Gays In, Bibles Out In the New American Military

Photo Credit: Björn SöderqvistPresident Obama’s Defense Department is waging a private war. While our Pentagon is entrusted with the duty to “protect and serve,” a secular zone is growing within the ranks of the Military.

A little over a year ago then Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced the Military would honor through “Gay Pride Month” the contributions of homosexual service members. This announcement came just a few months after the Department of Defense had begun its subtle campaign against the Bible.

1) The Air Force Services Agency through its spokesman Michael Dickerson stated the Air Force has “no requirement to have Bibles in the lodging checklist.” [1a] In other words, as a military member checks into housing (much like a civilian would into a hotel or dormitory) there is no availability of a Bible to be by his or her bedside. In defense of this Air Force Chaplain (COL) Ron Crews, Retired, has stated, “while there is no requirement to have them, why should there be a requirement to remove them?” [1b] By the way, these Bibles are free to the Military, paid for by donating Christian churches and foundations.

2) The Department of Defense announced it would be removing military edition Bibles from its base exchange stores. These military editions published by Holman Bible Publishers are “prominently emblazoned with exact replicas of the trademarked emblems of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force.” Known as the “Soldier’s Bible, or Sailor’s Bible and so forth,” these Bibles have been published since 2003. The Bibles “include a cover designed for the particular branch, as well as patriotic essays, prayers and hymn lyrics,” according to Holman’s website. “Holman also produces Bibles for police, firefighters, sportsmen and students, each tailored to its particular audience.” [2a]

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