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I agree that, if it was being used to make a big deal about Christianity, especially to the exclusion of POW's - MIA's of other religious views, I would want to see other beliefs represented (even just a photos of Jews, Muslims, unbelievers) and any exhibit making a big deal about the Christianity of this Bible-owner removed, but even then not the Bible itself. If it was a for sure reminder of the person.
There are aspects to be considered. Pleased to meet you, by the way.
If it makes anyone feel better the military has a long history of strongly supporting Christian religions (here's a good example starting at 41:40) and is a large part of military culture.
Religion is a useful coping mechanism, especially when you are literally walking through hell... or about to.
The Missing Man display is a powerful symbolic representation... the objects placed on the table all have important symbolic meaning and NONE of it has anything to do with proselytizing or suppressing anyone... it's remembering your fallen comrades and reminding you of your potential fate (which in turn reminds you to do your best work!). The bible is there as a symbolic representation of hope that a higher power is watching out for both the living and the fallen and a reminder to not become one of the "monsters" as you fight them... a very real danger when the world turns upside-down during a war.
Robbing the symbol of one of it's parts cheapens the whole thing and can only do harm.
Folks of all stripes need to grow the hell up and start separating religion from culture in their minds. A bible isn't inherently offensive or evil... it's a book. Right, wrong or indifferent the bible is an accoutrement of our culture.
A book never killed or enslaved anyone... people who used the book for their own manipulations and nefarious purposes did. People have also used the book to be inspired and comforted too.
In the end it only means what you want it to mean... or more accurately what you need it to mean.
Heh, I'm usually pretty quick on the draw, but you lost me on this one.
He was responding to the suggestion by Mike930, Shirina.
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