Soldiers from Fort Wainwright in Alaska have told Fox News that they have been ordered to remove a Bible verse from some rifle scopes.  According to an article by Fox News’ Todd Starnes, the Biblical verse is John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Though the verse itself does not appear the inscription JN8:12 appears at the end of the serial number.  The scopes were manufactured for the U S military by Trijicon, a Michigan-based manufacturer of scopes and sighting devices for military, law enforcement and civilian use.

The company’s website states on its mission page

We believe that America is great when its people are good. This goodness has been based on biblical standards throughout our history and we will strive to follow those morals.

According to a Wikipedia article:

On January 18, 2010, ABC News reported that Trijicon was placing references to Biblical verses in the nomenclature numbers on the side of the sights sold to the United States military....

Trijicon subsequently ceased the practice and provided clients with kits to remove the Bible verse numbers from existing scopes.

The company began the practice over 30 years ago at the direction of founder Glyn Bindon, a devout Christian.  The controversy began after the ABC News story was broadcast.  Several religious and secular organizations, such as Mickey Weinstein’s Military Religious Freedom Foundation, which launched the ABC News piece and has spoken out against Christian fundamentalists in the nation’s military ranks.

With all of the hardships and challenges our military faces today, from the war in Afghanistan to painful budget cuts, one must ask, just who are our nations (and our military’s) leaders fighting?  Could this move be rooted solely in political correctness?  Is it rooted in some ridiculous fear of offending someone or some group?

What’s your opinion?  Vote and be sure to leave us your comments on this topic as well!

 

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