Anti-Christian Bigotry

Dear Mikey,

In regards to the bigoted comments against Christians. God has a word for you. He states in His Word-the Bible that those who reject Biblical truth are “professing to be wise, but become fools.” I strongly urge those at your organization to get right with God by Biblically believing In Jesus Christ before it is too late. If you don’t, one second after you die you will wish you had done so.

Thank you,
(name withheld)

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Dear (name withheld),

As a Christian (Episcopalian in fact) supporter of MRFF, I truly enjoy your efforts to proselytize your faith to everyone here at MRFF. In this private exchange of emails it is both appropriate and appreciated. I have the freedom (as do you) to demonstrably agree with your message, disagree with your message or totally ignore with no chance of repercussions. If on the other hand your proselytized message was being delivered to me in a government controlled situation where your official capacity was superior and mine subordinate, your message becomes immediately oppressive due to the loss of my freedoms as listed above.

Let me use the words of another in further explanation:
No one will be prosecuted simply for sharing one’s faith in the military. Sharing your faith – in a non-official context – is fine. What’s wrong is when it is in a mandatory, official, or any other context in which the power dynamic between the individuals is out of balance (e.g., a commander recommending church attendance to subordinates).

The language employed by Mikey in his writings is a forceful calling out of Christian Dominionists intent on using the military as their personal playground for proselytizing to an audience controlled by the UCMJ and Lawful Orders from their commanders. Your perception of bigotry is based on Mikey and MRFF’s conscious choice to use some of the same language Christian Dominionst consistently deploy against many who happen to disagree with either their proselytized message or their perceived non-existent right to spread it in a strictly government controlled setting. Mikey’s abandonment of ‘milk toast’ demands or responses regarding the actions of Dominionists evolved from a combination of institutional stonewalling in the DoD and increasingly vicious, strident, and almost daily death threats against Mikey and his family from our fellow self-proclaimed Christians. Should fundamentalist of other religious faiths engage in the same type of activity, and using similar language, within the U.S. Military, MRFF’s response will be exactly the same.

Finally, you should also be aware that MRFF fully supports the military chaplaincy role in its passive (i.e. without proselytization) ministrations to the religious needs of all U.S. Service Members.

Peace be with you,
Andy Kasehagen

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Andy,

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

Christianity can not be forced on anyone. No one should threaten anyone with death threats. However, Christians are called to proclaim the Good News. I obviously have no direct knowledge of what MRFF is claiming. But I believe most of those coming out against what they are trying to do are not part of those who believe in Dominion theology. They believe that the impact of what MRFF is trying to do will go far beyond simply preventing someone from forcing their beliefs on others.

Take care,

(name withheld)

Dear (name withheld),

Your statement that Christianity cannot be forced on anyone followed by the claim that Christians are called to proclaim the Good News is the hypocritical crux of the matter regarding proselytization in any environment that is less than totally free or engenders any superior/subordinate context. If you have ever voted, I’m sure you’re aware that campaigning within close proximity of polling places is prohibited (another restriction on a 1stamendment right). Time, place, and manner restrictions on our 1st amendment rights, including religion, exist for a reason. These restriction are very often due to competing claims of individual rights.

Equating MRFF’s support of time/place/manner restrictions regarding proselytizing within the military with a hatred for Christianity, as so many have done so vociferously, is not only disingenuous is smacks of bearing false witness against all who support MRFF in its efforts.

Andy