- description
- # CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE CHAPLAIN AND CHAPEL IN A MAN-OF-WAR.
## Overview
This chapter, titled "CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE CHAPLAIN AND CHAPEL IN A MAN-OF-WAR.", is part of the novel [White-Jacket](arke:01KG8AJ89Z18FKVJV5H0488ZAZ). It was extracted from the file [white_jacket.txt](arke:01KG89J19NC56FFGBCM2SWEZZY) and is part of the larger collection [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW). This chapter follows [CHAPTER XXXVII. SOME SUPERIOR OLD “LONDON DOCK” FROM THE WINE-COOLERS OF NEPTUNE.](arke:01KG8AJRBSSH44KR7WYJ1891ZM) and precedes [CHAPTER XXXIX. THE FRIGATE IN HARBOUR.—THE BOATS.—GRAND STATE RECEPTION OF THE COMMODORE.](arke:01KG8AJRBSW778JG41ZCTCXETZ).
## Context
The chapter is situated within the narrative of [White-Jacket](arke:01KG8AJ89Z18FKVJV5H0488ZAZ), a novel by Herman Melville that offers a satirical look at life aboard a U.S. Navy frigate in the mid-19th century. This particular chapter focuses on the religious practices and the role of the chaplain aboard such a vessel. The text highlights the perceived disconnect between the spiritual teachings and the harsh realities of naval life, questioning the effectiveness of religious services in a military context.
## Contents
This chapter details the Sunday services held on board the man-of-war. It describes the chaplain's sermons, which are characterized as intellectually dense and detached from the practical concerns of the sailors, focusing on philosophical and theological abstractions rather than the everyday vices of naval life. The accommodations for worship are noted as being rudimentary, with sailors sitting on gun-rammers and capstan-bars. The chapter also touches upon the relationship between the chaplain and the ship's command, suggesting that the chaplain's sermons were often tailored to please the officers, particularly the Commodore. It includes anecdotes about sailors' attitudes towards mandatory services and raises questions about the compatibility of religious doctrine with military regulations, specifically referencing the Articles of War and their potential conflict with constitutional principles regarding freedom of religion. The chapter is divided into three chunks: [Chunk 1](arke:01KG8AMJWKVZWS347CZ33JHXXH), [Chunk 2](arke:01KG8AMJWK171QC7TVWGRA4KZ1), and [Chunk 3](arke:01KG8AMJWKGBW32V6T178P22CG).
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- CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE CHAPLAIN AND CHAPEL IN A MAN-OF-WAR.
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- CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE CHAPLAIN AND CHAPEL IN A MAN-OF-WAR.