In Theory

No, the religious views of military members should not be scrutinized. Religious freedom is one of the cornerstones that makes America a country worth fighting and dying for. Maj. Hasan should not have been scrutinized for being Muslim, but he should have been confronted with his terrorist connections and statements. He is an example of the mess that political correctness has produced in our country. If the news reports of his affiliation with a radical mosque and his posted and verbal statements are correct, it was obvious that he was a terrorist sympathizer. If the authorities given the responsibility of protecting us from terrorists ignored the Islamic terrorists connections of Hasan, we better wake up before it is too late!

Pastor Dwight Tomlinson

Liberty Baptist Church of Newport Beach

Lunacy has often been blamed on faith, and has often exploited the faith of people around the world. We have seen it in Northern Ireland, and we have seen it on 9/11. It would be irresponsible for any organization not to completely evaluate anyone they are putting in a position of authority, particularly when that authority puts a gun in their hands. It should be clear that their faith and work is not being impacted by any lunacy within themselves or from some other influence.

In this case, the excuse that Muslims should be excluded from service is ridiculous. Christians were never excused during World War I and World War II, nor during the Revolutionary or Civil wars. Conscientious objectors should not join the military. When you do, you follow orders.

Ric Olsen,

Lead Pastor

The Beacon

If we were asked for our beliefs and commitments as often as we are for our credit, license and phone numbers, we would understand who we really are more clearly. Sharing our perspectives regularly would enrich discourse, deepen understanding and increase possibilities of detecting motivations toward potential aberrant behavior. I am always eager to share my “religious background” and present affiliations. Are others? Would Nidal Malik Hasan have been?

Hasan seems to be a seriously disturbed, ill individual; his spirituality is only one factor to consider. Many will try to separate religious and political motivators from social and psychological factors involved with this horrific experience; that will be very, very difficult.

Let’s await the investigation while praying and doing all we can for those affected by this tragedy.

(The Very Rev. Canon) Peter D. Haynes