Posted on 08/30/2005 7:36:03 AM PDT by meandog
The growing influence of evangelical Protestants is roiling the military chaplain corps, where their desire to preach their faith more openly is colliding with long-held military traditions of pluralism and diversity.
After accusations this summer that evangelical chaplains, faculty and coaches were pressuring cadets at the Air Force Academy, the Air Force yesterday issued new guidelines on respect for religious minorities. In the Navy, evangelical Protestant chaplains are fighting what they say is a legacy of discrimination in hiring and promotions, and they are bridling at suggestions they not pray publicly "in the name of Jesus."
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Probably a take on the words...I AM THE WAY...THE TRUTH AND THE LIGHT, no man comes to the Father except by Me. uhmnnnn
" and they are bridling at suggestions they not pray publicly "in the name of Jesus."
Right. How about, "in the name of the almighty Force which
somehow was around when the universe started--but who had nothing to do with that beginning--the mother/father of us all (in a figurative sense), powerful in diversity but unwilling to suggest any moral standards to us" . . . ?
Interesting that the liberal PC interpretation of "pluralism and diversity" has become ..... silence.
We'll tolerate you evangelicals ...we just don't want to hear your beliefs nor do we want anyone else to hear your beliefs.
Hail Odin!
Cooperman is the "progressive" who produced the hagiographic "Is John Kerry a Good Catholic?" Designed to save Kerry's arse within the Catholic community, it was another Washington Post effort at Orwellian newspeak. Cooperman writes like an atheist, is as mewling as an Episcopalian, and has likely not seen the inside of a house of worship in years.
I spent 6 wonderful years in the Navy and this so-called tradition of pluralism often did not include evangelicals.
"You can't do that because WE ARE TOLERANT".... Self serving sanctimony.
Wonderful word.
I suspect this chaplain belongs to a small group of evangelicals who broke away from the larger, apostate Episcopal Church.
The Evangelical Episcopal Church is a breakaway group. They are anot affiliated with the Episcopal Church USA which is the liberal group, I think you were referring to.
Reminds of of an old Hippy Song-- "America--Where are you now that I need you so ..." I served in th eArmy during the Cold War. seems the Commie Pinko fags have defeated the US Government.
Listen guys. I'm an Evangelical chaplain in the Navy. When someone cries discrimination, there is ALWAYS more to the story. I have not been tasked to speak for the Navy chaplain corps, so I do have to be carefull what I say---that being said, I am intimately familiar with Navy chaplain who has filed a complain I can asure that while he may cry evangelical discrimination, the men and women on the deckplates, many of whom I have had contact with tell a completely different story than he does--and it does not fair well for the Chaplain. Just beware friends, just because the individual is an Evangelical does not mean he is perfect and incapable of getting fired for other reasons.
There is a problem in the military with regards to religion and it's not new.
I still remember seeing other Airmen at my duty station given time off for Easter. Yet when I asked for time off for Yom Kippur, being told that I'd have to take leave and hope it was approved.
Or during my basic training, finding out that new recruits were being forced to attend services that did not match their religion. Such as all the Catholics in a flight being send off to Protestant services (or vice versa).
This actually made it into the Air Force Times back in 1997, too.
Then, after reading this article, I was amazed that it seems to have gotten worse.
Since when did Wing-level staff meetings need devotionals? For Heaven's sake, it's a staff meeting! Not to mention that the staff is more than likely not going to be all the same religion as the Wing Commander.
And prayers at a public forum invoking Jesus... That translates to the prayer given at change of command, activation/deactivation, etc, etc, ceremonies. Do you really think that all of the personnel participating or attending will be of the same religion? Don't forget, there are probably at least four different chaplains at a base (all of different faiths). Do you want each one to be invoking their G-d at differing cermonies? Would you accept the Islamic chaplain invoking Allah for the ceremony? It could happen if there is no guidance as to the proper boundaries for a public cermony.
And the chaplains at the Air Force academy urging Protestants to tell classmates that anyone who is "not born-again will burn in the fires of hell." Remember, that also means that the Catholics (and Orthodox) will burn for not being born-again. That just isn't right no matter how it's spinned.
FYI
I am reminded of the story about the four chaplains during WWII who courageously sacrificed themselves by giving up their life jackets to the wounded... click here
... none were evangelicals but all were men of God!
...Well, that's the "Chair" Force for you. On my submarine, (back in 1968) I remember our Jewish sailors during the Easter season celebrating Passover with a Seder meal and inviting other crewmembers to participate. (I also remember biting hard down on a bit of the most bitter hot horseradish I'd ever tasted...and, instead of a lamb shank, turkey was used--incidentally, is that still considered kosher?)
Thank You for your service to God and our country.
Just because we were smart enough to convince our officers to go out and do the fighting...
.... y'all are still jealous.
:-)
That we are assured God sees the hearts of men is a truly wonderful thing.
Thanks Tonkin.
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