Academy Chapel Designer Dies
As noted on the local Gazette, Walter Netsch, Jr, designer of the famous and sometimes controversial Air Force Academy cadet chapel, has died.
Official Army Religious Forum Discontinued
The Stars and Stripes reported on an official Army message board that covered a variety of topics, but whose most popular forums were on topics of religion. A portion of the religion-oriented forum was recently discontinued.
The article hypothesized that the popularity of the forum was due to the fact that it reflected the diversity of the Army community, rather than many other online forums that are dominated by one group or another.
Army Chaplain Addresses SBC
The Baptist Press covers a speech by the Army chief of Chaplains, Maj Gen Douglas Carver, to the Southern Baptist Convention in early June.
“Our soldiers carry a heavy, heavy load…and we get to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ unencumbered while in uniform.”
Air Force Agnostic Comments on Chaplains
An interesting commentary by an agnostic Air Force sergeant on his recent deployment reveals that the relationship between Airmen and their Chaplain is about far more than religion–or the lack thereof.
New Chief’s Religion his First Issue
Blogs and news articles have highlighted the fact that General Norton Schwartz (official bio), the current selection to replace outgoing Air Force Chief of Staff General Michael Moseley, is Jewish. They emphasize that he is inheriting a service with “issues” involving evangelical Christians. The Forward notes that Michael Weinstein, who has sued the Defense Department for alleged Christian bias, has already asked to meet the General, even though he has yet to be confirmed by the Senate.
Regrettably, the unnecessary focus on religion distracts from what many in the Air Force find more interesting: the fact that the new Chief of Staff will be the first non-fighter/bomber pilot to lead the Air Force in its history. (An official list of all Chiefs of Staff can be viewed here.)
Book Review: Crash and Burn
Jack Edward Wright
Winepress Publishing, 2003.
Topic: Autobiographical
Mr. Wright’s book is advertised as a book about a pilot who has an accident that brings him to God. While it’s an interesting look at the Air Force of 20 years ago and dramatically conveys the details of Wright’s tragic accident, it says little of his life afterwards, and it says even less of substance about the potential spiritual impact on his life.
The book is interesting in its portrayal of Mrs. Wright’s response to many of the pilot activities. Of note, Winepress is a reputable self-publishing company.
Not recommended.
This book is available from Christian Book Distributors and Amazon. (This site is an Amazon Associate and may earn from qualifying purchases made through Amazon referrals.)
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Christian Freedom Int’l Advocates for Marine
According to their website, Christian Freedom International has taken on the cause of the US Marine who was removed from duty after distributing coins with a Christian message (previously noted). CFI believes that punishing the Marine for his actions would be counter to American freedoms.
Book Review: How Christians Made Peace with War
John Driver
Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2007.
Topic: Christianity and War
Written by a Mennonite (generally considered a pacifist denomination), this book gives an interesting historical account of the relationship between Christianity and war.
Not recommended. If you happen to be interested in the church history of war and military service, it is a worthwhile read.
This book is available from Amazon. (This site is an Amazon Associate and may earn from qualifying purchases made through Amazon referrals.)
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