Family Research Council head Tony Perkins today is using his radio bulletin to slam the Marine Corps for teaching meditative practices to Marines, designed by a former Army captain, that intend “to bolster their emotional health and improve their mental performance under the stress and strain of war.” He criticized the techniques like breathing exercises and Yoga that are used to reduce Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and improve attentiveness as “goofy” and “New Age.”
Perkins quoted Staff Sgt. Nathan Hampton in the Washington Times questioning the usefulness of meditation instruction…but left out the very next line where he goes on to say that he ultimately found the practice immensely helpful:
“A lot of people thought it would be a waste of time,” he said. “Why are we sitting around a classroom doing their weird meditative stuff?
“But over time, I felt more relaxed. I slept better. Physically, I noticed that I wasn’t tense all the time. It helps you think more clearly and decisively in stressful situations. There was a benefit.”
An initial study of the program found that “the troops recovered better from stressful training, while their brain scans showed similarities to those taken of elite Special Forces soldiers and Olympic athletes.”
Perkins, who earlier claimed that the military is about to implode as a result of the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, attacked the military for allegedly “driving religion out” and for having “Wiccan worship centers.” Naturally, he didn’t explain how having a class on meditation or a place of worship for people who practice Wicca jeopardizes religious freedom.
In the military, it’s out with God–and in with the goofy! Hello, I’m Tony Perkins with the Family Research Council in Washington. As part some new training, Marines are being asked to join weekly yoga and meditation classes. Sergeant Nathan Hampton said the idea took some getting used to. “Why are we sitting around a classroom doing weird meditating stuff?” he wondered. Former Army Captain Elizabeth Stanley says it’s to relieve stress. She’s the one behind M-Fit, or Mind Fitness Training. She insists the New Age approach “creates a sense of calmness, reduces drug and alcohol use, increases productivity, and improves working relationships.” What a coincidence–so does faith! Unfortunately, the military seems intent on driving religion out and replacing it with wacky substitutes. They’ve added atheist chaplains, Wiccan worship centers, and now, meditation classes. But none of them are as effective or as constructive as a personal relationship with God. Unfortunately, though, it’s mind over what matters–and that’s faith.
