bible verses on scopes

Welcome news about Trijicon removing bible verses on scopes

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BBC News reports that US firm are to remove Biblical references on gunsights

Apparently they have responded to the concern felt by many people.

In a statement, Trijicon say

“Trijicon has proudly served the US military for more than two decades, and our decision to offer to voluntarily remove these references is both prudent and appropriate.”

The BBC reports

Gen Petraeus, head of the US Central Command, said: “Cultural and religious sensitivities are important considerations in the conduct of military operations.”

In a letter sent to the US president on Thursday, the head of the Interfaith Alliance said the gunsights “clearly violate” the rule.

“Images of American soldiers as Christian crusaders come to mind when they are carrying weaponry bearing such verses,” Welton Gaddy said.

Earlier in the week, the Church of England told the UK’s Guardian newspaper: “People of all faiths and none are being killed and injured in these ­conflicts, on all sides, and any suggestion that this is being done in the name of the Bible would be deeply worrying to many ­Christians.”

Absolutely.

PS My scepticism yesterday proved to be ill-founded!

Disturbing news that Scripture references are used on military gunsights

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I have written today to Trijicon Inc. (http://www.trijicon.com/contact.cfm), regarding the disturbing news from the BBC that Scripture references are “inscribed on gunsights widely used by the US and British military in Iraq and Afghanistan”.

Trijicom are “manufacturers of  sighting systems for use by Law Enforcement, Military and Individual customers”. While Trijicom claim “We believe that America is great when its people are good. This goodness has been based on biblical standards throughout our history and we will strive to follow those morals”, I have a deep uneasiness with this position.

Dear Sirs

+ PAX

As a Christian I am shocked and appalled at the report (recorded by BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8468981.stm) that you inscribe Scripture references on your equipment.

Whilst I respect your own faith, and your consequent belief in the essential goodness of the US people, goodness is limited neither to your nation nor to Christians.

This practice is a totally unacceptable use of the Word of God, since “God is love” (not “hate”) cf. 1 John 4:9.

If this report is correct, then I respectfully request and urge you to stop this practice immediately, and as a matter of urgency to issue a statement expressing your regret and understanding of the severe problems that this same practice will be causing.

Yours sincerely
Alistair Warwick

The trouble of course is that comments such as this will almost certainly be ignored by those whose livelihoods depend on the arms industry. If I get a reply I will post it here.

Comments welcome, as always!