As veteran and a West Point grad, I thought I would throw in my two cents about the Air Force Academy’s decision to make the phrase “so help me God” optional in its honor code. The current version reads,
We will not lie, steal or cheat nor tolerate among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and live honorably, so help me God.
The Air Force Academy modeled their honor code after the one at West Point. I attended West Point from 1964 to graduation in 1968. During that time, attendance at church was mandatory. It was justified as religious
instruction. Later, after being challenged, West Point eliminated mandatory church attendance.
I am a firm believer in freedom of religion and separation of church and state. I do believe that no religion is free unless all are free and that includes atheistism (click to tweet). Therefore, I am in favor of removing the word God from all government oaths, especially military.
Christians should agree if they believe Matthew 5:34 (King James Version) where it says, “Swear not at all,” Of course, like most things in the Bible, it contradicts other readings such as 2 Corinthians 1:23 and Galatians 1:20 where oaths are looked upon more favorably. Few Christians interpret this verse literally. The Quakers and Mennonites reject all oaths. Having said that a cadet will not lie,
cheat or steal and “to do my duty and live honorably,” the “so help me God” part is superfluous. Keep in mind that my opinion is worth just two cents.
If you have followed up on the internet ads to learn Spanish in 10 days, the NSA may offer you a job. It seems the NSA has been spying on the Spanish. Now, aren't you sorry that you didn't pay attention in high school Spanish?
We will not lie, steal or cheat nor tolerate among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and live honorably, so help me God.
The Air Force Academy modeled their honor code after the one at West Point. I attended West Point from 1964 to graduation in 1968. During that time, attendance at church was mandatory. It was justified as religious
instruction. Later, after being challenged, West Point eliminated mandatory church attendance.
I am a firm believer in freedom of religion and separation of church and state. I do believe that no religion is free unless all are free and that includes atheistism (click to tweet). Therefore, I am in favor of removing the word God from all government oaths, especially military.
Christians should agree if they believe Matthew 5:34 (King James Version) where it says, “Swear not at all,” Of course, like most things in the Bible, it contradicts other readings such as 2 Corinthians 1:23 and Galatians 1:20 where oaths are looked upon more favorably. Few Christians interpret this verse literally. The Quakers and Mennonites reject all oaths. Having said that a cadet will not lie,
cheat or steal and “to do my duty and live honorably,” the “so help me God” part is superfluous. Keep in mind that my opinion is worth just two cents.
If you have followed up on the internet ads to learn Spanish in 10 days, the NSA may offer you a job. It seems the NSA has been spying on the Spanish. Now, aren't you sorry that you didn't pay attention in high school Spanish?
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