Better Not Use Jesus' Name in the Military
In my last commentary I wrote about the melt-down of our culture in every arena. Here again, is yet another example of how bizarre things have become.
United States Navy Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt is facing discharge for committing the heinous act of praying “in Jesus’ name.”
For a little background, all military chaplains must be sponsored by a recognized denomination. And while a “chaplain” is different than a minister in that are expected to minister across denominational lines, they do not forsake the tenets of their sponsoring faith.
In other words, while a “Jewish” chaplain, for example, would be expected to be able to minister within the varying branches of Judaism, he would never be expected to perform some kind of “Christian” sacrament. That is why you have “Christian” chaplains.
And as a Christian chaplain sponsored by the Southern Baptist Convention, he would be expected to down play some of his own uniquely Southern Baptist distinctives, such that he could minister across denominational lines, but he would never be required to perform a non-Christian ritual of faith.
But now enter the 1998 regulation that forbids Christian chaplains from praying in Jesus’ Name. That is so preposterous I can hardly make myself repeat but it is true. Klingenschmitt’s commanding officer stated that he was an immature Chaplain because he prays “In Jesus’ Name.”
Consider the irony here. Our military personnel enter into combat for the purposes of protecting our freedoms and defending our liberties among which are the freedom of religion yet military chaplains do not have that freedom.
Can you imagine telling a Muslim Chaplain that he is not allowed to pray in Allah’s name? What is going on here? I’m telling you, it’s a melt-down and it is a spiritual battle. How else do you even begin to explain such utter lunacy?
Supposedly, President Bush only need sign an Executive order to put an end to this nonsense. Let’s hope for our Christian servicemen, and women, the President acts quickly. This is yet another outrage!
United States Navy Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt is facing discharge for committing the heinous act of praying “in Jesus’ name.”
For a little background, all military chaplains must be sponsored by a recognized denomination. And while a “chaplain” is different than a minister in that are expected to minister across denominational lines, they do not forsake the tenets of their sponsoring faith.
In other words, while a “Jewish” chaplain, for example, would be expected to be able to minister within the varying branches of Judaism, he would never be expected to perform some kind of “Christian” sacrament. That is why you have “Christian” chaplains.
And as a Christian chaplain sponsored by the Southern Baptist Convention, he would be expected to down play some of his own uniquely Southern Baptist distinctives, such that he could minister across denominational lines, but he would never be required to perform a non-Christian ritual of faith.
But now enter the 1998 regulation that forbids Christian chaplains from praying in Jesus’ Name. That is so preposterous I can hardly make myself repeat but it is true. Klingenschmitt’s commanding officer stated that he was an immature Chaplain because he prays “In Jesus’ Name.”
Consider the irony here. Our military personnel enter into combat for the purposes of protecting our freedoms and defending our liberties among which are the freedom of religion yet military chaplains do not have that freedom.
Can you imagine telling a Muslim Chaplain that he is not allowed to pray in Allah’s name? What is going on here? I’m telling you, it’s a melt-down and it is a spiritual battle. How else do you even begin to explain such utter lunacy?
Supposedly, President Bush only need sign an Executive order to put an end to this nonsense. Let’s hope for our Christian servicemen, and women, the President acts quickly. This is yet another outrage!
posted by PB at 4:53 PM
5 Comments:
We should not be surprised that all other religions except Christianity seem to receive deference. Persecution will steadlily ramp up around the world until Jesus comes. Until then, I feel we should Agree in prayer.
Nice blog!
Unfortunately, you don't have the facts. Chaplain Klingenschmitt is not prohibited from praying in the name of Jesus in public. All chaplains, if invited to give the invocation or benediction at a public event, are asked to do so in a non-denominational manner since there are people of various faith backgrounds in attendance. But if he's preaching in a religious service of his own denomination, he is free to follow the practices of that denomination.
Soupy--Please refer me to where I can obtain the "facts" you have. I pride myself on accuracy. If you are correct, I will air a retraction!
Soupy, unless I am mistaken, your comment seems to contradict itself.
You state that: ''Chaplain Klingenschmitt is not prohibited from praying in the name of Jesus in public''...........and then you state that:
''All chaplains, if invited to give the invocation or benediction at a public event, are asked to do so in a non-denominational manner since there are people of various faith backgrounds in attendance.''
So which is it?
Frankly, the argument is moot as our Constitution and founding documents guarantee the Chaplain's right to pray according to his beliefs. To instruct him to pray in a manner that is inconsistent with the Scriptures and his beliefs is a clear violation of his constitutional rights.
As I stated in my comment, on this blog, in response to Cripe's Christmas article; the downward spiral into this increasing push for secularism should not surprise us. However it should sadden us that much of the blame belongs to each one of us.
We've let the hand of government invade every aspect of our lives, as it distorts our Constitution and diminishes our freedom...one law...one tax...and one amendment at a time.
My counsel to the Chaplain would be this:
''And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said to them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we CANNOT STOP speaking about what we have seen and heard.''(Acts 4:18-20)
Brethren, do not compromise,nor back down......ever.
Please see my most recent entry regarding this situation.
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