Is this really happening?

When I first opened the restaurant in 2000 one thing I was adamant about was topics of conversation with customers. I would say, “stick to safe subjects like art and the weather, leave politics and religion out of the conversation, please!” Fast forward to present times and I lament over the fact that even the weather and art are highly politicized. I have to admit that I am deeply concerned about a recent announcement. I thought I was hallucinating! Did I read and hear correctly that an office of religious affairs is being created…in the Pentagon? Wait! What? It is true! This is the latest affront that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is launching as an attempt at re-shaping the Pentagon.

He announced that the office will help offer "first-class religious support" and will report directly to him. He states: "Our department is, you might say, putting on the full armor of God, because while we wage physical war, we all know the real battle is spiritual."

This is deeply unsettling to me. I realize Americans have short term memory issues and many prey upon these memory issues, but surely we haven’t forgotten that one of the most important aspects of the United States of America was the undeniable fact that our Nation was founded on religious freedom. In addition, most have forgotten that the Establishment Clause in the First Amendment states that the government can’t establish an official religion or promote religion over non-religion. In addition The Free Exercise Clause states that the government can’t stop you from practicing your faith. One clause keeps religion out of the government and the other clause keeps the government from preventing you from worshiping however you choose.

I personally don’t care how and what you worship as long as you are a good, decent, honest and charitable person. Religion is deeply personal and should remain as such not waved around like a parade banner. I would consider myself a spiritual mutt. There are interesting and useful tenets in all spiritual traditions which are tools to guide us to be a better person. A better person for ourselves which, in turn will radiate out to a better treatment and understanding of others. All faiths espouse the same thing learn to love and be at peace with yourself which will maintain a peace and love for others. I do believe there was a guy named Jesus Christ and I do believe he was a good and decent person who followed a path of introspection to create a greater understanding of self. He encouraged people to be released from the bondage of self. Have you ever heard the term, “its an inside job!” That “inside job” is the path of self acceptance self discovery and leads to a transformation. This rigorous path requires accountability. When a person is tortured inside, the natural thing is to try to manipulate and control your external environment. It is only when we are released from self absorption we release judgement, we allow the warm blanket of acceptance into our lives. I believe Jesus would be horrified by how his words were transcribed to paper, twisted and used to exert power and control. It is said that Jesus mostly worshiped in nature. I believe he would be saddened by the ostentatious structures that have been built to honor him. Man found a way to control and manipulate masses of people shrouded under the veil of religion and here we are!

I once saw a t-shirt that read: “Jesus is coming and boy is he pissed!” I know if he caught wind of what is happening today he would be appalled! The amount of hate and vitriol that is being thrown about in his name is unconscionable, but I am sure he would have found a path to forgiveness not righteous indignation.

If you are as concerned as I am about The Office of Religious Affairs I suggest you research two organizations: Americans United and The Freedom From Religion Foundation. It is their missive and goal to continue to educate and raise awareness surrounding the efforts that are blurring the lines.