Bible verses on rifle scopes prompt concern - Air Force News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Air Force Times

Bible verses on rifle scopes prompt concern

The Marine Corps plans to meet with the manufacturer of rifle optics used by thousands of U.S. troops in combat after the company said it stamps its products with biblical references, prompting criticism that the military and religion were mixing too closely.

Officials with Michigan-based optics maker Trijicon Inc. said Monday in news reports that their optics have been inscribed with references to Bible verses for years. In a statement released Tuesday, the company explained further.

“For two generations our Michigan-based family owned business has been working to provide America’s military men and women with high quality, innovative sighting systems for the weapons they use,” it said. “Our effort is simple and straightforward: to help our servicemen and women win the war on terror and come home safe to their families.

“As part of our faith and our belief in service to our country, Trijicon has put scripture references on our products for more than two decades. As long as we have men and women in danger, we will continue to do everything we can to provide them with both state-of-the-art technology and the never-ending support and prayers of a grateful nation.”

The use of the biblical references has been blasted by The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, an independent organization that first brought the concerns to light after being contacted by active-duty troops. Mikey Weinstein, MRFF president, conceded that Trijicon may have meant well, but the practice allows insurgents to claim the U.S. is waging a holy war and puts some troops in an unfair, unwanted situation.

“As a private company, they can do whatever they want to,” Weinstein said, adding that most of the blame lies with the Pentagon. “But when you become a defense contractor, you have certain responsibilities.”

Marine officials said they are “aware of the issue and concerned with how this may be perceived.”

“The Marine Corps … does not use Trijicon’s markings for any purpose, including [the] purchase, tracking or management of systems,” said officials with Marine Corps Systems Command, based at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. “We will meet with the vendor to discuss future sight procurements.”

Weinstein said troops have complained that an inscription on the Advance Combat Optical Gunsight, used by thousands of Marines and soldiers, includes “JN8:12,” a reference to John 8:12, a Christian gospel reference: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

The inscription on another optic includes “2COR4:6,” which refers to Second Corinthians 4:6 of the New Testament, which reads: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Weinstein said his group was glad to see the Marine officials say they are concerned, but is incredulous the service was not aware of it. After initially signing a $7.5 million contract with Trijicon in 2005 for 6,000 optics, it entered into an additional multi-year deal worth up to $660 million for as many as 800,000 optics.

“It’s like a husband and wife sleeping in a bed for two years and saying they weren’t aware of the nest of rattlesnakes in it,” he said.