Former Navy Chaplain Klingenschmitt has filed an appeal to the court martial which ultimately resulted in his discharge from the Navy. He continues to assert that he was convicted of praying “in Jesus’ name,” while the Navy says he was found guilty of violating an order not to attend a protest in uniform.
In an age where Chaplains are increasingly told to make their prayers non-sectarian (or simply not to pray at all), a Hindu “made history” by becoming the first Hindu to open the Senate with prayer. Three protesters were removed from the chamber for interrupting the proceedings.
Within the past year, an emerging trend has gathered significant momentum in the greater Christian community. More frequently, Christian leaders are emphasizing living to a Christian “worldview.” The concept of this worldview—and its application to Christian living—is particularly applicable to military Christians. While it is possibly one of the most basic tenets of the Christian faith, encouraging Christians to strengthen their worldview is viewed by many—Christian and not—as a radical suggestion. Read more
An interesting article by Dr. Tony Beam quotes Chuck Colson’s description of “neo-atheists,” who are no longer content not to believe in God–instead, they want to eliminate the practices of those who do.
Chuck Colson also wrote an article for Christianity Today in which he notes that the most popular “religious” books right now are those that belittle Christianity. The article also notes that many of the bestsellers reference the growing threat of Christian dominionism, which is also the same threat that Weinstein cites when he “wars” against Christians in the military.
Finally, in an interview at the Southern Baptist Convention, Colson restated his assertion that Christians need to “engage the culture” and “answer the attacks” against the faith.
On July 4th, the AU’s Barry Lynn will be one of several speakers near the White House and the Veterans’ Administration. The gathering is to “celebrate” the “victory” of getting the VA to add the pentacle to its list of approved symbols, demand that the VA add more pagan symbols, and advocate for a pagan military chaplain.The call for a pagan chaplain is problematic, since the military requires that chaplains be ordained in their faith. Since paganism is, by definition, an unorganized belief system, it is difficult for them to create an organization that is consistent with their dogma (or lack thereof). Even the “world’s largest public school of Wicca and the Magical Arts” (Our Lady of Enchantment) makes a point of saying that their program is designed for those “interested in creating their own spiritual tradition.” They say they can meet the requirements of legal recognition of ministerial rights without “making a commitment to any particular Wiccan or Magickal tradition.” Thus, they are “priests” of only their own belief system.
Of the four scheduled speakers that are listed as “reverends,” only Barry Lynn is legitimately ordained in his own faith. Neither Fox nor Ellison list the source of their “reverend” title. Akin is ordained through the Universal Life Church–which will “legally ordain” anyone with a valid email address.
An interesting article appeared in the Stars and Stripes regarding the pagan group and its association with the chapel program at Misawa Air Base in Japan. The sidebar has an interesting discussion by the wing chaplain at Kadena, who says in part that chaplains are not required to “extract all language that might have symbolic meaning,” such as the “heavenly Father” that the Wiccans said made them feel awkward.
Jonathan Dowty
Published 2007
Topic: Military life, Christian living
Fighter pilots are known for their bravery, cunning, and skill in combat. They are also known for their expertise in worldly vices. Few people would think that Christian men and women could be a part of that military culture.
They not only can, but should.
Godly men and women can be both good Christians and good fighter pilots, Sailors, Soldiers, or Marines – something many people believe is a contradiction. From fighter pilot traditions to the controversy of military evangelism, Christian Fighter Pilot explains not only the popular fighter pilot culture, but also the sometimes secretive world of the men and women who fly and fight. Whether in training or combat, Christians are shown that they can live out their faith and still excel in the world’s best military.
This book briefly introduces the basics of how to become a fighter pilot and what a fighter pilot is and does. The bulk of the content focuses on how a Christian can live a life that is both honoring to God and to the military profession he has volunteered to serve. Spiritual questions are discussed and practical living suggestions are made. The book is aimed at Christians and is appropriate both for those who are thinking about becoming fighter pilot and those who already are. While some of the book is fighter pilot specific, much of it is applicable to Christians in the military in general.
No recommendation. This summary was written by the author.
This book is available wherever books are sold. It is also available from at Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers. Cadets and college or high school students who may be unable to afford the book may contact the author through this website for arrangements.
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The ACLJ responds to the AU’s recent complaints of military support for the Salute to Heroes at Stone Mountain. Their entire letter, which contains a well thought out legal justification (which the AU’s complaint did not), can be read here.