Air Force general should be court-martialed for speaking about God

[Trina]

On the national day of prayer officer Olsen was asked to speak and he thanked God and asked others to pray for military personnel. Military Freedom From Religion Foundation members are demanding he be court-martialed for speaking about God in his remarks, is calling for the two-star general to be court-martialed and "aggressively and very visibly brought to justice for his unforgivable crimes and transgressions."

They say he has violated the rules of the Air Force.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/17/air-force-general-who-spoke-god-in-speech-should-be-court-martialed-group-says/

[Tortuga]

On the national day of prayer officer Olsen was asked to speak and he thanked God and asked others to pray for military personnel. Military Freedom From Religion Foundation members are demanding he be court-martialed for speaking about God in his remarks, is calling for the two-star general to be court-martialed and "aggressively and very visibly brought to justice for his unforgivable crimes and transgressions."

They say he has violated the rules of the Air Force.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/17/air-force-general-who-spoke-god-in-speech-should-be-court-martialed-group-says/

 

Who did they think he was going to pray to?

[trottigy]

I heard the group wrote a stern letter.

[Tortuga]

On the national day of prayer officer Olsen was asked to speak and he thanked God and asked others to pray for military personnel. Military Freedom From Religion Foundation members are demanding he be court-martialed for speaking about God in his remarks, is calling for the two-star general to be court-martialed and "aggressively and very visibly brought to justice for his unforgivable crimes and transgressions."

They say he has violated the rules of the Air Force.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/05/17/air-force-general-who-spoke-god-in-speech-should-be-court-martialed-group-says/

Oh, I see the problem. They don't him endorsing a Christian god because then only Christians would die for their country. They want a non-denominational god to give every religion the equal opportunity to die for the country.  

[CHecker]

Oh pffft, another stupid thing to get upset about. Richard said it best, who'd they THINK he'd pray to? Sheesh.

Military Religious Freedom had a problem with it. So if its freedom to choose and he chose but yet his choice was wrong........is it really freedom of choice?? IMHO

[Brother Arellano]

Hmm... I see a lot about the military on this forum. And since the military goes against our beliefs it always makes me wonder why people decide to post these types of articles.

[surfergirl]

Hmm... I see a lot about the military on this forum. And since the military goes against our beliefs it always makes me wonder why people decide to post these types of articles.

 

 

I find these articles to be eye opening. These forces are temporarilly allowed by God aren't they? 

To see what is happening from the Schools to every other organized facit of Government runned places in a lot of these places..Not only is God's name removed. But now people say you can't have a bible at school.. Now even prayers are not allowed.. Its just further proof of Satan wanting people to stay blocked from Jehovah,, He is getting people from all sorts of places to shut down by  whatever means. 

[Brother Arellano]

I find these articles to be eye opening. These forces are temporarilly allowed by God aren't they? 

To see what is happening from the Schools to every other organized facit of Government runned places in a lot of these places..Not only is God's name removed. But now people say you can't have a bible at school.. Now even prayers are not allowed.. Its just further proof of Satan wanting people to stay blocked from Jehovah,, He is getting people from all sorts of places to shut down by  whatever means. 

 

I can see your logic. But, I have always seen issues like this as political issues that draw our attention away from the things we should be concentrating on. Should I spend my time thinking about my future and successfully serving Jehovah or a current and temporary political issue. We should do all things to bring glory to God. And I have just never seen how spending time on something like this can bring glory to Jehovah. I am not saying that I do not get curious or even feel intrigued to wonder about things like this, it only reinforces the fact that we can can become easily distracted and shows the importance of staying focused and keeping our eyes on the prize. I really enjoyed the August 15 Watchtower, it reinforces the fact that we need to keep in expectation. And that we need to focus on spiritual pursuits. If you haven't gotten around to reading that issue yet, I recommend it. it is very uplifting.

[Trina]

Well interesting point of view brother Steven but we have been told by Jesus to look for the signs of the conclusion of this system of things and he gave us several particular signs to watch for so if we are not following current events that day will catch us off guard just like the world. Also we know that for the ministry how can we be affective if we don't keep up with these things, what If we find a person who is military or ex- military and we can open the subject up to them and show them from the scriptures where this is coming from? It doesn't detract from your focus, if you use it to your advantage to further your spirituality in the truth with it.

Just remember that the military has Chaplin's and in the past probably a couple years ago they would call priests and such to pray over the troops before going into battle so this just shows that we are even further along in the turning against BTG right now with this type of action or decision by the government's...we are systematically seeing the fall of BTG and soon we will be in the GT because of these progressive steps...it strengthens you when you think of it this way.

[Luezette]

Excellent Steven...just EXCELLENT!

While we do need to know what's going on to enable us to talk intelligently to the people as to what concerns them in order to have common ground (like Paul), giving too much attention to these things can be distracting. Of course each of us has to define for ourselves what is "too much attention to these things."

Personally, for me knowing just the headlines is enough. Of course if it's in my neighborhood or an area I know of I might want to know more. Knowing who the President, Governor, Mayor is, to me, very important. For example, here in the United States the president is President Obama. Now can you imagine the householder complaining about his policies, etc, and you come up with a different name such as a past president? Some friends may feel that mentioning his name equals taking sides and that's ok if their concience dictates that but I don't. As long as we're respectful, towards his position I see no problem (Rom. 13: 1-7). To me, it will show the people that we're aware of and in tune with current events.

But you're right for regardless of how we handle the sorrowful world's events, we must not be distracted.

[Brother Arellano]

Yes, Jesus gave us signs to watch for. But, I recognized those signs many many years ago. I know we are in the conclusion of this system of things. I am confident enough in what I already know that I do not feel the need to look for more signs. Also we want to be careful not to see signs where there may not be any. Like the Watchtower says the signs will not be so obvious that the world will recognize them and is instead a multifaceted sign that true Christians would recognize.  And yes i agree that current events can help us in our ministry, but they should not become our focus. After all the greatest tool we have in our ministry is our bible. We want to be careful that our message does not become muddled. So to clarify my point, I am not saying we should just stick our heads in the sand and wait for the new system to come, but that we need to be cautious of where we place our focus.

[Luezette]

Just wanted to add.

One day, during a Bethel tour, we stopped by the library. Nooo, we weren't allowed to actually stay and research but you should have seen the information stacked!!! I'm not referring to just biblical information either! I'm talking about secular information! Mind blowing! Newspapers, enclopedias, National Geographic, and et cetera! Unbelievable!

Yes, Jehovah wants us to be very well informed. I can hear now, perhaps, some say that since the slave and others have such information at their fingertips and the slave liberally quotes from such sources in our publications, then why go out and read them? Good question. And I can only answer for myself: simply because I want to. Yes, Eccl does says something about books is/are/can be wearisome. And that's where discretion comes in. Each of us has to decide where to draw the line. Mine will be once my hours are done, lolo, lol, lol,

[Stavro]

The primary sign we are looking for at this point in time is an attack on the institution of false religion, led by the United Nations and/or UN member nations.

 

Somehow, I feel that a Strongly Worded Letter™ from a relatively insignificant social club to complain about one individual with zero power within false religion falls a little short of that mark.

[John]

Yes times are changing. We are getting very near the end. I've read news about US military purging out "christians" from the military a few years.

That can be explained with Illuminati taking more and more control of governments. The Illuminati worships Lucifer as they prefer to call Satan. And every where they discretely put the number 666, because they love what our true God Jehovah condemns.

So first they have to take away all persons in high positions that are positive to Jesus. And then they can start the attempt to efface what ever kind of faith in Jesus.

The final days before Armageddon will put us on the test.

And I saw thrones, and those who sat on them were given authority to judge. Yes, I saw the souls* of those executed* for the witness they gave about Jesus and for speaking about God, and those who had not worshipped the wild beast or its image and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand.+ And they came to life and ruled as kings with the Christ+ for 1,000 years. Revelation20:4

[carlos]

Yes times are changing. We are getting very near the end. I've read news about US military purging out "christians" from the military a few years.

That can be explained with Illuminati taking more and more control of governments. The Illuminati worships Lucifer as they prefer to call Satan. And every where they discretely put the number 666, because they love what our true God Jehovah condemns.

 

Jan, reading alternative news sources is doing you no good.

[CHecker]

I read the comments about how we need to stay away from political debating- you bet. But this isn't about debates, it's about how the MRFF sets standards regarding personal liberties in regards to religious freedom and enforces those freedoms. HOWEVER in these charges the MRFF is actually taking away the rights it says it enforces. And since this is a NATIONAL Day of Prayer why would the General be so criticized when he spoke about prayer, it's his religious right on a specific Day made for it. This has nothing to do with politics, IMO, as much as it has to do with the denouncing of freedom of religion, strangely enough from those supposedly paid to uphold such freedoms.

This is who the MRFF is, I had to look them up because I didn't know.

 

http://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/about/our-mission/

 

No member of the military may be compelled to curtail – except in the most limited of military circumstances and when it directly impacts military discipline, morale and the successful completion of a specific military goal – the free exercise of their religious practices or beliefs.

It is the responsibility of the military hierarchy to ensure that the free exercise of religious freedoms of all enlisted personnel are respected and served.

All military personnel have the right to employ appropriate judicial means to protect their religious rights.

 

I hope I expressed myself ok. This sort of stuff generally slips right by me, but this one, because it's so dumb actually caught my attention.

Edited May 25, 2015 by bagwell1987

[Brother Arellano]

I read the comments about how we need to stay away from political debating- you bet. But this isn't about debates, it's about how the MRFF sets standards regarding personal liberties in regards to religious freedom and enforces those freedoms. HOWEVER in these charges the MRFF is actually taking away the rights it says it enforces. And since this is a NATIONAL Day of Prayer why would the General be so criticized when he spoke about prayer, it's his religious right on a specific Day made for it. This has nothing to do with politics, IMO, as much as it has to do with the denouncing of freedom of religion, strangely enough from those supposedly paid to uphold such freedoms.

This is who the MRFF is, I had to look them up because I didn't know.

 

http://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/about/our-mission/

 

No member of the military may be compelled to curtail – except in the most limited of military circumstances and when it directly impacts military discipline, morale and the successful completion of a specific military goal – the free exercise of their religious practices or beliefs.

It is the responsibility of the military hierarchy to ensure that the free exercise of religious freedoms of all enlisted personnel are respected and served.

All military personnel have the right to employ appropriate judicial means to protect their religious rights.

 

I hope I expressed myself ok. This sort of stuff generally slips right by me, but this one, because it's so dumb actually caught my attention.

 

What I am reading here is that you oppose this organizations current stance? And that is where the line gets fuzzy, because anytime you take a position or criticize an organizations political stance you are not remaining neutral. Especially when it comes to an issue that does not affect us as true Christians. It's too easy to start with casual observations to becoming an advocate for a political stance. It is hard not to take a political position especially when we do see so much injustice in this world. But, these injustices are temporary.  When it comes to the laws and policies of earthly government there is only one thing we need to be concerned about. And that is following the laws of the land so long as it does not does not conflict with those laws that Jehovah has given us. 

 

 

--- Afterthought edit ---

I see so many of my Brothers and Sisters focus on the current state of the world. And the current state of the world can seem scary or depressing. But where we need our minds and our hearts to be is in the future. I know I use the word temporary, a lot. But, only because that is how I see this system of things. It's like waiting for your oil to be changed, the waiting room is noisy and smells bad and usually there is something awful on the television, but it's temporary so we find something to pass the time that makes us happy knowing it will be over soon. And so since I love my Brothers and Sisters so much I want to remind you that these things are temporary. Focus on the finish line and do not let this wicked system drag you in or distract you from what you need to be doing, what you need to be focusing on. Encourage each other with fine works and take pleasure in serving Jehovah until that time when these awful things will be nothing more than a fading memory.

Edited May 25, 2015 by Brother Arellano

[Trina]

Well please let me clarify for you the reason that I even posted this news...because it is another evidence that even our supposedly "free" United States is gradually turning their attitude against freedom of religion under the guise of protecting religious freedom...these things are evidence that even though things are seemingly easy for those living in this area of the world compared to other areas that things are changing in the direction of fulfilling bible prophecy by turning against Babylon the great. This same military trains other militaries around the world and they are teaching them the same, then when the time comes they will also upon demand of the UN come against us as well...

Please don't think this has to do with agreement or disagreement with their decisions because that is not the idea here.

Jesus told us to keep on the watch so we are not surprised and that is what this is for I hope this helps you understand more about posting current events.

I'm sure when the time comes and this military starts to turn against us they will not want us to pray either so prepare yourself now to take your stand.

[CHecker]

Saying I'm taking a stand for anything on this subject is not what I'd hoped to convey. My thought was that a human being in a particular job that has rights set up to protect his personal liberties is being threatened with prison for using those liberties on a day specified for the exact thing he did. The fact he's military is of no consequence to me. The fact he was supposedly free to do as he did only to face very bitter persecution from the very ones set up to protect him was what piqued my interest.

I'm not  gonna comment anymore because confrontation isn't my strong suit. No Steven, I'm not feeling bashed in, I just avoid back and forth words when perhaps it's only a misunderstanding of words.  

[CHecker]

Yes, Trina, Thank-you. You said what I could not. 

[Brother Arellano]

Saying I'm taking a stand for anything on this subject is not what I'd hoped to convey. My thought was that a human being in a particular job that has rights set up to protect his personal liberties is being threatened with prison for using those liberties on a day specified for the exact thing he did. The fact he's military is of no consequence to me. The fact he was supposedly free to do as he did only to face very bitter persecution from the very ones set up to protect him was what piqued my interest.

I'm not  gonna comment anymore because confrontation isn't my strong suit. No Steven, I'm not feeling bashed in, I just avoid back and forth words when perhaps it's only a misunderstanding of words.  

 

I apologize if you felt I was being confrontational. I am not. you just used a lot of political buzz words and sentiments in one post and I am sorry that I took them in the wrong connotation. My goal was not to bash anyone in. It was just to share my viewpoint on the subject. And I hope you did not feel I was attacking you in any way because that was not my intention.

[Stavro]

Well please let me clarify for you the reason that I even posted this news...because it is another evidence that even our supposedly "free" United States is gradually turning their attitude against freedom of religion under the guise of protecting religious freedom.

 

Except in this case the statement doesn't come from any government or major organization, it comes from a small anti-religion club that has zero influence on public policy and rarely even has enough influence to make the news.

 

It's clear that attitudes are changing, but we can clearly see that change through actual policy decisions made by those in charge. Is there really any need to take sides in a debate that largely amounts to "atheist living in his mother's basement sends an angry letter to christian military commander"?

[Luezette]

Oh goodness. Is it possible that this topic can be laid to rest? For it's so obvious isn't it that we're made in Jehovah's image with the quality of justice? Otherwise why the back and forth? We so much want the new world, yes, yet Satan can twist that desire around with this topic and make us (or at least try), fight amongst ourselves over this topic. Then, before we know it...we're taking sides. What a no-way-he'll-change-evil-but-clever-rascal-he-is!

[CHecker]

Giggle, I don't even know WHAT a political buzzword is Steven!! Truly!   Like I said, this sort of thing generally goes right over my head. 

[Trina]

I just love all you brothers and sisters!!! Everyone has very good points and I know everyone that has made comments made them in an innocent way and did not try to take sides one way or the other. Like sister Luzette said, we ALL just want to see the new system here as soon as possible. Much love!!!