Whoop-dee Stinkin’ Doo

The chaplain I mentioned recently who has been battling the great “persecution” of being told he couldn’t say the name of Jesus in his prayer has ended his 18-day fast/hunger strike. The chaplain has declared a victory despite the fact that everything is pretty much the same as it was before his strike.

When Lt. Gordon James Klingenschmitt failed in getting an executive order allowing chaplains to pray however they wanted in any type of function, he decided to change his ultimatum. He said that if he would be allowed to pray in Jesus’ name in uniform in front of the White House, he would end his fast. Permission was granted, so long as his big show didn’t extend beyond “a bona-fide religious service or observance.”

This is consistent with what I’ve already said; a military chaplain is free to conduct services and pray in a manner consistent with his faith practice in a religious ceremony. In a public function such as a change-of-command ceremony, the chaplains are expected to use inclusive language in their prayers, since they are serving people of all faiths in that function. I wouldn’t want a Muslim chaplain praying a prayer in Arabic during my installation as commander, nor would I want a Pentecostal slapping me on the head while yelling in tongues. It’s common sense that in these circumstances, a little common courtesy would have a stronger witness than bullheadedness. Hey – be happy that they’re letting chaplains pray at all!

Sadly, the Voice of the Martyrs has picked this story up as an example of persecution in the United States. I see it as a sad story which, trust me, will not improve his testimony when he returns back to the unit he serves.