Did you know that God spoke specifically about the repeal of DADT in the Bible? You may know of Luther's "Great Exchange," but have you heard of what I call "Lust's Great Exchange". The repeal of DADT will occur because our thinking has become futile, and we have exchanged the glory of God and the truth of God for a lie, while not thinking it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God. As a nation we have departed from the Word of God, neglecting to hold fast to the Truth that guides our moral actions. And so this is revealed in the military as we are a reflection of the civil population from which we are derived and for which we represent. So, why are we so surprised - this is the natural result of a society that has turned from God and His Word. Read what Paul wrote:20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
26Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
28Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. (Rom. 1:20-32)
Ask yourself this, "At what expense?" That's what people have to consider. Sure it's great to say you're for it but at what cost? The Navy is NOT ready to do this yet the JCS and SECDEF have already said that they are in favor of repealing DADT. Problem is that NO ONE in the Navy (with the exception of the people that have to implement this policy) is thinking about the ramifications. It's a problem with most of the decisions being made in the Navy. These decisions are made by people sitting behind a desk without ANY regard or consideration for those who are tasked with implementing it and who have to live with it. The Navy's recent decision to authorize women to serve aboard submarines is one example. I call it 'dysfunctional-beltway' leadership. Leadership that is disconnected from the deckplate Navy. Ever since I have been in the Navy I have observed that, unfortunately, we have two Navy's, one operating in a vacuum in Washington and the other, operating in a world of perpetual administrative chaos, is in the Fleet. I am sure that many out there would agree with me on this.
ReplyDeleteBernard Burawski, Chief Yeoman, USN (Ret.)
As a current resident of the Army's Staff College, at Fort Leavenworth, the topic of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy has come up on several occasions. Some military leaders have expressed that the President can change the law (Passed by Congress) by Executive Order. Even some instructors here have stated this. I have no doubt that the President can adjust or amend UCMJ and policy but I do think he can ignore the Law itself as it is a function and product of the Legislative Branch not the Executive Branch. Not really my point but it is an Issue for legal folks to work out :) What I believe as the acceptance of sin as a social norm in our society did not begin in our military, as it is a by-product of our “modern culture” and fallen away as a Nation from the will and word of God. Just turn on the television and see what Hollywood is pushing out in its shows and advertisements. “Christians have become the oppressors and the non-enlightened in the eyes of many.” I do believe that every individual has freedom of choice and self expression but God has commanded us to tell others about him and live according to his word with the help of the Holy Spirit. We all sin and fall short but we should not live a sinful lifestyle ourselves or applaud those who do. This leads me back to the DADT issue. If an individual wishes to serve who is gay I do not feel I have the right to say "no" solely because it violates my beliefs and values but I should not be forced to accept that behavior as being part of my values. Is acceptance of every belief and lifestyle going to be the next thing on the DOD’s Value Card? There is a difference between illegal, immoral, and socially unacceptable behavior. An example of that is adultery. It is no longer a crime in many states because it is now viewed as a civil and social issue, yet the military still has it as a crime under UCMJ. Clearly, most would agree that is currently the right decision. We as Christian leaders should be concerned when we have to support programs or values that conflict with the word of God. Despite what any government agency or policy maker may say, we will stand before God and give an account for our actions. Every individual must decide for themselves the balance between obedience to civil authority and obedience to God’s word. I am not saying everyone has to think and believe what I do; however I should not be in fear of losing my job or promotion simply for stating my belief on an issue either way. Sometimes I feel to be anything but a “Christian” is okay. Actually, you can be a Christian just do not tell anyone and do not ask anyone else if they are and you will be fine. Kind of sounds like the current Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy! When Islamic prayers are heard on our deployed bases overseas five times a day and Christian Music outside the Church may offend so it is prohibited, I will worry. When Christian Chaplains are not praying in the name of Christ just some God out there, as they may also offend, I will worry. When putting God Bless at the end of emails or having a cross on your desk is possibly offensive and we are counseled and mentored about it, I will worry. When Christians must be silent, accept and support anti-Christian policies without objections because of political correctness, I will worry. That's when we will start to speak up for our country and ourselves right! Unfortunately, that is where I believe we are at as a military and nation. Still the Christian voice is almost silent. Is our only option to be silent or get out? We all need to ask ourselves what Christ would have us do. In truth I am not sure myself. But he teaches above all to love sinners not the sin and to be a light onto the world and yes even the military. Doing that without compromising your faith for the sake of political correctness or an evaluation is no doubt becoming harder and harder to do. God Bless and keep you.
ReplyDeletev/r
Major Donald A Korpi
US Army
Repealing DADT is a bad idea. If it is repealed, I just see a lot more problems happening. Some of the folks who hate GLBTs may get violent with, harm or even kill people who come out on the job...and there will be more folks in brigs and getting either Art 15s or courts-martial. Morale will sink.
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