Air Force Tries to Brush off Christian Painter

[pattyangel]

 Sorry, I misspelled the word Brush in my title.  Silly ole' me. 

 

June 04, 2013 | Air Force Tries to Brush off Christian Painter

 

When it comes to religion, the Air Force really is the picture of intolerance. Yesterday, we told you about a California-based artist who was shocked to discover that one of his prints, the fifth in an inspirational "Heroes" series, was considered too offensive for an Idaho military base. The portrait, which -- until last week -- hung in the Mountain Home Air Force Base dining hall, was first released after 9/11 in honor of the brave sacrifice of America's law enforcers. Apparently, the brief tagline, "Blessed are the Peacemakers" from Matthew 5:9 makes the piece "repugnant" and "odious" to objectors, who demanded its removal. With the word "Integrity" stenciled across the bottom, the image is an innocent portrayal of a modern-day policeman with a faint picture of a white knight behind him.

Ron DiCianni, the artist behind the portrait, says he was stunned -- first to hear the print was on the installation, and then to hear that it had been torn down. He and his son, Grant, who oversees Tapestry Productions, never dreamed that the Heroes series would be controversial. In their first public statement since the incident, Ron explains how "deeply saddened" they are by the military's censorship.

It's regrettable, he says, "to see the apparent hostility of Pentagon leadership to a message that is clearly in keeping with the foundation of this country and the Air Force -- and whose communication is clearly protected by the First Amendment." Although the DiCiannis didn't send the artwork to the base, they understand why someone would think a piece called "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" would be appropriate. "The military is an embodiment of the ultimate peacemaker, a pursuit blessed in Scripture. It would seem this is a message that the Air Force should be willing to foster, not censor."

Since Fox's Todd Starnes broke the story on Friday, Ron has repeatedly reached out to the Air Force base, in part to ensure the artwork isn't destroyed. "This act of religious censorship appears to reflect the assurances that senior Pentagon officials provided to anti-Christian crusader Mikey Weinstein during a recent meeting at the Pentagon, that they would begin [regulating] religious expression in the military." In a message to supporters, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation bragged that "the Pentagon most certainly is listening to Mikey Weinstein" -- a not-so-veiled reference to Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen's statements last month, attempting to distance officials from Weinstein.

If the Pentagon isn't taking orders from the Foundation, why did it snap to attention when Mikey called? The wing commander at Mountain Home scurried to do Weinstein's bidding, ushering out the painting "in 56 minutes" as if it were the single greatest threat to national security.

Talk about a double standard. Congress should continue to push until the DOD adopts a department-wide policy ending the attacks on Christianity and allowing service members to freely practice their faith. Join us in calling on Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ( 703-692-7100 ) to stop this cycle of religious suppression and lead the military back to America's core values.

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands...

If the President doesn't respect America's views on marriage, what makes us think he would respect other countries'? Certainly not his latest USAID project. In April, to relatively little fanfare, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) embarked on one of the most shocking abuses of taxpayer dollars in the last five years. With help from the Levi Strauss Foundation and millionaire liberal Tim Gill, the U.S. government is spending $11 million to train homosexual activists in other countries.

The Washington Blade, D.C.'s *** newspaper, praised the Obama administration for creating an army of international lobbyists for same-sex "marriage," anti-discrimination laws, and homosexual "rights" around the world. According to USAID, the first phase of the program is focused on countries with a strong Catholic influence: Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, and other developing nations that oppose homosexuality.

This week, the first in a series of USAID "*** trainings" took place in Colombia, a nation specifically targeted for its rejection of same-sex "marriage." The goal, an agency spokesman says, is to teach people how to infiltrate the political process and advocate for laws that a majority of Americans, who are paying for the program, object to. "It can be a real game-changer in the advancement of LGBT human rights," she insisted. In essence, U.S. taxpayers are being forced to groom the next generation of the world's Human Rights Campaigns -- a stunning exploitation of Americans' money, and more importantly, their trust.

For the Obama administration, this is just another part of its strong-arm strategy to bully other nations into compliance. Whether it's through the United Nations, U.S. embassies, or the State Department, President Obama is leading the effort to bribe and coerce poor countries into accepting his pro-homosexual agenda. Our friends at Family Watch International are urging people to get involved. They've released a shocking new documentary highlighting the President's dark world of "Cultural Imperialism." Click over to their website to see a five-minute clip or the full feature. Be prepared to be outraged.

Groups to Congress: Let Our Conscience Be Your Guide!

August may be a slow month for Congress, but it threatens to be a frantic one for America's religious groups. At midnighton August 1, the President's reprieve for faith-based organizations will officially be over. The ObamaCare mandate, ordering faith-based groups to cover abortion pills and contraception, will finally kick in -- forcing religious charities, hospitals, schools, and nonprofits to comply with the rules or be punished. Unless Congress acts, several charities will have to choose between ending their health care programs or closing their doors altogether. Neither option would be necessary if Congress attached the "Health Care Conscience Rights Act" (H.R. 940) to the next piece of must-pass legislation. At FRC's prompting, 63 organizations, representing millions of Americans, signed a letter to Speaker John Boehner, urging House leaders to include the language in the next high-priority bill. To read the letter, click here.

Family Research Council: 801 G Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20001
P:  202/393-2100  or  800/225-4008  W: frc.org unsubscribe

Edited June 4, 2013 by pattyangel

[Nelg]

Tough times for those who love God are here.  It is not some persecution or injustice to be faced in the future it is NOW.  The unbeliever cries out against the saints because they offended when any reminder is presented that reminds them that they are trapped in a fatalistic mind that cannot bear truth or righteousness and they find no escape!  Not one of the opponents of Christianity sues with integrity or honestly.  Doing what is right and honest are far from their intent.  Their only motive is to produce confusion in the mind of the saint, so they speak lies and run quickly to charge the Christians of believing unbelievable myths of the mind.  Even the creativity of minds that produces symbolic emblems of faith are subject to their contempt.  With such a jealous mindset they promote unbelief by evangelize harder than the Christians.  For their depraved minds only unbelief is possible for intelligent beings.   If this piece of art is under fire now, just think of the Christian art that fills our public and governmental buildings and memorial parks, none of them are safe. 

The proponents of attacks against the religious, especially the Christians and Jewish communities are appalling.  These adversaries do not know the road to true freedom, but seek and demand that everyone hold to their way of unbelief; advocates of others ways of thinking are suspect, challenged, removed, and if necessary destroyed.  Justice is not a trait of these strangers to God.  They love to sin and shutter when righteousness is presented; they deny the Lord Christ and turn away from God.  They speak with eloquence great lying words “justice” but in reality they practice and promote oppression and revolt against freedom. 

It is not surprising that this is happening.  The climate is right for hatred against anyone that stands for righteousness and God.  It has been fermenting in our society for years and now the leaven has made society ready for the oven. 

Individuals who are saints of God do not rebel, revolt, or seek reprisal.  Saints of God have a mandate from God, the Creator and Redeemer of mankind: Love.  But such love is not the syrupy kind that weak and bent on capitulating to all assaults.  It is a love for God that takes a stand for righteousness, justice, truth, and faith in God no matter what ungodly circumstances and pressures the saints must face. 

Saints, stand with God. Stand together!  But remember, “those who live godly in Christ Jesus WILL suffer persecution.”  

[pattyangel]

Thanks Nelg for chiming in.  Your statement is vital to all Christians.  I pray that they can see what is happening to Christianity. 

 

If we continue to sit back and not unite with God, then peace will not rule, evil will reign. 

 

Christianity must not retreat.  Christianity is being removed from the public square, from every aspect of our lives.  God can only reign in society, if He reign's in our hearts.  When we live in holiness and true to his laws, we can defeat the anti-Christian assault that is winning at this moment.  We are at a serious time of life on earth.  We should not , can not, and will not sit around while every vestige of Christianity is being removed. 

 

The American people need to turn back to Christ.  Pray, to lessen the chastisement.

[willy1der]

Pattyangel, thanks for bringing this into our forum to read and input on. I agree with you and nelg that there is an assault on Christianity. I would like to add though that we have already won, we know the end. Don't take me wrong, we do need to pray, witness and be obedient to what God's Holy Spirit is prompting us to do. I can't remember exactly where it is in the Word of God but there have been times in the past that evil attempted to restrain God's word with perverse laws but God's word tells us when that it was attempted God's word showed itself strong. The Holy Spirit showed up in power and demonstration. Nelg or markinsa could probably tell us where that scripture is. I don't fret when I see these attacks. My God/Our God will never leave us nor will he forsake us.

 

God bless you sister!

[pattyangel]

Pattyangel, thanks for bringing this into our forum to read and input on. I agree with you and nelg that there is an assault on Christianity. I would like to add though that we have already won, we know the end. Don't take me wrong, we do need to pray, witness and be obedient to what God's Holy Spirit is prompting us to do. I can't remember exactly where it is in the Word of God but there have been times in the past that evil attempted to restrain God's word with perverse laws but God's word tells us when that it was attempted God's word showed itself strong. The Holy Spirit showed up in power and demonstration. Nelg or markinsa could probably tell us where that scripture is. I don't fret when I see these attacks. My God/Our God will never leave us nor will he forsake us.

 

God bless you sister!

As I read your comment Willy1der, I hope and am concern that I didn't do injustice to the word of God with my comment in saying we are "losing this battle at the moment."  I hope I didn't confuse any of our Christian believers. We are at a time that the evil one is trying to keep as many souls has he can, and he will persuade souls through his deceiving laws. But you are correct. good will prevail in the end.  I'll stop there and hope Markinsa or Nelg will jump in. 

 

I'm tired and my brain is slowing down.  LOL!!!

 

Thanks WIlly1der and God Bless

[willy1der]

As I read your comment Willy1der, I hope and am concern that I didn't do injustice to the word of God with my comment in saying we are "losing this battle at the moment."  I hope I didn't confuse any of our Christian believers. We are at a time that the evil one is trying to keep as many souls has he can, and he will persuade souls through his deceiving laws. But you are correct. good will prevail in the end.  I'll stop there and hope Markinsa or Nelg will jump in. 

 

I'm tired and my brain is slowing down.  LOL!!!

 

Thanks WIlly1der and God Bless

Gosh! I hope I didn't offend you pattyangel, wasn't my intention. All I wanted to point out is we win, we already know the outcome. God's word can't be hindered or have restraints placed on it. God is omnipotent and so is His word. I am learning to walk by faith and not by sight. It's easy to get caught up in the cares of the world. Now I agree with nelg, we need to continue our witness and understand that we have a responsibility and you sister do a great job by bringing topics like this to the  Off Topic Forum. I see you and others as a watchman(woman) on the wall telling us where the enemy is! The world will tell us to put out positive vibes, I believe in using the sword, God's word coupled with faith and it is powerful. Hebrews 11:1, faith is the substance of things HOPED for and the evidence of things not seen. Personally I have been in a battle like I've never experienced before, but in this battle God has shown me time after time that He is right here and I have a joy I haven't experienced in a long time. We serve a God that is awesome and through this I have been jumping for joy. We are seeing things exposed like never before and decisions being made that is opening peoples eyes. An abortion doctor being convicted by his peers for the murder of innocent children. We are seeing light shining into darkness for Benghazi, IRS, Fast & Furious and even the DHHS for possible unethical raising of funds for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). You stay blessed pattyangel and know that you, your husband and the rest of your family are being prayed for. God loves you! and so do I as my sister in Christ.

[Nelg]

Willy1der, I appreciate your confidence, but it is not difficult to look at the biblical concordance at the back of most Bibles and run a reference on the “persecution,” “persecute,” “hated,” or any word that goes along with that subject and you will find in the context of those passages that when it refers to a church (the collection of believers in one place) a group of believers that the results of trouble and persecution of the saints leads to the growth of the Christians numerically and spiritually (cf. Acts 4:18-24, 29-30; 7:54-60; 8:1-4; 12:1-5, 24; 13:42-49, 52; 14:1-7, 19-27; 22:24-30; 19:8-10, 20; 20:17-27’ 21:10-14).  But the fact that saints will undergo difficult times is nothing new, it comes with the commitment to Christ as Lord and Savior and continues to increase as faith is revealed in you or your family (cf Mt 5:11, 44; Lk 21:12; Jno 15:20; Rm 12:14; Phil 1:29; 1Thes 3:4; 2Tim 2:8-9; 1Pt 2:20; 3:14; Rev 2:10; Rev 12:). 

Remember, the new set of global values, based on a blend of earth-centered beliefs, socialist ideology, and globalist goals, rule out biblical boundaries and absolutes. Genuine commitments to Christ and His way simply won't fit.

The betrayal of America for a hollow vision of universal standards is being preached by our educational system, buoyed by the political laws, and enforced by a jaded legal minority.  The media have promoted thirst for evil, violence, and sex and perversion while schools of “higher” learning immerse young minds in pagan philosophy disguised as cultural awareness. 

Church leaders, awash in slick advertising, entertainment, and show-stopping performances to attract large crowds have become ashamed at the mention of sin and the cross.  A few vocal “Christians,” adrift with the trends, are too distracted to know or care about the suffering and death of Christ for the sins of the world.  Some theologians ever refer to plan of God to send His Son to die on the cross as “cosmic child abuse!” Thankfully not many hold to that opinion. But many theologians are capitulating to that position because of a global mindset that accepts all religions as “ways to God.”  The Cross of Christ has become offensive. 

God may withdraw His protection from a nation that turns to other gods, but He never fails to guard and guide those who remain faithful to Him. He doesn't promise to save us from pain and persecution, but in the midst of suffering we can count on His strength and loving presence. Our opponents may even kill us.

Remember, "the whole world is under the control of the evil one" [1 John 5:19]. Satan's subjects will always despise our King, twist His truth, and hate His people.  We shouldn’t be surprised or alarmed.  Jesus described the normal Christian life: "If they persecute Me, they will also persecute you," He told His disciples, "for they do not know Him who sent me" (John 15:20-21). Why should we not expect opposition?  It is the way of the world.  Our question should be, how do we holdfast to a valid faith until we enter into our eternal home? 

1. We need to be in constant prayer for God’s guidance. 
2. We must cloth ourselves with the truths of Christ. It is in the hope that He provides that we will be able to hold to our faith.
3. Trust in the blood of Christ that secures salvation in Him.
4. Do not love your life even if it means your death. 
5. If the above are practiced, then the hardest will not be so hard.  "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matt 5:44-45).
6. Tell others about the Christ, the One and Only Savior of the World.

[sxsess]

Patty this is the disease that is the liberal democratic side of this government. They are Godless people that will be brought down in due time. Good will eventually destroy evil when God decides its time. He will make sure of that. 

[Thaiexpat]

A little confused by the title: Why is the religion of the painter an issue? I don't follow that. Sorry. Intolerance? Please let me tell you about my PERSONAL experiences while serving in the Marines for 15 years.

As a JEW, I was told I would need to take vacation days off to observe my religious holidays (only asked for 2). I was told I need to prove I am a member of the local synagogue and had paid my temple fees (in truth, Jews serving are not required to pay). I was given duty every Christmas, because "You don't celebrate Christmas and, besides, you people killed Hesus..." (Yes, that was really said to me) and I was given LONGER duty standing because the fellow who was to relieve me is a Christian and, therefore, I would get off at 1200. Usually, duty is from 0800-0800, but for the "kite", its 0800-1200. "Nobody gives a rats-a$$ about your stinkin holidays.." on so on. I had Christian co-workers say things like, "Did you know most slave-owners were jews??" all of this around my black friends. Just stirring the pot. I got into fights with dudes who would call me all sorts of names "F-ing Jewboy" "GD Jew" (I beat them all, thankfully I can fight well) Had a Colonel place German military insignias on his wall as a "Military Units from around-the-world" sort of display. Some had Nazi symbols in them. I brought this up to him and he told me to "get stuffed" and "deal with it". He was a deeply religious man, always quoting the bible......

Sorry intolerance has been around a LONG TIME. Is it right? Nope, but it happens. Maybe someone in the Hexagon is going over-board. Sound like there is a jew (Weinstein) who is a little bitter about their experiences in the military-dunno, just a guess. I'm not. I really didn't care either way. I just accept the abuse and intolerance as something Christians were all about back then.

Yeah, it sucks. Its stupid. But its been around a lot longer then this issue. Dunno, just saying....

[Nelg]

Abuse has been around for a long time.  Intolerance by intimidation and persecution is always unacceptable, no matter the source of those incidences and no matter the target. Adult bullying is childish and immature no matter how many stars are on the shoulder.  

[pattyangel]

God may withdraw His protection from a nation that turns to other gods, but He never fails to guard and guide those who remain faithful to Him. He doesn't promise to save us from pain and persecution, but in the midst of suffering we can count on His strength and loving presence. Our opponents may even kill us.

Remember, "the whole world is under the control of the evil one" [1 John 5:19]. Satan's subjects will always despise our King, twist His truth, and hate His people.  We shouldn’t be surprised or alarmed.  Jesus described the normal Christian life: "If they persecute Me, they will also persecute you," He told His disciples, "for they do not know Him who sent me" (John 15:20-21). Why should we not expect opposition?  It is the way of the world.  Our question should be, how do we holdfast to a valid faith until we enter into our eternal home? 

1. We need to be in constant prayer for God’s guidance. 
2.  
3. We must cloth ourselves with the truths of Christ. It is in the hope that He provides that we will be able to hold to our faith.
4.  
5. Trust in the blood of Christ that secures salvation in Him.
6.  
7. Do not love your life even if it means your death. 
8.  
9. If the above are practiced, then the hardest will not be so hard.  "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matt 5:44-45).
10.  
11. Tell others about the Christ, the One and Only Savior of the World.
12.  

 

 

Thank you Nelg for your beautiful input.  Your wisdom is tremendously appreciated along with so many others. 

 

Willy1der, no offense taken, none whatsoever. 

 

Thaiexpat, thank you for sharing, being treated as such, is just unacceptable.  It's something that will not go away, no matter what the circumstances are.  Sad so sad.... Oh!!! I did get your response back on the health questions I asked, thanks a bunch for your feedback.

Edited June 10, 2013 by pattyangel