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"Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption" is a best selling book about the life of Louis Zamperini.
Zamperini's story is among the most compelling to come out of WWII. His story has been made into a major motion picture scheduled to release December 25---Christmas Day.
Why has the director, Angelina Jolie, omitted God when He is central to this story?
This week I have discussed both here and on the radio the fact that the GOP is working to omit God from their messaging so they can win an election, even though He is present in their Party platform.
Also this week, the United States Air Force announced they, too, will omit God from their oath of service.
George Washington once addressed the matter of omitting God.
Some thoughts on why we are determined to "omit God" when His record is flawless.
The Air Force has changed its instruction for the oath of service.
Because one atheist refused to say, "So help me God," the United States Air Force made the decision to omit God, effective immediately.
They told the Washington Post, "The Air Force will be updating the instructions for both enlisted and commissioned Airmen to reflect these changes in the coming weeks, but the change is effective now."
Ironically, the Air Force also told the Post, "We take any instance in which Airmen report concerns regarding religious freedom seriously."
How many times have we read recently of the censorship and even punishment directed toward Christians in the military who have attempted to share or practice their faith---much less rewrite the oath of service.
And the Air Force has been the greatest offender.
George Washington, the general and commander in chief of the United States military weighed in on the matter of "omitting God" in his farewell speech:
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness---these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens."
He not only believed it is not patriotic to omit God, it is also unwise---very unwise.
He continued, "Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice?"
George Washington had no sense of today's foolish notion that God must be omitted in the name of political correctness and so-called "separation" of our country from the Truth that set us free.
How can our military stand so stridently against the deeply held beliefs of the Father of America---particularly given the success of his and the other Founder's vision?
And why?
The Universal Pictures film "Unbroken," directed by Angelina Jolie, is scheduled for release in theaters on December 25.
It is the profoundly inspiring, true story of Louis Zamperini. He was an Olympian and an American patriot.
Zamperini was a personal friend of Pastor Greg Laurie. He knew him very, very well.
Laurie says, "I'm disappointed that director Angelina Jolie has chosen to leave this vital and essential part of Louis Zamperini's life out of this much anticipated film."
Which part?
The part about God.
Laurie says, "The most amazing part of his story is not just surviving the incomprehensible beatings in the Japanese internment camp, or being adrift at sea for 47 days. It was the fact that Louis was able, because of his conversion and new found Christian faith, to go back to Japan to the very guards who mistreated him and forgive them, as well as tell them about Jesus Christ."
Laurie says, Louis told him personally that God instantly healed him of PTSD as well as his dependence on alcohol.
I understand there is some pressure from the family and others to include more of Louis' Christian conversion and deliverance in the story before it appears in theaters. We'll see.
This is the current promotional trailer they are using.
Why omit God?
When a straight forward film like "God's Not Dead" grosses, as of June 18th, $62 million, with a $2 million production budget, I doubt omitting God was a financial consideration. You can do the math.
There are several reasons why people "omit God." And one reason why they will not, ultimately, omit Him.
1. We Forget About the Goodness of God. (Deut. 6: 10-12).
2. We Deny God's Existence. (Psalms 14:1 and 53:1).
3. We Rebel Against God. (Psalms 68:6 and Proverbs 17:11).
A Good Reason Not To Omit God. (Philippians 2:10-11 and Romans 14:11).
I'll be talking more about these thoughts on the radio today. Join me live at 9 AM PDT or rebroadcast at 7:30 PM PDT.
You can do so on the radio, on the Internet or on the go with your mobile device. Here's how.
Be Vigilant. Be Wise. Be Discerning. Be Faithful. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed.