Onward Christian Soldiers
Ed Cone notes critical commentary about little boys decked out in military garb at Greensboro's First Presbyterian Church last week. Jerry Wolford's photo has been widely distributed.
I admit, as a Presbyterian myself, I was a bit taken aback by the image. It does seem a bit inappropriate for kids to play soldier at church. At the same time, this isn't worth an uproar.
The Presbyterian Church is hardly militaristic. Heck, it dropped "Onward Christian Soldiers" from its hymnal because of the martial overtones.
However, the Presbyterian Church is not opposed to national defense or the military, per se. People can be good Christians and soldiers. Even make-believe soldiers.
Update: I overlooked Sunday's Getting it Right column: The photo caption should have said that the program "Fit n' Fun" rented space from First Presbyterian Church for a kids camp. Fit n' Fun is not affiliated with First Presbyterian Church.
Comments (7)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
Doug, I think it's just a reaction to the modern world. Is it that extreme? Just look in today's N&R. I get my coffee, open the paper to see that 20% of college students cut themselves on purpose with knives and Bob Uecker has a stalker. Getting a uniform on may be the only reaction left.
Posted on June 5, 2006 8:58 AM
Doug, I don't know what kind of military uniforms the kids wore at the church in Greensboro, every little boy when you were 5 or 6 wore a sailor suit including you. In fact, the favorite game of that era was "army man" and dressing in khaki jackets and helmuts and carrying toy rifles. None of you turned out to be violent adults interested in causing or participating in war. On the contrary.
Mom
Posted on June 5, 2006 12:26 PM
Mom's telling on Doug.
Mom Clark, did Doug hone his sailoring skills in the backyard pool?
Posted on June 5, 2006 1:14 PM
Jon, Doug was trying to emulate his dad who was a Navy vet and served on the U.S. Midway, an aircraft carrier. Mom Clark
Posted on June 5, 2006 5:48 PM
Mom Clark,
It would only be fair to the readers of the "Off His Rocker" blog to post a picture of Doug in his sailor suit. There must be a way. Please share the family photos!
Posted on June 5, 2006 6:44 PM
They were just answering Pres. Bush's call for crusade.
Posted on June 11, 2006 9:58 AM
I have to respond to the comment that First Presbyterian Church made in response to the Fit n Fun program. (First Presbyterian Church is not affiliated with Fit n Fun) That is not true. Fit n Fun has been meeting in the church for many years and has brought many hours of pleasure for many children. I am sorry that so much has been made of this issue and want the director of Fit n Fun to know that she is supported.
Posted on July 20, 2006 3:41 PM