Bible Removed

Bible removed from military memorial by Dr. Jim Denison

Heroism takes many forms. Four firefighters died last month while battling wildfires in California. At least fifty-four American law enforcement officers have died while on duty this year. The courage of those who risk their lives to protect ours should never be forgotten.

It especially takes courage to do what our culture rejects.

A Bible has been removed from the "Missing Man" table at F. E. Warren Air Force Base near Cheyenne, Wyoming. The table is a POW/MIA memorial common in military base dining halls, hospitals, and ceremonies since the Vietnam War. It is set for a meal honoring prisoners of war, the missing in action, and the fallen. A Bible is traditionally placed on the table.

However, Mikey Weinstein, founder and president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, claimed that the Bible violates the civil rights of military personnel. He approached the base commander, who agreed to remove it. A "book of faith" is being developed that will feature teachings from various religious traditions as well as blank pages representing nonbelief.

The Family Research Council is asking via petition that the Bible be restored.

I understand the argument that a military base should not favor one religion over another. At the same time, I wonder how far we should victimize a majority group in order to protect a minority interest. If one atheist is offended by crosses at American military cemeteries in Europe, should they be removed?

My larger point is this: in a secular culture, when religion and secularism are in conflict, we should not be surprised when secularism wins.