So, once he took on the uniform he gave up all right to speak his mind? What of the First Amendment?
Maybe there /is/ wisdom to the words: if we can’t win the spiritual and character battle, then how can we win this long term war spanning decades?
Should he be ashamed of his faith during the fight?
Mark 8
37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Just as it would be cowardly to hide away in a place of safety in a fire-fight while your buddies are being slaughtered in the open, so too is it cowardly to keep quiet when words of encouragement cry out to be spoken.
> If he wanted to be a preacher, he should have retired.
PurpleMan, your counsel is not good at this time.
If a man cannot speak at a church gathering in the United States of America, just where can he speak? Mutter inaudibly to himself while hiding trembling in a closet?
You hide your faith away if you will, if you have any; I must stand steadfast and unashamed even if no one else will stand with me.
hello! Hello! HELLO!!!!!!!
It’s not about his adherence to his “biblical” principles, it’s about a commissioned officer using his rank and position making a religious policy statement. That’s not what uniformed people do. The constitutionally devised civilian control of the military implies that you DON’T establish policy and that if you don’t believe in the policies of those over you, can’t follow the orders, or you can’t keep ypu yap shut, then get the hell out. Besides, how much did his “this is a fight for Jesus” crap result in insulting behavior of soldiers towards Muslims? I dare say more than you are aware of.
“it cowardly to keep quiet when words of encouragement cry out to be spoken.” It’s inappropriate for him to have been publicly running off at the mouth about his specific religious principles.