The New Face of Terrorism

Our country once valued the free exercise of religion. In fact, the very first amendment to the Constitution states:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...

Sadly, these are just words on paper when it comes to the military. Not because those serving in the armed services want to remain quiet when it comes to living and confessing their faith. Not because military chaplains desire to stop bringing the comfort of Christ crucified to those whom they serve. But because the present administration and the elites in charge are targeting Christians as “domestic terrorists.”

The act of proselytizing (speaking about one’s own faith to others) is now being compared with “spiritual rape” and could lead to a court martial. Mikey Weinstein—an atheist and anti-Christian extremist—is the driving force behind this.  He calls such acts “horrible, horrendous, dehumanizing behavior” and a “national secutity threat.” He labels those who proselytize as “enemies of the Constitution” and guilty of “treason.” Pentagon officials are meeting with Weinstein as it crafts and implements new procedures.

Ken Klukowski writes about this here and here. Todd Starnes here.

Behold, the new face of terrorism in America...

I pray our brothers and sisters in Christ who serve in uniform will be strengthened to bear the cross as this persecution for confessing His name begins. “Come, Lord Jesus!” [Revelation 22:20]

O Creator of the universe, You did not form Adam from the dust of the world so that his children would spill their brothers’ blood in that dust. With Adam’s sin came death, destruction, and war. Yet You did not turn from Your fallen creation but embraced it in the flesh of Your incarnate Son, winning our peace with You through His death and resurrection. Still, humanity rebels, and evil flourishes with wars and rumors of war. Young men and women today protect our nation in the profession of arms, even now serving in places of danger, to shield us from the manifested evil of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and other wicked instruments of Satan’s hatred. I pray, dear Lord of peace, that You would protect those who wear the uniform of my country and serve with courage, honor, and commitment. Comfort and strengthen our sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen, and coast guardsmen. Be with their loved ones who must wait at home while they go to far and distant lands, answering the call of duty. Bless the faithful ministry of chaplains who go with them to proclaim Your Gospel and administer Your Sacraments on ships and in foxholes. Guide the leaders of this world that they may seek to walk in peace so that the skills of warriors may not be used except to deter those who would seek to harm us. I ask this in the name of the Prince of Peace, the only Savior of the world, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Lutheran Book of Prayer: For Our Armed Forces