From Jason Torpy, perpetually-offended former Army atheist and current voice for the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers, in response to the publicity surrounding recent articles on God and Country:
Jason Torpy exactly. a troll best ignored. if the topic can’t be found somewhere legitimate, then there’s no reason to talk about it.
Jason Torpy best not to repost this troll’s poison
It would seem Jason Read more
An article from the Iowa Army National Guard described the value of the US military providing religious support for its troops:
A single, unassuming shelter stands out. On the surface, it looks just like the rest, except for one small detail – a small, navy blue flag, with a single white cross in the center.
Many Soldiers walk by this tent without a second thought. However, to a Soldier of faith, it’s a beacon of light in an otherwise dreary environment.
This flag is a cue to Soldiers of Task Force Ironman, Iowa Army National Guard that they have a place to practice their religion. Even in this unforgiving terrain, far from home, they’re offered a reminder they’re not alone.
Chapels and chaplains have occasionally been criticized by some for bringing religion to troops downrange — even in combat. What those critics frequently Read more
The 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, recently hosted a kids’ summer program from the local Jewish Educational Alliance:
The campers ranged in age from 10 to 14 years old. Kristina Martell, assistant camp Read more
Chris Rodda seems to have returned from her apparent exile from the MRFF by posting a blog at the Huffington Post — about a really old story. In a move unusual for the normally verbose Rodda, the article was relatively concise. In typical Chris Rodda fashion, however, it relied heavily on playing loose with the truth.
Referring to a months-old controversy, Rodda’s article was entitled “Apparently, the American Legion Hates Jesus” and described the American Legion’s use of a POW/MIA remembrance table that does not include a Bible:
According to the fundamentalist Christian outrage brigade, not having a Bible on a POW/MIA table can only be the work of the most diabolical of anti-Christian organizations. Obviously, only an atheist group, or, according to Fox News’s Todd Starnes, “a special kind of low-life,” would remove God’s Word from the display!
So, I guess this means that the American Legion, with its Bible-free POW/MIA table item list, must be an anti-Christian, atheist organization, right?
As with Michael “Mikey” Weinstein, the truth is insufficiently sensational, so Rodda has to Read more
Despite a complaint by the perpetually-offended anti-Christian Michael “Mikey” Weinstein, the US Army has said there was nothing wrong with a Bible being displayed on a POW/MIA table during an Army ball, because it was a private event:
“The individuals that participated in the ball have the right to express themselves as U.S. citizens under the First Amendment,” Lt. Col. Catina Barnes-Ricks, an 8th Army spokesman, said Monday in an email.
The statement went on to say they reminded Soldiers not to endorse religion: Read more
Update: Mehta appears to have thought better of the post and appears to have pulled it down.
A group of atheist keyboard commandos is waging a campaign to mob an internet voting contest to help a specific public school win a new playground.
The reason they want to help that school? The “competitor” school is Christian.
From Hemant Mehta, the “friendly” atheist [emphasis added]:
Let’s help them out! (I’m sure the kids at the Christian school can just pray for a new playground…or get donations from parents who are already paying private school tuition.)…
Your minimal effort can help these kids get a nice new playground while also making the Baby Jesus shed a single tear.
The two schools are Kettle Read more
The local Las Vegas Review-Journal covers US Air Force Chaplain (Capt) Michael Engfer, a Reserve Chaplain who does double duty as a local Episcopal Reverend:
The Rev. Michael Engfer occupies two distinct ministries.
In November, he was named deacon in charge of All Saints Episcopal Church, a growing multicultural congregation…
He also is stationed at Nellis Air Force Base as deputy wing chaplain for the 926th Wing Air Force Reserve unit. Among the people he serves are drone pilots, a new type of service with unique challenges.
Chaplain Engfer also makes a point of explaining his view on marriage: Read more
Update: The US Army later vaguely said it was “looking into” the complaint, though no complaint had been filed.
A US Army Soldier was “completely flabbergasted” that the POW/MIA ceremony at the Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association ball in South Korea included a Bible:
During the toast portion of the event, soldiers stationed throughout the crowd brought forward items used to construct the missing man table…
As the soldiers came forward, they briefly spoke about their item’s significance, the anonymous soldier said. The last of the items brought forward was a Bible.
The soldier who brought it forward talked about “strength through faith, and reminding us that we were founded as one nation under God,” the attendee said.
According to the article, the anonymous Soldier said Read more