Changes and Hope

Published On: April 20, 2010|Categories: MRFF's Inbox|0 Comments|

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Dear Military Religious Freedom Foundation:

I love my country, and wish our political leaders would get back to the basics of the constitution (LESS government, and MORE freedoms).  I think your organization is misguided in desiring to remove religion, and more importantly, God, from America.  We are known as “One nation under God…” (pledge of allegiance), and even our monetary system (coins, currency) depict the words “In God we trust”.  I have no doubt there is a God, and I am of the opinion that the founders of this nation truly sought out his guidance in establishing this country, and the constitution.  Don’t fight, or give up on God. God brings hope.   I’ll pray for you.  – (name withheld)

Dear (name withheld):
Thank you for your message to MRFF and your prayers.  My name is Rick Baker and I’m a regional coordinator for MRFF living in Colorado Springs. Your E-Mail has been forwarded  to me for review.

Let me say that we, too, love our country and have no desire to remove God or religion from  America. In addition many of us at MRFF are military veterans who have taken a solemn oath to protect and support the US Constitution, which we consider the quintessential document of freedom ever written.

Our goal at MRFF is to address coercive and command centered Christian proselytizing in our armed forces and service academies, which has reached alarming levels.  The religious movement known as “Dominion Christianity” is very active in this evangelism and is in violation of many constitutional provisions.

So it is our hope to deter overt and illegal religious activities in compliance with our constitution. Irrespective of our personal beliefs, we must remember that not all Americans subscribe to religion. Many subscribe to various other beliefs and many subscribe to a more moderate  form of Christianity than is currently expressed by religious leaders, including Mr. Graham. These are also citizens and deserve the protections the constitution affords. It is important to know that the “under God” clause in the Pledge, and the “In God We Trust” legend on our currency bear no  legal powers. These are not laws, but rather expressions of faith that a majority holds.  As long as these words do not require action or compliance on the part of all citizens, they remain a harmless expression of majority belief. No one is required to believe in God in order to spend money or demonstrate allegiance to America. We have no desire to give up on God. We must, I’m afraid, give up on the bastardization of Christianity now being foisted on  our young military  men and women. We are also charged with an even greater responsibility; to monitor  and report constitutional violations of religious freedom that may be intended or inadvertent.  Such is the case with Mr. Grahams appearance at the Pentagon which definitely shows a US Government preference for a specific religion and allows the denigration of another. Our efforts have been successful  in strengthening plurality in our armed forces and providing a much wider base of access to  personal religious freedom.  But we have a long hard road ahead because there still exists an un-American Christian movement  which ignores civil law and counts heavily on the virtual immunity religion, Christianity in specific, has enjoyed for centuries in America. Rest assured we will exert whatever effort necessary to guarantee that our young military personnel  and any other American who has fallen under the aegis of Dominionism, get the advocacy and assistance required to neutralize Christian hegemony.
Your help in this endeavor would be greatly appreciated. You may visit our web site at militaryreligiousfreedom.org for more information.
Again, thanks for your concern.

Mr. Baker:
Thank you for your reply.  It gives me a little better idea on where you’re coming from.  May I ask you one other question?  That question would be:     Who is Jesus to you?     If you care to respond, I would appreciate reading it.  Thank you.

Hi
Thanks for your response.  I think your question should be answered this way.

What Jesus means to MRFF as an organization, is that He is the primary religious figure in Christianity who deserves the respect that a revered religious icon has earned for his role in establishing and perpetuating the Christian belief system.  His life, death and ascension to God hood is a doctrine of the Christian faith and is also respected by MRFF.  At no time does Jesus come under criticism or  heretical description. However, MRFF has criticized those who practice Christianity in the extreme.

Personally, I believe that irrespective of Jesus Christ’s divinity,  the sum and substance of  His life philosophies were and remain a vital part of religion and sustain many believers in the gentle and  careful treatment of all human beings.

His words and deeds stand as an example that can be followed by anyone. of any belief system for they are positive and apply to all. As to his role in the grand scheme of things as set forth in the New Testament,  I am still trying to get through the old Testament. LOL.

Let it be said that Jesus is not a point of contention for MRFF but has been used rather badly by some Christian sects and organizations, whom I believe have falsely represented Him.
Stay Well,
Rick Baker