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Air Force Removes Bible Verses
The Air Force has suspended a course that was taught by chaplains for more than 20 years because the material included Bible passages.
The course, called “Christian Just War Theory” was taught by chaplains at Vandenberg Air Force Base and used scripture from both the Old and New Testaments to show missile launch officers that it can be moral to go to war.
But the Military Religious Freedom Foundation said the course violated the Constitutional Separation of Church and State. The organization was created to “directly battle the far-right militant radical evangelical fundamentalists” in the military.
The MRFF filed a complaint last Wednesday on behalf of 31 missile launch officers – both instructors and students.
David Smith, the spokesman for the Air Force’s Air Education and Training Command, said the main purpose of the class was to help missile launch officers understand that “what they are embarking on is very difficult and you have to have a certain amount of ethics about what you are doing to do that job.”
He said the class was suspended the same day the complaint was filed. The class is currently under review by Air Force officials who will determine whether or not to revise the material or end the class.
“In an effort to serve all faiths we try to introduce none in our briefings and our lectures,” Smith told Fox News Radio. “Once we heard there were concerns we looked at the course and said we could do better.”
Smith said the inclusion of the Bible verses was an “inappropriate approach” in a “pluralistic society.”
“The use of Bible passage and other elements was just inappropriate,” he said.
Mikey Weinstein, the president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, hailed the military’s decision to suspend the course.
“We’re very pleased that the Air Force did it,” Weinstein told Fox News Radio. “Had they not done that, we would have filed an immediate class action lawsuit in federal court to force their hand.”
Weinstein said the officers who complained are Protestant and Roman Catholics, noting the class was simply “unconstitutional training.”
“The United States Air Force was promoting a particular brand of right-wing fundamentalist Christianity,” he said. “The main essence was that war is a natural part of the human experience and it’s something that is favored by this particular perspective of the New Testament.
Weinstein said he was particularly concerned about a passage of Scripture that was taught from the New Testament book of Revelations. The passage, chapter 19, verse 11, describes Jesus as a mighty warrior, Weinstein said.
But David French, senior counsel at the American Center for Law and Justice, said there is no violation of the Constitution.
“Just-War theory has been a vital part of American military history for the last several hundred years,” French said, dismissing the complaints as what he called “another attempt to cleanse American history of its religious realities. “
“It’s about cleansing religion from the public square and building a completely secular society and military, said French.
Commander Daniel McKay, a retired U.S. Navy Chaplain, agreed, telling Fox News Radio he was deeply concerned by the military’s decision.
“Why is it inappropriate to give our people guidelines that have withstood the test of time – to give us moral guidance,” McKay asked.
“I think there are certain segments within our society who are making concerted efforts to take us away from our Judeo-Christian values, principles and morals,” he said. “History will prove that if you stay true to God’s wisdom, it will serve us well and it has served us well.”
McKay said it’s possible that parts of the military are trying to play “all sides of the fence – trying to take a middle of the road approach.” That, he said, is a mistake.
“If you stay in the middle of the road, you become road kill,” McKay said, urging the military to stay true to what the Founders established. “You need to take a stand.”
The Air Force and Weinstein denied that political correctness had anything to do with the suspension of the class.
“Everyone in the military takes an oath to support and defend, protect and preserve this United States Constitution which absolutely separates church and state,” Weinstein said.
“The military is made up of people from all walks of life, all faiths,” Smith said. “It’s most appropriate to let folks practice their faith on their own and not try to introduce something else to them.”
Margie behrensten
August 3, 2011 at 2:03 pm
This story was broken by Truthout.org. last week. It was their story that resulted in the Air Force suspending the program. You should provide proper credit as the other news organizations who picked this up have.
http://www.truth-out.org/air-force-pulls-christia…
http://www.truth-out.org/air-force-cites-new-test…
Daryl
August 3, 2011 at 2:25 pm
When will people wake up to the fact that the Constitution says nothing about the separation of church and state?
Kathie
August 4, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Congratulations Daryl!!!!
Finally someone who understands the Constitution and is willing to say something. I have been upset about this point for some time.
Is there a way we can take a stand and start bringing back the truth about Our Country and it's Constitution? We must start making
more noise than we have been. We must let them know—
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH !!!!!
Kathie
Robert
August 7, 2011 at 3:09 pm
You are both right, and wrong. The phrase "separation of church and state" does not explicitly occur but according to Thomas Jefferson the First Amendment had the intent of creating a wall of separation between church and state-
"I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State" -Thomas Jefferson (1 January 1802)
The Supreme Court has agreed with Mr. Jefferson's interpretation of the First Amendment as a separation of church and state.
Steve
August 5, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Why is it that the very persons who developed the Constitution also founded American Track Society? It seems that these politically correct "pluralists" only want to destroy all public expression of the very foundations on which this country was built. In doing so, can this country survive much longer? Not without another Great Awakening like that which birthed the American Revolution.
gary
August 3, 2011 at 3:13 pm
sad
William E. Gordon
August 3, 2011 at 3:31 pm
After a review of the US Constitution-I find there is no where that the words separation of church and state-but there is the words separation of state and church-reason: pilgrims came here to grt away from the head of state being the head of the church as in the UK. It is time we get this separation of church and state straighten out. which means the church can get into the state -but the state can not get into the church–check it out
Kathie
August 4, 2011 at 2:47 pm
Correct!!
Glad to hear there are more people who know the truth and are being heard.
Thank you!
Steve
August 5, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Right, William. The founders specifically forbade the Congress, not the State legislatures or local governments, from establishing a national religion. There were State Churches is most of the States for about a hundred years after the Constitution was written.
If a phony case can be made for the government intrusion into Church matters based on reading into the First Amendment a "separation of church and state", then there is a basis for separation of speech and state ready for the government to censor speech by whichever party is in power, which lines up with current practices and even policies.
Mike Honigsberg
August 3, 2011 at 4:17 pm
This is why our country is in a state of failure. The Chaplains aren't preaching, they are teaching ethics for decision making. I wish that the Air Force would stand up to the few people that are helping to destroy our country. Heaven forbid we remain a strong society. And lastly, If the chaplains could find ethics in other religious formats that flow along the lines of this training, use those too. Don't let a left wing radical group,the mrff get in the way.
teresa muller
August 3, 2011 at 4:51 pm
Our nation was built on bible verses. Whether people accept them or not is their own perogative. But to throw them all out just because a few are offended is an attack on our American heritage and values. I guess they'll be throwing out our Constitution next because it also makes reference to the bible.
P. D. Bransford
August 3, 2011 at 5:02 pm
I challenge Mr. Weinstein to provide a quote from the U. S. Constitution that "absolutely separates church and state." It doesn't exist! Mr. Weinstein also needs to be corrected on the title of the last book of the New Testament. His referring to "Revelations" (plural) is a common error based on ignorance of the Bible.
Father D
August 3, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Just War Theory is not attempting to impose Christianity on people. It is telling people that, if you are a Christian, this is how you can look at warfare as acceptable under some circumstances. It does not mean that a Hindu must accept those same arguments. He might simply say, "I find this irrelevant because I disagree with your hypotheses." Well, OK…., so it is no help to him, and we really have no help for him.
This nation was never intended by the founders to be anything other than a nation of Christians. They did not establish a State Church, but it never occurred to them that we would have the disastrous mixture of religions that we in fact have in the US today. For their purposes, they were establishing a Christian nation, and I wish that we had remained true to that design to this day. We would be a stronger, better nation for it if we had.
Robert
August 3, 2011 at 8:47 pm
As an active duty Air Force Instructor and devout Atheist I completely agree with changing this training to a secular ethics/morals training. I'm sick of Christianity being presented as the sole owner of all ethical/moral values. I can use parts of the Old Testament to advocate slavery and murder but that doesn't make those practices ethical or moral just because "the bible says so". If "our Judeo-Christian values, principles and morals" (McKay) are valid they will stand on their own merit without a religious back drop. Ethical behavior is not a Christian value but a child of rationality.
On a side note, the majority of the Founding Fathers were Deists at most and the evangelical Christianity of today was not practiced at all
Kathie
August 4, 2011 at 4:08 pm
Robert,
You are wrong about "majority". Even the Deists were involved in setting up "This Christian Nation". That is what we are–get over it!
We have freedom for any and all (or no) religion; but that does not change the fact that Our Country was founded on Judeo-Christian
principles and Our Constitution was written that way. If you can't
be tolerant of others' faith you are the one who must adjust—
We Americans cherish Our Country the way It was founded!!!!!
Stop trying to change It.
We have had more than enough change!!!
It is time to return to the basic principles that made us great.
Robert
August 5, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Thank you for ignoring my argument completely because you have no counter argument but still feel the need to play the victim.
I do have the freedom to believe what I want, as do you. You do not have the freedom to make me sit through a class justifying war with christian ethics. This is what George Washington's (a General and considered one of the Founding Fathers, correct me if I'm wrong) thoughts were on the matter-
"Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause. I had hoped that liberal and enlightened thought would have reconciled the Christians so that their religious fights would not endanger the peace of Society" -George Washington
Sounds like a real proponent of a christian nation (that is sarcasm). I like how your christian founding father doesn't group himself with christians by saying "their religious fights" instead of "our religious fights" and he considered christian extremism a threat to the peace of society.
Big Red
August 3, 2011 at 9:39 pm
You idiots in the Air Force, of which I spent 4 yrs., there is no separation of church and state in the U.S. Constitution. It was something Jefferson wrote to the Baptists totally separate, and you know it. Why doesn't somebody stand up to these politically correct nincompoops. For 20 yrs. this has been going on and all of a sudden somebody gets a wild hair. You make me sick, I'm sorry I wasted those 4 yrs.
Mike
August 3, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Wow, let's see Catholic and Protestant? Don't they believe in God and Jesus Christ? Obviously none of these "officers" ever reads a Bible and then we let some smuck from a left wing anti-God organization come in and remove God from the equation of "Destroying Mankind" as we know it. Someone is going to burn in Hell…wonder what they will say when they have to "Stand before God" one day…we didn't want to offend anyone because "Bible verses are an inappropriate approach in a pluralistic society"…It's God's word meant for all mankind to live by. Wonder why the Nation founded with religious freedoms has now removed those freedoms from those of us who follow and believe Gods word? So it's ok to remove ethics from someone who can push a button and destroy an entire country, but its not ok to read a few Bible verses…my how immoral this country has become and it's only getting worse at the hands of those who would destroy America from the inside out.
Glen
August 3, 2011 at 10:23 pm
Another good example of religious bigotry in a country that was built on Christian principles. The fact of the matter is the Bible is just as revelent and important in peoples lives today as it was when it was written (Old testament began with Moses's writtings and the New testament after Christ was crucified and wriiten by the Apostles). Here's what Paul says about the Bible. 2nd Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Retired Dogface
August 3, 2011 at 10:26 pm
Note to Weinstein: The Constitution separates government from religion, not religion from government.. Have you ever read ANY of our founding history?
Note to Sec of the Air Force: As a retired military officer, and strong proponent of military service, this action will require me to actively dissuade any of our American youth from joining the Air Force. If you can not defend the content of one course based upon Christian principals, then your ability to stand up to the rigors of defending America are truly suspect.
Grant R
August 4, 2011 at 12:11 am
Well I can see the US Air Force along with “Mikey” does not KNOW the U S Constitution.
How sad! The 1st Amendment (Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;…………….)
There is NO SUCH thing as separation of church and state. No where stated in the Declaration of Independence, U S Constitution, or the Bill of Rights.
Also of the 250 Founding Fathers (in part the 250 had something to do with one or two of the above 3 documents), 95% of them were Christians. Yes “Mikey” Christians. In fact there were several ordained ministers who even signed the Declaration of Independence and wrote article for the U S Constitution.
Grant R
August 4, 2011 at 12:12 am
I am personally looking at filing a Federal Class action lawsuit against the U S Air Force for stopping this program.
Have you been to Washington, DC? Over 150,000 Christian symbols in the buildings, on moments in and around the city.
We have a country of ignorant fools who have no idea of our past.
By the way, the U S Capitol holds the right to have church services every Sunday. Plus Thomas Jefferson gave an Executive Order that the US Marine Bank provide the music.
(U S Congress, 1800, Jefferson, 1804)
dp123
August 4, 2011 at 1:08 am
When will the people of this country learn that no where in the constitution is there a separation of church and state clause. What nazi was is that said tell a lie enough times and people will believe it to be fact (this is a paraphrase).
Please learn your history.
AFwife87
August 4, 2011 at 7:13 am
Was this a mandatory course or elective? I'm willing to bet it's elective. In which case you can choose NOT to take the course. Wher's the religious freedom in this? I don't believe in evolution, but I had to hear about it and I have the FREEDOM to choose if I want to believe it or not…
Andy
August 4, 2011 at 8:37 am
"United States Constitution which absolutely separates church and state,” Weinstein said" What a dumb fool. If you repeat a lie enough times the ignorant will think it's the truth. Where is that stated in the constitution Weinstein???
Robert
August 7, 2011 at 7:35 pm
I guess Thomas Jefferson was just ignorant to what James Madison intent was when he authored the First Amendment when he said:
"I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between Church & State" -Thomas Jefferson (1 January 1802)
I guess the Supreme Court is pretty ignorant to the intent of the Constitution as well when they uphold the seperation of church and state.
I guess Thomas Jefferson was out to destroy America over 209 years ago when he said that. You think a man who was good friends with James Madison would have shown more respect for the man's lifes work and upheld Mr. Madison's intent in the First Amendment?
USMC70114
August 4, 2011 at 9:30 am
Just war theory is woven into how why and how we conduct war. It cuts to the core of issues like torture, nuclear war, and moral obligations of leaders – both military and civilian. And, just war theory is derived from a body of academic, theological and philosophical work that is based on the Christian tradition. Its important to understand this stuff for our military leaders. I would also welcome a course on the Islamic perspective on war (jihad), and any other philosphical or religious motivation to go to (or not go to) war that would influence how and why potential adversaries act.
Rich
August 4, 2011 at 11:33 am
If they were quoting the koran there would be no problem or complaint…out of fear!
Jenn
August 4, 2011 at 3:00 pm
This story was stolen from Jason Leopold from TruthOut on 30jul2011. When is the article going to be properly sourced!!!!!!!
Hawk
August 4, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Now it's the AF cutting out Christ, The US, the American flag, etc. We soon will not need a military – we''ll all be Ragheads the Red, White, & Blue I fought for , for 20 + years will not exist. Impeach Obama and his czars aand go bck to Old Glory.
becky
August 4, 2011 at 9:15 pm
Just a thought: I wonder how our soldiers would be able to deal with their PTSD if they had or felt the comfort of a Christian background? Or why do you hear so many people Yell, "Oh God" during some disaster or illness?
For myself I'd rather feel the comfort of my faith than the desolation and emptiness that a person committing suicide must feel.
Ada
August 5, 2011 at 12:13 pm
It's a shame that some idiots can't see how taking God out has been a disaster for America. Americans need to get on their knees and pray. Only God can save us. Pray for America and Israel. America was founded on Christian principles. Why can't people see how taking God out has deteriorated America??
Jerome McCollom
August 8, 2011 at 1:13 pm
What does that mean, taking God out? People have the perfect right to practice their religion and advocate for their religion. No one is hampering their ability to do so. What they do not have the right, as the chaplain in this story does not seem to understand at all, is to use the government to push and state their religion is true. If someone wants to state that we would be better as a Christian right-wing version of Iran, fine, but they don't have the right to use the government to state that we should live under a biblical code.
M R Canon
August 7, 2011 at 9:55 am
Apparently o's pentagon bureaucrats, many of whom have no actual combat experience, are mere weak puppets of obama's leftist, unbelieving administration. This is the first administration that has worked for years to undermine and subvert the real God of the Bible whose pronouncements are the foundation for all of our founding documents. This is also the first administration to think they are gods who deserve to make all the rules. How successful and wise are the false "gods"? Look around, what do you think?
Norbert G. Ginsel
August 7, 2011 at 10:08 am
As one who had his finger on the button: The decision whether to release such a weapon is almost overwhelming to any thinking person. The ethical and moral implications of such a decision *must* be considered by the officer responsible for that action. Whether (s)he be Quaker, Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, Jew, Secularist or whatever, the question must be faced. What others have considered in the past is of value, and it is a given that reasoning important to one may be useless to another. The Christian concept of "just war" is just one of many ways of considering the question, as is the tale of the Great War in the Bhagavad-Gita, and the related suras of Koran. Discussing what various peoples have thought to justify war is *not* the same as advocating their religious views. I studied philosophy at a secular university, taught by a Roman Catholic. We studied Aquinas, yes, but also the Stoics, J.S.Mill, William James, Epicurus, E. Kant, and so on. Even Bertrand Russell. There was no proselytizing. How is the USAF so different that this course must be censored?
Jerome McCollom
August 8, 2011 at 1:10 pm
What if they used verses from the Islamic Quran? Would those who are defending biblical verses, defend that? Of course not, many of those same people believe that mosques should be banned. The idea that there is some kind of right to have religious language in military courses, is utterly absurd. As for "separation of church and state", not only was it a writing of Jefferson, but the father of the Constitution, James Madison. There are many people who wish to get the government to push their religion, and they do not care how they do it. When opposed, they think it is some great outrage that religion isn't being pushed by the government, at leas their religion.
Soprano_1
August 25, 2011 at 2:37 am
Doesn't it seem like a GOOD idea for Christian military personnel (and any other religious group that strongly promotes peace) to have access to training that would help them stand firm in their convictions to follow their commander-in-chief into warfare? I would believe many Christian people wrestle with their consciences at some point during active combat, at any point that they may be required to take a life or, in defense, threaten innocent lives. Would it not be in the military's best interest to help these people to go into combat with a clear conscience and firm resolve in their actions? And, would it not help our brave soldiers return home with more stable, resolved feelings about their actions, rather than having them spend years in mental agony over military operations that haunt and plague their very souls?
As an added thought, how about implementing classes like this for other prominent religions, as well? We Christians are not the only spiritual people in the world.