Category Archives: Government and Religion

Afghans, Free Speech, and Religious Freedom

Afghan nationals recently enjoyed their exercise of free speech when they burned the Pope in effigy.  Apparently, the Pope (whose effigy had green shirt and tie with jean shorts, and who had to be identified to the press) is somehow responsible for the actions of the two aid groups recently accused of proselytizing.

As asinine as their accusations are, they are certainly free to make them, with at least some thanks to US and NATO forces that have helped secure their country.  (Arguably, the Taliban may have also permitted, or even required, such an anti-US rally.)  The disturbing part is the Afghan’s total lack of comprehension of religious freedom:

“We are demonstrating to express our disgust towards the activities of Christians trying to covert Afghans,” student Abdul Karim told AFP.

“We want the government of Afghanistan to find those people, try them and punish them. We want both the converted and those who have converted them to be brought to justice and punished,” he said. (emphasis added)

And yes, American military forces are supporting a foreign government under which Mr. Karim’s demands are actually actionable.

Memorial Service Honors Faith of Fallen Soldier

A moving memorial was held for US Army Major Ronald “Wayne” Culver, killed by an IED in Iraq on May 24th.  The Chaplain, a friend of the Major, spoke of his faith and his salvation:

The service continued with the chaplain speaking of the major’s faith and how he knew he would see his friend in heaven. He choked up at the podium and the squadron command sergeant major walked across the stage to support him. The room was deathly silent, save for the sound of more than 500 battle-tested Soldiers sniffling.

Prayer and the playing of Amazing Grace on bagpipes, another military memorial tradition with spiritual undertones, was Read more

DADT Repeal “Clear and Present Threat to Religious Liberty”

Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has a long commentary on the proposed “repeal” of the policy best known as “Don’t ask, don’t tell.”  His position is fairly clear:

Make no mistake: The repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy will present a clear and present threat to the religious liberty of those who wear the American uniform, and especially to those who serve as chaplains.

Unless something alters the political context, the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy is about to become history, and the U.S. military is about to be changed forever. The summer of 2010 may well turn out to be a watershed season in this nation’s life and history. Is anyone paying attention?

Chuck Colson, a noted Christian leader and author, has also made a similar argument.  See the prior commentaries from Archbishop Timothy Broglio and Richard Land.

Christian Officer Encourages Political Action

At a Memorial Day event in “Nashville’s most patriotic church” attended by thousands, including Mike Huckabee, LtCol (ret) Courtney Rodgers gave a stirring motivation to those in the congregation about how they can honor the sacrifice of the men and women in the military who serve them: 

We take an oath that binds us to the ideological foundation of this nation – to the ideals of freedom within our constitution.  We leave our families for months, maybe even years, so that you may never have to bow before any earthly king or dictator.  We fight to protect your God-given rights…  Read more

Insurgents Hide Heroin with the Quran

Previous articles have pointed out the tendency of enemies of the US to use American virtues as a weapon against the US military.  In Afghanistan recently, insurgents attempted to use sensitivity to religion — specifically, the Koran — as a means to hide drugs.

The heroin was discovered when the narcotics section of the Zabul ANP stopped an overloaded bus at a checkpoint. The inspection uncovered four burlap sacks containing bundles of books. Further inspection revealed the books had been hollowed out and were being used to disguise the heroin. Copies of the Quran were placed on top of the bundles in what is believed to be an effort to deter inspection.

The Afghan National Police said it was the “criminals” who had “defiled” the Koran and were “not true Muslims.”

When Americans have been accused of “defiling” the Koran, even falsely, riots have resulted.  When the enemies of America do the same thing…?

Christian Aid Groups Suspended in Afghanistan

Several sites have already documented the decision by the Afghan government to “suspend” the activities of two Christian aid groups after allegations of “proselytizing.”

US-based Church World Service and Norwegian Church Aid will not be allowed to operate while the allegations, aired Sunday on Afghan television, are investigated, said Mohammad Hashim Mayar, the deputy director of the Afghan government office that oversees nongovernment organizations, known as NGOs. 

Mayar said officials did not have any evidence of proselytizing beyond the television report…

Proselytizing is illegal in Afghanistan, as it is in many Muslim countries. It is a hot-button issue for many Afghans sensitive to the influence of the scores of foreign aid groups operating in the country to help it recover from decades of war.

CWS and NCA both denied the allegations.  For CWS, it was the first time Read more

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