Thursday, April 17, 2003
Unease
I have been noticing something. There is more reference to praying in the national media. There are more Fundamentalist Christians in public life talking about their religious tenets in such a way that takes it for granted their views are shared by the audience. I took a trip recently down half the length of CA on Hwy 99 and counted 6 major, new fundamentalist installations right along the freeway; each including a very large church, a school, and other community-type facilities. Very expensive. I am hearing vitriolic discussions in favor of the use of the phrase “under God” in the pledge of allegiance to the flag, and in the use of the phrase “God Bless America” as the sole appropriate expression of patriotic feeling.Is this indicative of a upsurge of Fundamentalist Christianity in America? I must admit I am somewhat sheltered here in my rural enclave. And I guess I don’t get out enough. But I am starting to feel a little nervous.
My unsettledness stems from what I perceive, and correct me if I am wrong – please, to be the underlying commonality in all fundamentalist religions: “If you ain’t one of us, you are bad/wrong/shouldn’t exist, and will go to hell.” Yep. Definite feelings of gooseyness ensue. See below for more discomfiting developments:
CAMP BUSHMASTER, Iraq - In this dry desert world near Najaf, where the Army V Corps combat support system sprawls across miles of scabrous dust, there's an oasis of sorts: a 500-gallon pool of pristine, cool water.It belongs to Army chaplain Josh Llano of Houston, who sees the water shortage, which has kept thousands of filthy soldiers from bathing for weeks, as an opportunity.
''It's simple. They want water. I have it, as long as they agree to get baptized,'' he said.
Ok. I read this, want to run in circles scream and shout ‘til I scare the chickens; but, I wait. Fog of war and all – this cannot be correct.
Army Chief of Chaplains Gaylord Gunhus said he believes Llano was simply joking with soldiers of the V Corps combat support system at Camp Bushmaster near Najaf.
“Joking” btw, isn’t that what abusers and bullies generally say when challenged? “I was only teasing. Can’t you take a joke? You’re too sensitive.”
Baptist Press reports: "I don't think the story suggested coercion," he said. "That's just how some people want to read it."
I’m too sensitive.
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