand you are human and make mistakes. Life is not an easy road to travel, especially for the service member. Easy reading, informative, and not the typical bible-thumping message found in much of Christian literature, Under Orders provides a different outlook on spirituality and exploring your faith. This book is highly recommended for someone desiring to learn about their spirituality without all the pretentious morality. Bill gives it to you in basic terms that is easy to understand and learn from.

For the Chaplain's Toolbox

Bill McCoy brings the experience of a soldier's Chaplain and the discipline of an academic theologian together in "Under Orders: A Spiritual Handbook for Military Personnel". Effectively avoiding the "how I won the war" pitfalls often found in literature produced by military chaplains, Bill's solid effort makes for an effective instrument in the toolbox of Chaplains daily working with young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen. Targeting our young military personnel, his method has broad applicability with those post-modern young adults most notably missing from mainline parishes. Expecting to read one chapter, I was hooked and read the whole book in one evening. The next day, I ordered more copies to give away.

Practical and full of insight - by a respected combat chaplain.

The essence of Christian discipleship is to obey the Lord. We are all, after all, "Under Orders." Chaplain Bill McCoy has defined, practically and with great insight, what it is to be a Disciple and a member of the Military, especially during this time of war. His experience as a combat veteran adds authenticity to his expert and compassionate counsel as a pastor to soldiers. He is a respected Army Chaplain, but he speaks clearly to those serving in any branch of the military, and to their families who might want to know how to encourage their loved ones to walk closer to the Lord in this environment. Full disclosure: I am a personal friend of Bill, also an Army Chaplain. In addition we have this in common; my son also serves on active duty as a combatant. My point is this: Bill writes not only as a pastor to fellow servicemen and women, but a father to his children. I received this book toward the end of my second combat tour with the 3d Infantry Division in Iraq. I wish I had it many years before.