The controversy at the USAF Academy has been brewing for some time. Religious Tolerance.org has a thorough timeline of events, players and accusations about overt and aggressive Evangelical religious bias at the Academy. It is a tale of 'heathen flights', overt anti-Semitism, and aggressive coercion of non-evangelical Christians and people of other faiths. Richard Cohen of the Washington Post wrote:
The problem, as Rosa described it in a meeting last week with the Anti-Defamation League, "is very insidious." He said it would take "probably six years" to solve if only because until relatively recently the academy itself did not realize that it had a problem. In other words, a culture of militant Christianity, intimidation and outright bigotry was so entrenched and so ordinary that no one, with the understandable exception of the occasional victim, noticed that anything was amiss. A "culture of militant Christianity". No wonder the USAF brass had to crack down on them. The activity there should be seen as a sneak preview- and a warning- of what life would be like under a theocratic government. The USAF was in a difficult spot, and had to act to reduce the religious bias in their ranks. Here are some excerpts from their directive:
E. SUPERVISORS, COMMANDERS, AND LEADERS AT EVERY LEVEL, BEAR A SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THEIR WORDS AND ACTIONS CANNOT REASONABLY BE CONSTRUED AS EITHER OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE DECISIONS OF INDIVIDUALS TO HOLD PARTICULAR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS OR TO HOLD NO RELIGIOUS BELIEFS. So far, so good. Note that this applies to all faiths, not just Christians. But here's the section of the directive that has the more militant evangelical Christians up in arms:
C. INDIVIDUAL SHARING OF RELIGIOUS FAITH. For people who believe that this is a "Christian Nation" to not permit the 'official expression' of sectarian beliefs is a slap in the face to them. This is why they are attempting to get legislation to prohibit this perceived discrimination. It is only for Christian chaplains- other faiths would be excluded. Congress is now asking the President to protect prayer- Christian prayer only- in the military. The militant activity in the USAF Academy should stand as an example and warning of what unfettered sectarian activity will do to an organization, and how non-believers will be treated.
Religious Bias and the Air Force | 4 comments (4 topical, 0 hidden)
Religious Bias and the Air Force | 4 comments (4 topical, 0 hidden)
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