Comments on: The U.S. Christian military? http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/ Tue, 22 Dec 2009 04:00:12 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Bruce http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-7/#comment-216169 Bruce Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:26:36 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216169 Having left The US Navy in 1969, I felt that the military was anti non-Christian back then. I was clearly not the most loved but was the only Jewish person on my ship. One incident had me going to talk to my LT JG at the time and his response was that since there was no Jewish Chaplain on my ship (LST 1141-USS Stone County) I was on my own and no one to turn to for help. I truly believe it to be still happening today... Having left The US Navy in 1969, I felt that the military was anti non-Christian back then. I was clearly not the most loved but was the only Jewish person on my ship. One incident had me going to talk to my LT JG at the time and his response was that since there was no Jewish Chaplain on my ship (LST 1141-USS Stone County) I was on my own and no one to turn to for help. I truly believe it to be still happening today...

]]> By: Charlie Jacobson http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-7/#comment-216168 Charlie Jacobson Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:26:33 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216168 All the polls I have seen says the majority of U.S. citizens are christians. Why in a democracy where majority rules is there so much trouble caused by one person. If we are going to be politically correct lets rule in favor of the majority. Plus military service is voluntary and no one is making these kids sign up. Lets use some common sense in discussing the issue. The military doesn't want to risk losing new recruits. The issue will be resolved in short order to keep the United States well defended. All the polls I have seen says the majority of U.S. citizens are christians. Why in a democracy where majority rules is there so much trouble caused by one person. If we are going to be politically correct lets rule in favor of the majority. Plus military service is voluntary and no one is making these kids sign up. Lets use some common sense in discussing the issue. The military doesn't want to risk losing new recruits. The issue will be resolved in short order to keep the United States well defended.

]]> By: Juda T. in Mn http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-7/#comment-216166 Juda T. in Mn Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:26:29 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216166 Hey Donna, the military may not be a religious organization, but believing in God and knowing that this world was not founded by the igornance of our knowledge helps them sleep at night. NOT EVERY DRILL SERGANT USES PROFANITY AND IF HE DOES HE CAN ALSO BE FORGIVEN. Hey Donna,

the military may not be a religious organization, but believing in God and knowing that this world was not founded by the igornance of our knowledge helps them sleep at night. NOT EVERY DRILL SERGANT USES PROFANITY AND IF HE DOES HE CAN ALSO BE FORGIVEN.

]]> By: Herst Oryto http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-7/#comment-216162 Herst Oryto Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:25:12 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216162 A believer of a god is ones own mental indisposition. Therefore praying should be kept in the closet as is stated in the bible. Almost every war worldwide is fought over religion. Army Specialist Jeremy Hall should be given a medal of honor for being able to overcome the brainwashing. A believer of a god is ones own mental indisposition. Therefore praying should be kept in the closet as is stated in the bible. Almost every war worldwide is fought over religion. Army Specialist Jeremy Hall should be given a medal of honor for being able to overcome the brainwashing.

]]> By: Suzette http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-7/#comment-216159 Suzette Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:21:22 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216159 This is a CHRISTAIN NATION, founded on people with Christain Values, demostrated in our Constitution, Declairation of Independence. But you don't have to SUE the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT over it, Some Athiest are bad some are good, and some Christains shouldn't carry the title. But this is a Christain Nation. If you don't like this Nation, go to France, Iran (Muslim -Required), China (Budda) etc and believe in Nothing Their. We have gotten to OVER THE EDGE about CHRISTIANITY - (People are offended if you Teach and Have a Bible in your Pocket) - Why are we not OFFENDED over the Koran? Budda? Why are their No Law Suits from the ACLU (Whos suppose to protect our rights), but what about the Christan they are condemed by them. Why do we have to always SUE against Christianity, (People complaining about people having Prayer Service - if you don't want to get involved in PRAYER SERVICES - Please do leave the table, why would anybody want to stay - WERE ALL FREE HERE IN AMERICA WHETHER IT'S AT WORK OR AT HOME. Why don't they do something for PEOPLE who curse, say Bad Language, disrespect their parents, politicians or the Government. Why? Because their is a LOWER POWER - Called the DEVIL = (minus the D = Evil - Practices, beliefs. If you DON'T BELIEVE - That's fine - Don't try to take away Rights of those who do and Want to be FREE to Practice, whether at Home, Work or at the Dinner Table in Public - IT'S NOT A CRIME TO PRAY IN PUBLIC - (If you don't want to be involved don't, but don't Sue). MY GOD (In Heaven and in Earth) HAVE SOME RESPECT....... This Countries in Bad enough shape. Get a hobby and Let people leave their life that are not out their Hurting other people. Having Belief in something shouldn't be condemed but blessed. Suzette..... This is a CHRISTAIN NATION, founded on people with Christain Values, demostrated in our Constitution, Declairation of Independence.

But you don't have to SUE the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT over it, Some Athiest are bad some are good, and some Christains shouldn't carry the title.

But this is a Christain Nation. If you don't like this Nation, go to France, Iran (Muslim -Required), China (Budda) etc and believe in Nothing Their.

We have gotten to OVER THE EDGE about CHRISTIANITY – (People are offended if you Teach and Have a Bible in your Pocket) –

Why are we not OFFENDED over the Koran? Budda?

Why are their No Law Suits from the ACLU (Whos suppose to protect our rights), but what about the Christan they are condemed by them.

Why do we have to always SUE against Christianity, (People complaining about people having Prayer Service – if you don't want to get involved in PRAYER SERVICES – Please do leave the table, why would anybody want to stay – WERE ALL FREE HERE IN AMERICA WHETHER IT'S AT WORK OR AT HOME.

Why don't they do something for PEOPLE who curse, say Bad Language, disrespect their parents, politicians or the Government.

Why? Because their is a LOWER POWER – Called the DEVIL = (minus the D = Evil – Practices, beliefs.

If you DON'T BELIEVE – That's fine – Don't try to take away Rights of those who do and Want to be FREE to Practice, whether at Home, Work or at the Dinner Table in Public – IT'S NOT A CRIME TO PRAY IN PUBLIC – (If you don't want to be involved don't, but don't Sue). MY GOD (In Heaven and in Earth) HAVE SOME RESPECT.......

This Countries in Bad enough shape. Get a hobby and Let people leave their life that are not out their Hurting other people. Having Belief in something shouldn't be condemed but blessed.

Suzette.....

]]> By: Mark http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-7/#comment-216158 Mark Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:21:05 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216158 I have been serving in the Marine Corps for over 18 years. I can't speak for the other services, but I believe the Marine Corps is a Christian based organization. For example, at the beginning of official events, a Chaplin will give an invocation. In my experience, the Chaplin has always been Christian. In my company, there are people from other religions and they find this offensive, but we have to conform to this. Also, my company hosted a prayer breakfast in the chow hall and attendance was mandatory. There was a Christian Chaplin giving a Christian invocation. The non-Christian members were allowed to sit in another section of the chow hall, however they could still hear and see the event. Other events, like company Christmas party, are also mandatory. I think the Department of Defense should establish a policy to protect service members 1st Amendment rights, both Christian and non-Christian. I have been serving in the Marine Corps for over 18 years. I can't speak for the other services, but I believe the Marine Corps is a Christian based organization. For example, at the beginning of official events, a Chaplin will give an invocation. In my experience, the Chaplin has always been Christian. In my company, there are people from other religions and they find this offensive, but we have to conform to this. Also, my company hosted a prayer breakfast in the chow hall and attendance was mandatory. There was a Christian Chaplin giving a Christian invocation. The non-Christian members were allowed to sit in another section of the chow hall, however they could still hear and see the event. Other events, like company Christmas party, are also mandatory. I think the Department of Defense should establish a policy to protect service members 1st Amendment rights, both Christian and non-Christian.

]]> By: Juda T. in Mn http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-7/#comment-216157 Juda T. in Mn Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:20:49 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216157 The military has enough pressure on them. Pray for this nation, and who ever hurt this young man's heart. The military has enough pressure on them. Pray for this nation, and who ever hurt this young man's heart.

]]> By: Jorge Azcarraga http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-7/#comment-216154 Jorge Azcarraga Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:19:46 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216154 I don`t understand why Americans spend so much time abusing the legal system by suing practically for anything. As an outsider, I see the US as the cradle of Democracy, and after analzing why it is so strong and lasted so long. I am convince that it has a lot to do with values and principles that are based in Christianity. I am sure that democracy would have never endure if it would have been base in an atheist doctrine. I understand that we should not descriminate, but if the majority of the people in a groudçp decides to believe in God throuhg Christianity, why democracy does not prevails? The majority rules. That has to be respected. Jorge From Panama City, Rep of Panma I don`t understand why Americans spend so much time abusing the legal system by suing practically for anything.

As an outsider, I see the US as the cradle of Democracy, and after analzing why it is so strong and lasted so long. I am convince that it has a lot to do with values and principles that are based in Christianity. I am sure that democracy would have never endure if it would have been base in an atheist doctrine.

I understand that we should not descriminate, but if the majority of the people in a groudçp decides to believe in God throuhg Christianity, why democracy does not prevails? The majority rules. That has to be respected.

Jorge
From Panama City, Rep of Panma

]]> By: Ateo http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-7/#comment-216152 Ateo Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:18:32 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216152 Hey Lee Collins, You wrote: "Who does he think has keep (sic) him alive in the war. I can’t blame any of the other soldiers at all for their actions because mine would have been the same." So your god is responsible for keeping Mr. Hall alive? What about the 4,000 plus troops who weren't so lucky? Or the more than 30,000 who have been wounded? What was that? Soldiers are of course entitled to their superstitions and delusions, but once they are put in command positions, they are not allowed to discriminate against subordinates who do not share them. Hey Lee Collins,

You wrote: "Who does he think has keep (sic) him alive in the war. I can’t blame any of the other soldiers at all for their actions because mine would have been the same."

So your god is responsible for keeping Mr. Hall alive? What about the 4,000 plus troops who weren't so lucky? Or the more than 30,000 who have been wounded? What was that?

Soldiers are of course entitled to their superstitions and delusions, but once they are put in command positions, they are not allowed to discriminate against subordinates who do not share them.

]]> By: Tim C (Texas) http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-7/#comment-216151 Tim C (Texas) Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:18:29 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216151 The majority faith in the United States is Christianity. This includes protestants and Catholics and other derivatives of individuals who believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God and died for their sins. It is certainly expected that Christians would have an overwhelming presence in the military. In addition, given that our military goes in harms way, it would be expected that soldiers would get closer to their religion. I do not believe for a moment that the military is a Christian organization. I do believe that it has a very large number of Christians. The mere fact that a couple of people have the right and priviledge to sue because they believe their performance has not been recognized and are looking for a justification for not getting a promotion should not be used to indict the the military for discrimination. I am a Christian and have been in firefights earlier in my life. You think a lot about God and the meaning of life when this happens. My son is not a Christian and is serving his 2nd tour in Iraq. He just got promoted. These guys sound like whiners and unfortunately got unwarranted press coverage. I hope the military is able to send them the bill for the litigation costs. If you really believe that the military is a Christian organization, go listen to a drill sergeant for an hour. The majority faith in the United States is Christianity. This includes protestants and Catholics and other derivatives of individuals who believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God and died for their sins. It is certainly expected that Christians would have an overwhelming presence in the military. In addition, given that our military goes in harms way, it would be expected that soldiers would get closer to their religion. I do not believe for a moment that the military is a Christian organization. I do believe that it has a very large number of Christians. The mere fact that a couple of people have the right and priviledge to sue because they believe their performance has not been recognized and are looking for a justification for not getting a promotion should not be used to indict the the military for discrimination. I am a Christian and have been in firefights earlier in my life. You think a lot about God and the meaning of life when this happens. My son is not a Christian and is serving his 2nd tour in Iraq. He just got promoted. These guys sound like whiners and unfortunately got unwarranted press coverage. I hope the military is able to send them the bill for the litigation costs. If you really believe that the military is a Christian organization, go listen to a drill sergeant for an hour.

]]> By: Mark http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-7/#comment-216150 Mark Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:18:00 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216150 In George Washington's first inaugural speech, he said "it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the council of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by them for these essential purposes" I sometimes wonder how the "Father of Our Country" would be viewed in today's society. In George Washington's first inaugural speech, he said "it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the council of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by them for these essential purposes"

I sometimes wonder how the "Father of Our Country" would be viewed in today's society.

]]> By: chris http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-6/#comment-216149 chris Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:17:28 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216149 The military, any military, is an organization that exists because of orthodoxy. You are told what to think by someone above you.The Christian model is a perfect fit. Devout religious belief sets an intellectual ceiling above which no devout follower will venture.Athism/Agnosticism is the exact opposite of this, and being so, is a direct threat to the military model as well.Coupled with this is the belief of many that the conflict in Iraq is a cultural conflict: Muslims vs Christians. One need only look at Mr Bush's constant crusade rhetoric to affirm this. Our military then become a group of Christian Jihadists. This, unfortunately, is a symptom of a greater persecution of atheists in the US. The military, any military, is an organization that exists because of orthodoxy. You are told what to think by someone above you.The Christian model is a perfect fit. Devout religious belief sets an intellectual ceiling above which no devout follower will venture.Athism/Agnosticism is the exact opposite of this, and being so, is a direct threat to the military model as well.Coupled with this is the belief of many that the conflict in Iraq is a cultural conflict: Muslims vs Christians. One need only look at Mr Bush's constant crusade rhetoric to affirm this. Our military then become a group of Christian Jihadists. This, unfortunately, is a symptom of a greater persecution of atheists in the US.

]]> By: Howard C Lucas, MD http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-6/#comment-216148 Howard C Lucas, MD Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:16:13 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216148 The unbelieving(atheist) soldier is correct. All religions are myths. The supernatural is not real. There was no religion until homo sapiens developed the ability to talk and comunicate abstract thoughts with each other. In telling stories to each other they created many imaginary gods. People created God. God did not create people. I am not a believer. I am a humanitarian scientific realist. The unbelieving(atheist) soldier is correct. All religions are myths. The supernatural is not real. There was no religion until homo sapiens developed the ability to talk and comunicate abstract thoughts with each other. In telling stories to each other they created many imaginary gods. People created God. God did not create people. I am not a believer. I am a humanitarian scientific realist.

]]> By: Linda Rae http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-6/#comment-216147 Linda Rae Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:16:06 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216147 This country was founded, in large part, due to religious intolerance. I believe that was what Felix was trying to say, (see earlier blog). My oldest daughter "A", has been Wiccan since 16, she is now 26. She has served her country, faithfully for six years, the last three on foreign soil. She has never had a problem with her choice of religion, never been "chastised" for not attending church or not participating in religious ceremonies, including group prayer. I myself served in the Army in my 20's, and consider myself Christian/Wiccan. Perhaps the problem lies within Jeremy Hall. We all choose to have different beliefs, perhaps some people are more easily offended when feeling persecuted. Others may smile to themselves and let it ride . It's all a matter of perspecdtive. The military was tough for me, however, my daughter thrives on it, has excelled and made it her career. PS. Oh yes it is possible to be dual religious, as a matter of fact, the best of both. I was raised in the Christian faith, believe in the tenents of Christianity, especially the "10", yet not all of the hypocrisy about you must be here at a certain time, with people and a pastor to claim it. I also have adopted the Wiccan ways for that is me, nature, nuture, growing my own, loving nature and believing in the eternal cycles of the earth. It's not so much of a practice, but my life. The most interesting thing about both is the central theme, do no harm to none, Love is love. This country was founded, in large part, due to religious intolerance. I believe that was what Felix was trying to say, (see earlier blog).
My oldest daughter "A", has been Wiccan since 16, she is now 26. She has served her country, faithfully for six years, the last three on foreign soil. She has never had a problem with her choice of religion, never been "chastised" for not attending church or not participating in religious ceremonies, including group prayer.
I myself served in the Army in my 20's, and consider myself Christian/Wiccan. Perhaps the problem lies within Jeremy Hall. We all choose to have different beliefs, perhaps some people are more easily offended when feeling persecuted. Others may smile to themselves and let it ride . It's all a matter of perspecdtive.
The military was tough for me, however, my daughter thrives on it, has excelled and made it her career.
PS. Oh yes it is possible to be dual religious, as a matter of fact, the best of both. I was raised in the Christian faith, believe in the tenents of Christianity, especially the "10", yet not all of the hypocrisy about you must be here at a certain time, with people and a pastor to claim it. I also have adopted the Wiccan ways for that is me, nature, nuture, growing my own, loving nature and believing in the eternal cycles of the earth. It's not so much of a practice, but my life. The most interesting thing about both is the central theme, do no harm to none, Love is love.

]]> By: Donna http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-6/#comment-216145 Donna Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:14:26 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216145 The Military is not a Christian organization, far from it. If anything, it has no religion in fact at all. That's more dangerous than Atheism. When you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. The Military is not a Christian organization, far from it. If anything, it has no religion in fact at all. That's more dangerous than Atheism.
When you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.

]]> By: Daniel http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-6/#comment-216144 Daniel Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:14:22 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216144 As an 18 year old who just finished highschool and am looking forward to college. This story will distance me from the idea of serving my country; to pay for my college. As an 18 year old who just finished highschool and am looking forward to college. This story will distance me from the idea of serving my country; to pay for my college.

]]> By: Juda T. in Mn http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-6/#comment-216143 Juda T. in Mn Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:14:17 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216143 An Athetist has no authoirty, they have no beliefs unless they have established it, therefore they cannot be trusted in God's army. the United States selected Christianty as the country's religion and everything that has to do with the governement is based on Chrisitanity. Now let's get this straight- this person is also denying and form of God, this means Islam, Jew, and all the other religions of the world that beleive in God. So who can trust him, when he serves himself as the master. if he does not want to pray then don't,. I think in the world a song came out by Fantasia and it said "if you don't want me then don't talk to me go ahead and free yourself." This youngman is bound, and filled mith misgivens that no one wants himaround, when it's his spirit that is saying hate, hate, hate. Christians are not perfect, but they serve a perfect God, who speaks to them and tells them they belong to him. he teaches about love, and not separation. The youngman should not be in the Army, because the same way he is betraying thme now, is the character he displayed as a solider. I don't want the enemy in the line of fire with our troops. The young man need to pray for understanding. He should that we still love him. Christians - Know the golden rule-- Juda An Athetist has no authoirty, they have no beliefs unless they have established it, therefore they cannot be trusted in God's army. the United States selected Christianty as the country's religion and everything that has to do with the governement is based on Chrisitanity. Now let's get this straight- this person is also denying and form of God, this means Islam, Jew, and all the other religions of the world that beleive in God. So who can trust him, when he serves himself as the master. if he does not want to pray then don't,. I think in the world a song came out by Fantasia and it said "if you don't want me then don't talk to me go ahead and free yourself." This youngman is bound, and filled mith misgivens that no one wants himaround, when it's his spirit that is saying hate, hate, hate. Christians are not perfect, but they serve a perfect God, who speaks to them and tells them they belong to him. he teaches about love, and not separation. The youngman should not be in the Army, because the same way he is betraying thme now, is the character he displayed as a solider. I don't want the enemy in the line of fire with our troops. The young man need to pray for understanding. He should that we still love him. Christians – Know the golden rule– Juda

]]> By: tom http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-6/#comment-216142 tom Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:14:06 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216142 the religous right has done so much in the last 7 years to destroy what our founding fathers worked so hard to free us from. so sad. i say vote democrat across the board and free us again from a king george type ruler. the religous right has done so much in the last 7 years to destroy what our founding fathers worked so hard to free us from. so sad. i say vote democrat across the board and free us again from a king george type ruler.

]]> By: Alex in Dallas http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-6/#comment-216141 Alex in Dallas Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:12:32 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216141 Our Military’s Christian Institution makes us sound like we’re all hypocrites when we say ‘our nation is the greatest because of religious freedom,…’ Our Military’s Christian Institution makes us sound like we’re all hypocrites when we say ‘our nation is the greatest because of religious freedom,…’

]]> By: Burt on Cape Cod http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/08/the-us-christian-military/comment-page-6/#comment-216138 Burt on Cape Cod Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:11:04 +0000 http://cnnac360.wordpress.com/?p=1701#comment-216138 Best wishes to MRFF and Mikey Weinstein for their efforts to get the US military to obey the constitution they fight for. Best wishes to MRFF and Mikey Weinstein for their efforts to get the US military to obey the constitution they fight for.

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