Richard M. Budd

About the Author

Richard M. Budd is a distinguished historian and scholar specializing in the intersection of religion and military institutions in American history. With a Ph.D. in American religious history, he has dedicated his career to exploring how faith influences national service, particularly through the lens of chaplaincy. His seminal work, Serving Two Masters: The Development of American Military Chaplaincy, 1860-1920, meticulously traces the evolution of this unique profession during pivotal decades of conflict and change, offering profound insights into the tensions between spiritual duty and military obedience. Budd's research draws on extensive archival sources to illuminate the human stories behind institutional growth, making complex historical dynamics accessible and engaging for both academic and general audiences. A professor emeritus at a leading university, he continues to lecture and write on topics bridging theology and public life.