The Truth About General Boykin’s Comments on Islam

CBN News ^ | Oct 30, 2003 | Paul Strand

[KriegerGeist]

The Truth About General Boykin’s Comments on Islam

By Paul Strand
Washington Sr. Correspondent

October 30, 2003

Chuck Holton, a former Army Ranger who has covered adventure stories for CBN, recently heard Boykin at a church service in Maryland. Holton served under Boykin in Somalia.

CBN.com – WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lieutenant General William Boykin is under siege for comments he made during speeches at various churches. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have criticized the decorated combat veteran for alluding to the war on terror as a religious struggle. Even the President has distanced himself from Boykin.

But Boykin's defenders say the General's comments have been taken out of context. To find out what all the fuss is about, CBN News decided to take a closer look at General William Boykin and the comments that have gotten him into so much trouble.

Critics blast Boykin for saying God picked George W. Bush to be President, for stating we are in a war of good versus evil with Satan backing the terrorists, and for saying radical Muslims hate America because it is a nation of believers.

Chuck Holton, a former Army Ranger who has covered adventure stories for CBN, recently heard Boykin at a church service in Maryland. Holton served under Boykin in Somalia.

"He's one of the most highly-decorated soldiers in the military today, and has been in every conflict known and unknown since Desert One back in 1979," Holton said.

Holton brought us an audio copy of Boykin's sermon. Here is what the General says, in context, about America being a nation of believers and a backer of Israel:

"Why do they hate us so much? I will tell you this. This is my own personal belief. One of the most fundamental reasons they hate us is (a) because we are a nation of believers, and (b) because we support Israel. Now, if you don't believe that this nation was founded on Christian beliefs, Christian values, then go back and read the writings and the orations of the founders of this nation, read what they said. Every man that signed the Constitution of the United States was of the Christian faith."

Holton said, "And he made it very clear by specifically saying that what he was talking about was his own personal beliefs. He was not speaking for the military or for the government or anything like that."

As for Boykin's comment that God picked Bush to be President, here's why the General says that:

"This is not a political speech. I am in fact apolitical. But why is George W. Bush in the White House? …You must recognize that we as Americans saw a miracle unfold with the election of George W. Bush. Whether you voted for him or not is irrelevant. The fact is he is there today not only to lead America, but to lead the world, and that is what he is doing. Where does he start his day? He starts his day in the Oval Office at 4:30 with a Bible in his hand."

The media has insinuated that Boykin is saying America's military is God's army and that the radical Muslims are Satan's army. But hearing him in context, it becomes clear what Boykin sees as God's army is Christians on their knees praying for the Lord's mercy and His will.

And does Boykin state radical Muslims are Satanic, like the media has suggested? Here is what the General actually says about the likes of Osama bin Laden:

"We as Americans, we as Christians, need to understand that that's not the enemy that America's up against. In fact, the enemy that we're up against is called the principality of darkness, he's called Satan. We are in fact in a spiritual battle, ladies and gentlemen, more than we are in a physical battle."

And even if Boykin does imply we are in a religious war, Holton said, "The extreme element in Islam has no question that this is a war of religion, that this is a religious war. It is only the United States that has attempted to not be inflammatory in its rhetoric. And there was nothing in the speech that I heard General Boykin give that was inflammatory towards Muslims at any point."

[Sunshine Sister]

Boy howdy and I glad to read this. The "press" is wrong again. Imagine that!

[colorado tanker]

Don't confuse the media with the facts.

[A Navy Vet]

"Every man that signed the Constitution of the United States was of the Christian faith."

I believe Thomas Jefferson was a deist.

[scooter2]

Don't confuse the media with the facts.

Well said.

[azhenfud]

"One of the most fundamental reasons they hate us is (a) because we are a nation of believers, and (b) because we support Israel."

That's why every "sermon" from a radical imam begins (a) with a prayer for the destruction of "infidels", (b) the destruction of Israel, and (c) the destruction of the United States.

[chicagolady]

Bush hosting traditional Muslim fast-breaking dinner
AP ^ | October 28, 2003


Posted on 10/28/2003 8:25 PM CST by sarcasm


White House-AP -- President Bush is hosting a White House dinner tonight for Muslims observing Ramadan.It's a traditional "iftar" dinner -- for those breaking the holy month's required daily fast.

The president says he wants the world to know America welcomes Muslims -- as it welcomes adherents of all religions -- and that the war on terror is not a war against Islam.

On a visit to Indonesia last week, Muslim leaders asked Bush why Americans see all Muslims as terrorists. Bush denies that's the case. He says Americans "think terrorists are evil people who have hijacked a great religion."

At a Rose Garden news conference, Bush also again repudiated the remarks of a top Pentagon official who characterized the war as one between a Christian country and Satan. Bush says Army General William Boykin's views "don't reflect" his. But he wouldn't comment on calls for Boykin's ouster, saying the Pentagon is investigating.

[chicagolady]

BUSH does not think so!!


At a Rose Garden news conference, Bush also again repudiated the remarks of a top Pentagon official who characterized the war as one between a Christian country and Satan. Bush says Army General William Boykin's views "don't reflect" his. But he wouldn't comment on calls for Boykin's ouster, saying the Pentagon is investigating.

[Techster]

I had a strong feeling the speech(es) had been taken way out of context.

Anyone know a transcript source. We need to get this correct information in the hands of non-mainstream media.

[jimt]

I believe Thomas Jefferson was a deist.

You're right. But the citation you're looking for is Franklin, who was a Deist, and a signer of the Constitution. Jefferson was in Paris at the time, if I remember right.

[azhenfud]

"BUSH does not think so!!"

BUSH doesn't have to. Radical imams have already formed their opinions, regardless of BUSH's denials.

[LiteKeeper]

SPOTREP - TRUTH DETECTORs TO THE RESCUE!

[vrwinger]

Neither Jefferson nor Franllin signed the US Constitution.

[itsahoot]

I believe Thomas Jefferson was a deist.

Common misunderstanding :)

[itsahoot]

Separation of God and State?

Posted: October 11, 2003
1:00 a.m. Eastern


By William J. Federer
© 2003 WorldNetDaily.com

America's founders did not intend for there to be a separation of God and state, as shown by the fact that all 50 states acknowledged God in their state constitutions:

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama . invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution ...

Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land ...

Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution ...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government ...

California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom ...

Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe ...

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy ...

Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences ...

Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty . establish this Constitution ...

Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution ...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance ... establish this Constitution ...

Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings .

Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors ...

Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to chose our form of government ...

Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings ... establish this Constitution ...

Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges ... establish this Constitution ...

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties ...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy ...

Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine ... acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... and imploring His aid and direction .

Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty .

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe... in the course of His Providence, an opportunity ... and devoutly imploring His direction ...

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom . establish this Constitution ...

Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings ...

Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work ...

Missouri 1945, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness ... establish this Constitution ...

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty ... establish this Constitution .

Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom ... establish this Constitution ...

Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom ... establish this Constitution .

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience ...

New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors …

New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty ...

New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings ...

North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for ... our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those ...

North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common ...

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty ... establish this ...

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences ...

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance ...

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island ... grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing ...

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of the State of South Carolina ... grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution ...

South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties . establish this Constitution ...

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience ...

Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God .

Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we ... establish this Constitution ...

Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to ... enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ...

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI ... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator ... can be directed only by Reason ... and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other ...

Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution ...

West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia ... reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God .

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility .

Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties ... establish this Constitution ...

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, just maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong.

[Ryan Bailey]

LTG Boykin has become the target of what may be fairly termed as a smear campaign. The American people are not so ignorrant as to believe the lies spread by the liberal-communist press about the General, that he professes on behalf of President Bush his belief that we Christendom are at war with Islamdom. This hypotheseis makes little if any sense. If this were a conflict between religions only, then there would certainly not be Mohammedan Nations within our alliances. In fact these have been some of our greatest supporters.

President Bush is quite within his capacity to be welcoming of Mohammedan Clerics at the White House on Tuesday afternoon. This is neither a violation of his office nor a breach of the Christian principles, which include charity. We as Americans in a war on Terror must be ever mindful that we remain friendly with all good Mohammedans. Their religion has nothing in it that can be found outrightly offensive ( this is certainly not to say that it offers Salvation as I believe it or that it is not without faults). When we read the five pillars of their faith; Ramadan, Hajj, Statement, Almsgiving and Prayer, we do not see Jihad, Fatwa or the operating of aeroplanes as missiles.

The only enemies in the Global War on Terror, a world war which requires the tenacity and vigilance of all Americans, are Terrorists, if some of them happen to be Mohammedan it is of no consequence. Those who are evil are not Mohammedans only but Extremist Radicals and killers beside. The logical connective that establishes this linkage is totally missed by the liberal media today. This uncouth manner only serves to seperate the people from their Government, especially the growing American Population of Mohammedans.

President Bush and Sec'y Rumsfeld are to be applauded for supporting their colleague in this ordeal. There are those who would like to produce a new Red Scare or McCarthyism with Christians as the feared party rather than Communists. The G.W.O.T. has become a prime opportunity for these to spread baseless lies abouth this President and his administration based on statements taken out of context, rumor and enuendo.

[B Knotts]

Meanwhile, in the Islamic world, tolerance runs rampant:

Christians Arrested in Egyptian Crackdown on Converts

[Happy2BMe]

BUMP for an excellent reference on twisted American politics!

If we can't defeat the enemy - let's just go after our own.

[cavtrooper21]

I'm 100% behind this guy, this is a "religous" War.
I'd actually go a bit farther and call it a struggle for the very existance of our form/way of life.
And you are right in a way. We must "go after our own" But "our own" must be the nay sayers, the anti-moral crowd, the people that are the "children" of the peace movement/free love (60s/70s) and the grandchildren of the apeasniks/"if we are nice to the Nazis, maybe the'll just go away." crowd.
But there is a line we cannot afford to cross. We teetered across it when the Clintons were in office, with Waco, Somalia, and Bosnia. With the blatant lack of moral fiber that went with the Clinton's time in office. We have a long way to go to repair the damage, but if we stoop to the enemy's level, the we will slide back into the black liberal slime that we are just now starting to clean off of our selves.

[Happy2BMe]

Agreed.