Posted on 04/08/2009 8:26:55 AM PDT by wmfights
WASHINGTON (ABP) -- The U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains is being criticized for a proclamation calling for prayer and fasting on April 8, which coincides with the first night of Passover, a high holy day on the Jewish calendar celebrated by a traditional feast called the Seder.
Maj. Gen. Douglas Carver, a Southern Baptist, issued a proclamation March 2 urging Army chaplains to pray and fast April 8 during a 120-day "stand down" period beginning Feb. 15 to focus on suicide-prevention awareness among soldiers.
"As spiritual leaders we are called to be a people of prayer," Carver explained in Internet newsletter article. "One initiative that was proposed is that we employ the power of collective prayer more consistently in our efforts to combat suicide. I have issued a call to all members of our Corps to join with me on 8 April in leading the Army Family in a special day of prayer and fasting for the preservation, protection and peace of our Army. I have directed our Center for Spiritual Leadership at the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School to provide resources to support you in your prayer effort."
(Excerpt) Read more at baptiststandard.com ...
Does this mean I can’t eat during Ramadan beacuse there a couple of hundred Muslims in the Army?
No one seems to understand.
He didn’t buy the “all holiday” calendar, did he?
I got one once with every religious holiday listed on it. Holy days for Jews, Christians, Moslems, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. Barely enough room in the box to make any personal notes.
Couldn’t this have been handled quietly without making an issue of the Baptist’s ignorance?
For Christians, this is Maunday Thursday - what is the problem?
Some do, and I’m happy to call them friends.
Thank G-d for that.
It’s a wonderful story, and the Seder is truly a special experience.
For some reason, he hasn't seemed to have problems with Judaism.
If you'd like to be on or off, please FR mail me.
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It seems logical an Army Chaplain would encourage prayer. I don't see any connection to Passover in the article, nor any evidence of Jewish ire save one group.
Thanks, I passed right by the suggestion to fast April 8. In the absense of some proof of intent, it's still not an issue.
I'd heard of Mickey Goldstein before. He's a retired Air Force officer who had some problems with discrimination against him during his military career, so it's understandable that he might be overly sensitive on something like this.
I don’t think it’s entirely sensitivity, it’s his job now.
First, I’m a 25 year-Navy, recently retired Jew. Never had any problems with my religion in the service, other than an occasional bigot, but you find them everywhere. I don’t see any problem here.
Second, I’ve met Mr. Weinstein and he has a valid point. There were chaplains at the Air Force Academy and at some other locations that just “didn’t get it!” A chaplain’s role is to minister to ALL troops of all faiths irregardless of what the chaplain’s personal religion or denomination is. NOT to try and convert troops to THEIR beliefs. Again, my personal experience is that I have had Catholic and Protestant chaplains help me observe MY religion in the far flung corners of the globe.
I have proudly served my country and raised my children to honor G-d as observant Jews, just as Mr. Weinstein has, and I would be madder than hell if some misguided chaplain decided to try to convert them to another faith instead of providing them the comfort and support that they are supposed to. Any good chaplain understands this. If they feel that they absolutely have to convert the “non-believers” to their faith or denomination they don’t belong in the military. There are enough good men (and women) of G-d who DO get it.
Thank you for your service.
How exactly would presenting The Gospel be so offensive and coercive that it could force your child to convert? Your over sensitivity is a great example of the problem. In order to avoid offending your "sensibilities" nobody who might have a different opinion should be allowed to speak?
I thought the article was very clear that this "outrage" over suggested prayers had nothing to do with any type of conflict between Jews and Christians, but I guess it really is a one way street.
As I said in my original post I don’t see any problem with what the Chief of Chaplains did in this instance and I disagree with the article. I do understand where Mr. Weinstein is coming from though.
It is all in the context. I know we don’t know each other but you can trust me when I say I am about as sensitive as a mack truck! There is a difference between being exposed to another faith, that is a great thing, and being coerced to accept another’s beliefs-especially where the military rank structure is involved. Open discussion of The Gospel, or any religion is a benefit to all I think. I know that having the opportunity to discuss religion with a Catholic Priest and a Baptist Minister, both excellent chaplains, and to even pray with them at times strengthened my faith. It is quite another for a senior to pressure a junior to follow their beliefs. That is not only out of line but unconstitutional as well!
Think of it this way: you raise your child to believe in The Gospel. Your child joins the military and has a commanding officer who is a Scientologist. How would you feel if your son or daughter writes home to tell you they are being forced to attend Scientology study sessions, getting time off if the read L. Ron. Hubbard books, etc.? That is the exact sort of thing that happened to Mr. Weinstein - a retired Air Force officer himself.
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