Happy New Year, 2009

Amazingly, little has changed over the past year (in fact, two years) with regard to religion in the military.  No lawsuits have gone on to litigation, Congress has yet to address the controversy as they promised in 2006, and though many controversies have made the press, few have had any noticeable impact on military operations.  That may help explain why military religious issues have fallen off the “Top Ten” lists of church/state and free exercise pundits (including Time).  (By contrast, “Religion and the Military” featured prominently in 2006, even making the “#1” in some places.)

This year does have a unique potential, however, as President-elect Obama may bring a different perspective on both the use of the military and its internal governance.  Already, some are wondering what impact his administration will have on Christians’ ability (and desire) to serve in the military.  While those ponderings are probably a bit dire, it is likely that there will be some impact of his administration on the military in general.

The ministry of ChristianFighterPilot.com has grown this past year, in large part to you.  Chaplains, fighter pilots, familes of military members, journalists, activists, and even lawyers have corresponded with ChristianFighterPilot.com to express support, ask questions, communicate disdain, make suggestions, and even make thinly veiled threats.

Readers of the book Christian Fighter Pilot is not an Oxymoron have contacted the site for information and feedback.  Multiple speaking engagements were accomplished and were well received.  There are positive voices to Christianity in the military, and they are being heard.

In that respect, an impact is being felt there, as well.  Christians in the military, and those that minister to the military, must be willing to take action to stand up and defend against injustice, whether it takes the form of protecting the religious free exercise of a minority religion from internal interference or defending the rights of a larger one from external.  Challenges will continue, and loud proclamations that are unopposed may be taken as truth regardless of their accuracy.

Working with Chaplains and para-church organizations, as well as local churches with military ministries, is an excellent means to that end.  In addition, help is always appreciated here, as well.  Anyone wishing to contribute articles, blogs, or otherwise support these efforts, feel free to contact ChristianFighterPilot.com.

The new year promises opportunities and challenges.  May God bless you in them.