Why are Christian Fundamentalists trying to take over the US military?

Question

This is certainly not the US Navy my father served in....

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/061307A.shtml

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/05/03/airforce.religion/

http://www.christianembassy.com/ - the scariest of all

http://www.thewashingtonnote.com/archives/week_2004_12_12.php


Don't Christians follow Jesus' pacifist teachings?

Art. 11. As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion; as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquillity, of Mussulmen; and, as the said States never entered into any war, or act of hostility against any Mahometan nation, it is declared by the parties, that no pretext arising from religious opinions, shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

THis is from the Treaty Of Tripoli, many of our founders actually signed it.

Jessica - the constitution is the point. Boykin appeared in uniform and declared america a christian nation. The air force academy has intimidated non-christians. Christian Embassy is actively working to win top brass 'to christ' although not to pacifism.

When I grew up as a military dependent, the military folk understood separation of church and state, understood that they were state. They didn't hold bible study for officers, emphasizing anti-semitism or anything else.

Answer 1

Whachu talkin' bout, Willis?

Any time one of your sources is truthout.org, you can rest assured that you should be VERY skeptical about their claims.

I'm a retired Army officer, and I work on a military post every day, and I see no signs of a fundamentalist coup anywhere.

Answer 2

While these are unfortunate accounts, the separation of church and state does for the most part still exist in the military. Yes, the majority of military are Christians, but there is a sentiment around here that religious discrimination is not to be tolerated. And it's usually enforced.

I would certainly keep my eye on this, but for now I view it as more of the same: a few individuals making everyone look bad.

The Academy is full of kids, for example. Bright and motivated kids, but kids nonetheless. Perhaps one day they will grow up and learn to appreciate diversity and not be so "passionate" about their little pet causes.

One quote which I found interesting was "The student who filed the complaint noted that as a member of the military one first swears allegiance to the Constitution and then to God."

When I swore-in back in '90, I had the option to leave God out of the oath. I made sure that my oath was to the constitution and nothing else. Unless I am mistaken, that is still an option today.

Answer 3

Skip at al.... The United States of America is NOT a Christian nation.... it was founded on the principles that there would be no national establishment of religion, like the one the pilgrims fled in jolly ole England? The last established theocracy is Iran, as far as I know....

And as far as these Jerry Falwell types that try to say the founding fathers were establishing Christianity as a state religion, well, it is apparent that these folks never read Madison or Jefferson or Franklin....or any of the other framers of the Constitution.

Having said that, it is inappropriate for anyone to wear a uniform of the US military and make political or religious stands. It is an abuse.

As usual, Cassandra, you are all over it! Keep up the good work.
Semper Fi !

Answer 4

What people p.c. to do of their very own continent should not be the U.S.'s subject. we ought to guard the matters we've right here at domicile--joblessness, poverty, and government ineptness. individuals have the suited to worship as they p.c.. this is presented for interior the form. If people prefer to be fundamentalists, it somewhat is their organization as long as they do no longer attempt to stress that time table on others. the government desires to stay out of it.

Answer 5

The only branch this may effect is the Air Force. The Navy has no religion issues in fact it would probably be the farthest from what you are trying to spread here. The AF Academy though is crazy on the religion thing and will even attack Jewish people because they aren't Christian. That is extreme.

Answer 6

Because religion and war work well together...
Also, a soldier that believe that god give him strenght, is better on the field, and almost never argue the given orders...
Look like the US army is going to need such soldiers... Not sure it will be for Iraq, more likely to serve in the US, which mean nothing good for the next few years.

Answer 7

You are right, One of tyhe Generals who was drummed out for Religious Fanaticism was speaking at our Base Chapel a few weeks ago. What a raving looney he was. Maybe with Pace going it will improve. He was a "Crusaider" who believed we were in Iraq to do "God's Work"

Answer 8

The military (US) has always been a primarily "Christian" group...

And to those who suggest it is otherwise are incorrect. While serving aboard an aircraft carrier I was dining in the wardroom one evening and overheard a group of younger pilots bitching about "Jews"... so I dragged my Lieutenant Commander grade back side over to their table and looked intently at them (oh I happen to look like a poster for Hitler Youth)...

"Trouble with Jews boys ?" I asked... "Damned straight Sir, world would be better off without them !!" one said and the others nodded. "Well, Shalom !!" I said to them. All four later submitted their resignations after a little chat with the CO, XO, Legal Officer and myself.

Answer 9

Ah, Red Staters tend to be undereducated. Lack of education usually leads to religious fundamentalism. The military has a tendancy to recruit the undereducated (no offense to the military, I'm an Army brat). It's a horrible cycle.

Answer 10

I think it is unfortunate that you feel this way. Anytime someone brings up religion you feel as though you are somehow being attacked. Its actually Christians who are being attacked. I happen to be one. I get so tired of everyone saying we are stupid and bad people just because we believe in God. I feel sorry for someone who doesn't believe in a higher power. Jesus' pacifist teachings?? What are you talking about?

Its fine to be an atheist, or even worship a rock, but you can't be a Christian and believe in Jesus Christ....that just makes you a crazy person!

Answer 11

You are incorrect in saying they are trying to take control, they started with control and are trying to keep from losing it. Much U.S. law was derived from British common law, which was in turn drawn from Church of England doctrine, itself, in turn, drawn from Roman Catholic Dogma and Papal decrees. What is happening now is that laws which make it a crime not to obey fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible are being overturned as a violation of the first amendment right of freedom of religion. When I joined the Navy in '72 we were given a list of allowable religions and anything not on the list, including Hinduism, Taoism, and the various Pagan faiths were not allowed and could not be put on your dog tags. Times change, and institutions with them. My father served in WW2 and Korea. The military I joined in '72 bore no resemblance to the one in which he served, nor to the one from which I retired in '92. The one in which my daughter is now on active duty resembles none of them. People whose income is dependent on donations to the church have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo, since if enough people seek other paths the priests and ministers will have to get real jobs. As to Jesus pacifist teachings, you refer to man who said "Think not that I come to bring peace on earth, I bring not peace but a sword for I come to set father against son and sister against brother."?