Posted on 06/20/2005 3:32:30 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - A Republican congressman accused Democrats on Monday of "denigrating and demonizing Christians" by concluding there was religious intolerance at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
During debate on a proposal by Democrats that would put Congress on record against "coercive and abusive religious proselytizing" at the academy, Rep. John Hostettler (news, bio, voting record), R-Ind., criticized Reps. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., and David Obey, D-Wis.
"Like a moth to a flame, Democrats can't help themselves when it comes to denigrating and demonizing Christians," Hostettler said.
Democrats leapt to their feet and demanded Hostettler be censured for his remarks. After a half-hour's worth of wrangling, Hostettler retracted his comments.
The imbroglio broke out as the House conducted an otherwise sleepy debate on a spending bill to fund the Pentagon and provide an additional $45.3 billion for the war in Iraq.
At issue is how Congress should respond to allegations of proselytizing and favoritism for Christians at the Air Force Academy.
Obey had succeeded during committee debate in attaching a provision condemning Air Force Academy officers for creating a climate where non-Christians were discriminated against.
The Air Force is investigating numerous allegations of inappropriate actions by academy officials, including a professor who required cadets to pray before taking his test and a Protestant chaplain who warned anyone not proselytizing would "burn in the fires of hell."
Obey said a senior chaplain at the academy was transferred to Japan after criticizing what she saw as proselytizing.
Republicans offered softer language requiring an Air Force report to Congress on the steps it was taking to promote religious tolerance. They said they did not want to jump to conclusions before the investigation was complete.
Democrats criticized Hostettler's remarks, which began, "The long war on Christianity in America continues today on the floor of the United States House of Representatives."
Obey said Hostettler's "outburst ... is perhaps the perfect example of why we need to pass the language in my amendment."
Hostettler, a Christian and social conservative, made headlines last year when he was caught carrying a loaded handgun in a carry-on bag in the Louisville, Ky., airport. He pleaded guilty to carrying a concealed weapon and received a 60-day sentence, which he will not have to serve unless he has other criminal troubles before August 2006.
Also don't leave the few DINOs on the hook either...
The current Canadian government (a Liberal-NDP coalition) also despises Christians as well and continues to demonize them...
The reason for liberals' opposition to all things Christian is that liberalism and Christianity are two belief systems in complete opposition. Liberals try to appropriate Christianity - for their enviromental nonsense, for their welfare state - but it still doesn't work. At least not with anyone with any significant knowledge of the Bible and its teaching.
Is that really what happened? Post a link for us, if you would.
Many more possibilities there. Three's better.
People in official positions should not use official statements to proslytize. What they do on their own time is their own business. No establishment, and free exercise, as the Constitution says. Individuals who have done something improper should be disciplined. That's that. It shouldn't be made into a "evil evangelical Christians are imposing their religion on others," which has been the basic tone of the commentary on this incident. I have a feeling that any "solution" to the "problem" at the academy is going to go too far and infringe on the First Amendment rights of Christians to free exercise.
The more the 'Rats behave this way, the more they lose elections. So if they want to bash people of faith, let 'em! Just more votes for conservative candidates.
"I have only two words for the dims and the second is you."
Can I buy an F?
You see Kay Demms. She's got 'em.
The incidents were on the news approximately three weeks ago. It was admitted by the head of the AFA that these incidents did take place. Most notable was the one involving the young man of the Jewish faith.
It doesn't make a bit of difference to me. Religious tolerance is a plank that this country was founded on and No One is going to tell me I have to worship or believe their way.
My faith is my own and my GOD's and it is no one's business but his and mine.
Yes, we have Freedom of Speech but that still doesn't give you or anyone else the right to tell someone they are going to Hades if they aren't born again or believe a certain way. If that is what you/they believe, fine, but don't push your version of it on me or anyone else.
Freedom to Worship in any manner is a part of the reason that so many people came to the New World - read your history. Look at the first groups that came. They came so that they could Worship in a manner that was comfortable to them - not someone else.
Another Republican gets circumsized.
I should have said "between GOD and myself".
Excuse me? I'm not telling you that you can't worship your way. As a matter of fact, everyone should worship in the way that they are most comfortable with, whether it be in a closet or outdoors or in a building. What I am saying is this, "do not force someone else to believe the way that you do".
There is a trend now for people to only hire persons who are "born again" Christians and they must participate in Prayer services in the workplace. That's discrimination when you won't hire a person because they don't believe the way that you do.
And as to my personal preferences, I was reared an Episcopalian - High Church. My Church is in crisis right now and I am being forced to deal with issues that I don't believe in. The Bible says one thing and the Church up North is doing something else.
Don't assume that I am a pagan because I am not a (southernism here) a Holy Roller. I respect your right to worship in the fashion that you are most comfortable with. I also respect others who might have different beliefs than mine.
Religious tolerance is one of the foundations this country was founded upon.
Oh good grief. Grow up.
Actually, their policies would force you to fish for the starving man, take some of your fish and give to the starving guy, take a couple for themselves as a commission, and join the starving guy (now cooking your fish) in the hammock.
The only reason I ever bring that up is because many of us, myself included, get caught up in man-centered ways of viewing things rather than a God-centered perspective. Its only by the grace of God that any of us has a relationship with him. We are powerless to contact or reach God. Its the other way around. God owns everything including this relationship.
I have not heard about this. I would have to see citations. I have only heard about Catholic hospitals being sued for refusing to perform abortions in their hospitals or hire Muslims to work in their churches.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.