Aim straight and true with the Lord
A while ago I wrote a blog about religion's rather cavalier approach to violence and killing, using as an example the stricture 'Thou Shalt Not Kill'. The blog caused an uproar and a lively debate ensued... Actually I lie: one person responded. But undaunted here I am again, returning to the issue. Because, depressingly, it never goes away, does it? At any given time somewhere in the world people are being killed in the name of god. And the people doing the killing are constantly finding ways of justifying the bloodbath.
Now, it emerges, coded references to biblical passages are inscribed on gunsights widely used by the US and British military in Iraq and Afghanistan. The markings include '2COR4:6' and 'JN8:12', relating to verses in the books of II Corinthians and John. Trijicon, the US-based manufacturer, was founded by a devout Christian, and says it runs to 'biblical standards'. Now, it emerges, coded references to biblical passages are inscribed on gunsights widely used by the US and British military in Iraq and Afghanistan. The markings include '2COR4:6' and 'JN8:12', relating to verses in the books of II Corinthians and John. Trijicon, the US-based manufacturer, was founded by a devout Christian, and says it runs to 'biblical standards'.
John 8:12 reads: 'When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life".'
The nod to part of the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians, found on the company's Reflex sight, references the text: 'For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness", made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.'
A Trijicon spokesperson told the BBC the company 'has been working to provide America's military men and women with high quality, innovative sighting systems for the weapons they use. Our effort is simple and straightforward: to help our servicemen and women win the war on terror and come home safe to their families. As part of our faith and our belief in service to our country, Trijicon has put scripture references on our products for more than two decades. As long as we have men and women in danger, we will continue to do everything we can to provide them with both state-of-the-art technology and the never-ending support and prayers of a grateful nation.' The company states on its website: '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.'
Well, there you go. No doubt the makers believe this will increase the soldiers' kill tally tenfold?
Aim straight and true with the Lord.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8468981.stm
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