BAGHDAD (AP) - A U.S. Marine handed out coins promoting Christianity to Muslims in the former insurgent stronghold of Fallujah, outraged Sunni officials said Friday. The U.S. military responded quickly, removing a trooper from duty pending an investigation.
It was the second perceived insult to Islam by American service members this month. A U.S. sniper was sent out of the country after using a Quran, Islam's holy book, for target practice.
Photographs of the coins, which were inscribed with phrases in Arabic, were widely distributed via cell phones in Fallujah and were seen by an Associated Press employee.
One side asked: "Where will you spend eternity?"
The other contained a verse from the New Testament: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16."
Such actions by American service members threaten to alienate Sunni Arabs who have become key allies in the fight against insurgents, a movement that started in Anbar province, which includes Fallujah.
Distribution of the coins in Fallujah was particularly sensitive because the city, 40 miles west of Baghdad, is known for its large number of mosques. It was the center of the Sunni-led insurgency before a massive U.S. offensive in November 2004.
Sheik Abdul-Rahman al-Zubaie, an influential tribal leader in the city, spoke of his outrage over perceived proselytizing by American forces and warned patience was running thin.
"This event did not happen by chance, but it was planned and done intentionally," al-Zubaie said. "The Sunni population cannot accept and endure such a thing. I might not be able to control people's reactions if such incidents keep happening."
Sunni officials and residents said a Marine distributed about 10 coins at a checkpoint controlling access to the city, the scene of one of the fiercest battles of the war.
Al-Zubaie said a man brought one of the coins to a mosque on Wednesday to show it to him and other Sunni leaders.
He accused the Marines of trying to do missionary work in Fallujah and said Sunni leaders had met with U.S. military officials and demanded "the harshest punishment" for those responsible to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Mohammed Hassan Abdullah said he witnessed the coins being handed out on Tuesday as he was waiting at the Halabsa checkpoint, although he didn't receive one himself.
The U.S. military — still smarting from the Quran shooting — said an American service member was removed from duty Friday "amid concerns from Fallujah's citizens regarding reports of inappropriate conduct."
A statement, which did not identify the service member or the branch of service, said the reports about the coin's distribution were being investigated. The U.S. promised "appropriate action" if the allegations are confirmed.
"Regulations prohibit members of the coalition force from proselytizing any religion, faith or practices," military spokesman Col. Bill Buckner said, stressing the troops are trained on the guidelines before being deployed.
Col. James L. Welsh, chief of staff for American forces in western Iraq, also said the matter has their "full attention."
Al-Zubaie said U.S. military officials met with tribal leaders on Thursday and expressed "astonishment about (the) behavior of this Marine, saying that they have already settled the matter of the violation of the Quran and suddenly a new problem has emerged." Continue >>
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He accused the Marines of trying to do missionary work in Fallujah and said Sunni leaders had met with U.S. military officials and demanded "the harshest punishment" for those responsible to make sure it doesn't happen again.
Ya persecution baby!! Bring it on!! If only we could be so fortunate to suffer for his name. Has anyone here suffered for his name?
1Co 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1Co 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
1Co 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
1Co 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1Co 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
1Co 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1Co 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
1Co 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1Co 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
1Co 1:27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
1Co 1:28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
1Co 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
1Co 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
1Co 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Wiccantexan said: "Yes, you CAN separate yourself from your beliefs. Problem is, this Marine did NOT, and put his fellow Marines in danger. "
This proves you are far from God wiccantexan, you dont understand , these 'beliefs' are God' teachings, God's Love shown to us in his Son Jesus, and God's Holy Spirit that indwells his Children , God's children are Adopted into God's Holy Family , obviously this marine obeyed the Voice of God. It is not possible to be Separated from our Beliefs because they are God, and we are his. To be separated is to deny Jesus as our Lord and the Son of the Highest, this is something we cannot do ever. No matter what laws are passed , no matter the ridicule or the cost. Even our lives, and what this marine did was in obedience to God and will bring mighty things!! Many will hear the good news and be Saved!! Glory to God in the Highest!!
Semper Fi, do or die, Marine Corps, OOrah!!!
xizwyck, I'm here because Christian Post has interesting stories. It has nothing to do with my personal religion. I didn't say a thing about the Constitution; I said he took an oath to the military, which means he obeys military law. This includes no prostelytizing. I'm well aware of what being a Marine means, as I swung this discussion by my retired Marine BIL (22 years). As for the Wiccan chaplain, there are none as yet. There are Wiccan laypeople on various military installations, but there is NO Wiccan chaplain in place. Yes, you CAN separate yourself from your beliefs. Problem is, this Marine did NOT, and put his fellow Marines in danger.
WiccanTexan,
Have you ever read the oath taken by Marines? It ends with "So help me God." I laugh at your comment about "religious ideologues to influence a nation's military command" especially when I remember reading about a Wiccan chaplain.
The point is, religion impacts everyone at every level, whether you adhere to one or not. You can separate yourself from your beliefs.
WiccanTexan,
First of all, why are you even here (being a Wiccan)? - Not that I'm asking you to leave.
Second, how in the world does this disgregard the Constitution and the laws of the United States??? How is this illegal???
So much for "God, Country, and Corps"
"Semper Fidelis" - The Motto of the United States Marine Corps. Latin for always faithful. Faithful to God, Country, Family and the Corps.
another reason why we should not be there....
wiccantexas:
You dont have the slightest concept of what Jesus can do for you or a nation. It is Jesus that gives us good laws , orienting our minds to think on Justice , Ethics, and of being of service to others. Mankind left to his own cannot hope to achieve the slightest Resemblence to the way God does things in Heaven. Remember the Lord's Prayer: "in Earth as in Heaven." Look how God's children to things, now compare that to the children of islam. They will kill for the slightest perceived insult. And do they want Justice or murder? Justice and Mercy has no place in the heart of a true islamist as you can see, only hatred of others and selfishness. They walk in there own righteousness and despise others. But God's children, the Servants of Jesus the Christ walk in God's Righteousness having Truely submitted there will unto his.
Luke 11:2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Luke 11:3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
No only have our troops made it possible to see women and Christians have their rights written into the new constitution, but they are going as ambassadors for Christ. All things work together for good, for those who love the Lord.
One wonders why we are sacrificing so much for a country which has no freedom of religion and very little tolerance for Christianity. If any change for the better is to happen in Iraq, more, not less missionary work there is needed.
This is what results when you allow religious ideologues to influence a nation''s military command. Laxity of military discipline, obstruction of military objectives, and disregard for the Constitution and the laws of the United States. It is destructive to the mission, as well as illegal.
ShuckCreations - among radical Muslims, yes. But that is born of radical Islamic cultures. It is not Muslims across the board. Since when during this war have we given them a positive view of Christianity? It works both ways. There are moral and immoral people in ALL religions.
WiccanTexan,
First off, when have Muslims ever had a positive view of Christians??? They kill their own when they convert. I commend this person for his actions. It must've taken great courage to do what he did. Way to witness to a people that are so lost!
topo_5000, we are in THEIR country. Our politicians and religious leaders have squat say on the religious culture. Regardless, this Marine broke some serious rules, and could have seriously jeopardized the perception of our mission there. If we want to get our troops OUT of there, this is NOT the way to accomplish it. If you'd like Muslims to have other than a negative view of Christianity, stop poking the bear in its den.
Well said, I think we can all take a look at that, especially myself, and put our lives into perspective.
OORAH!!!
Mat 10:34 Jesus said: "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."
What is more important - living your life in peace without Christ- and your eternity condemned?
or living for Christ with your eternity assured?
When I was there they made me sign a piece of paper that said I won’t spread or teach my religion, which we all know is Christianity. Back then I was not living the life very well so I signed it. I wish I could go back to that time; I would not have signed it! I'm glad that Marine did what he did, it's a shame that our politicians, and even our religious leaders back down and give in to every little cry that the Muslims make. You have to ask yourself one question, if the situation were reversed do you think there would be any controversy? Keeping God out of anything will doom it to fail. I hope that the US Government knows what they are doing.
I see from the thumbs-down that people don't understand how this type of action breeds contempt for a faith rather than support. I'm not against anyone sharing their Christian faith, but in this case, it was a bad move and potentially dangerous to our troops.
Very poor judgement on this Marine's part.