I don't know anything about Smith, but a lot of Christian musicians seem to be somewhat universalist and inclusive in nature, meaning they're not as dogmatic as the lunatic, fundamentalist clergy that feeds off and promotes Hegseth's rapture/end times nonsense.
"...there is a place for everyone, regardless of their past, their struggles, or where they find themselves today," very much fits the more inclusive mindset. I don't know, of course. For all I know, they just weren't paying him enough.
Unfortunately, the picture that was included with your post looks like there are only a few empty seats rather than the statement "doesn't seem to have been packing the Pentagon."
I actually tend to agree! The issue is that, when each development happens, there's no way of knowing whether it'll be the last. I tend to err on the side of reporting them, just in case, as corporate media tend to ignore religion-related stuff, even when it's being done by the Defense secretary. My fear is that without stories documenting each development, the narrative tends to just ... disappear into the memory hole. If that weren't the case, I'd happily focus more on my own, more long-term reporting than keep it on the back burner!
Christian singers and bible sessions should have nothing to do with the military or any other part of the government. Hegseth saying so doesn't make this a Christian nation. His Nazi tattoos make that even more the case, nor does his being evangelical, a rigid, hypocritical faux religion.
I really do not understand how they can call themselves Christians. And the idea of this 'brand' infiltrating the military is infuriating. The idea of it infiltrating any organization within our society is infuriating. Of course, our current society is pretty infuriating also. But that's subjective also, isn't it? ☺️☺️
I can't say with certainty if MW Smith refused the gig, but I can say he's been around what's known as Contemporary Christian music for decades, even going back to the late 70s. He crossed over to pop for a time in the '90s with his song "Place in This World." This isn't a guy who tries to cram religion down one's throat. In fact, in more recent years, his worship songs can be heard in progressive churches. If I had to guess, I'd say he was way too "woke" for the likes of Hegseth and his ilk.
I don't know anything about Smith, but a lot of Christian musicians seem to be somewhat universalist and inclusive in nature, meaning they're not as dogmatic as the lunatic, fundamentalist clergy that feeds off and promotes Hegseth's rapture/end times nonsense.
"...there is a place for everyone, regardless of their past, their struggles, or where they find themselves today," very much fits the more inclusive mindset. I don't know, of course. For all I know, they just weren't paying him enough.
I confess I was assuming the Pentagon isn't paying these speakers! Sheesh, if they are...
Jonathan,
As I said when the first was called off, Smith is probably “too woke” for them. I assume that he withdrew.
All the best.
Steve Dundas
Thanks, Steve! This has been my guess, for sure. OR he realized they weren't woke enough for him...?!?
Bazinga!
You did this! Appreciate the dogged journalism (speaking as an interloper from TFN).
Unfortunately, the picture that was included with your post looks like there are only a few empty seats rather than the statement "doesn't seem to have been packing the Pentagon."
I suppose it's subjective!
This was worth one Substack, not many.
I actually tend to agree! The issue is that, when each development happens, there's no way of knowing whether it'll be the last. I tend to err on the side of reporting them, just in case, as corporate media tend to ignore religion-related stuff, even when it's being done by the Defense secretary. My fear is that without stories documenting each development, the narrative tends to just ... disappear into the memory hole. If that weren't the case, I'd happily focus more on my own, more long-term reporting than keep it on the back burner!
We all can decide whether or not to read them after all 🙃
JL, in that spirit (and in keeping with all this theo/zeal chat), I submit to you this Huff-piece 😋
To read or not to read? That is the question...
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/vertical-morality-maga-christians_n_68dc8386e4b0b11989f00fb8
This is the only one I saw.
Christian singers and bible sessions should have nothing to do with the military or any other part of the government. Hegseth saying so doesn't make this a Christian nation. His Nazi tattoos make that even more the case, nor does his being evangelical, a rigid, hypocritical faux religion.
I really do not understand how they can call themselves Christians. And the idea of this 'brand' infiltrating the military is infuriating. The idea of it infiltrating any organization within our society is infuriating. Of course, our current society is pretty infuriating also. But that's subjective also, isn't it? ☺️☺️
I can't say with certainty if MW Smith refused the gig, but I can say he's been around what's known as Contemporary Christian music for decades, even going back to the late 70s. He crossed over to pop for a time in the '90s with his song "Place in This World." This isn't a guy who tries to cram religion down one's throat. In fact, in more recent years, his worship songs can be heard in progressive churches. If I had to guess, I'd say he was way too "woke" for the likes of Hegseth and his ilk.
From NW AR Fayetteville, Red:The-Lady In Blue.