On May 17, 2009, GQ magazine's website published several covers from official briefings of the Pentagon sent to George W. Bush's White House in 2003. On each of the covers is a passage from the Bible.GQ: And he shall be judged (May 17, 2009)
The New Crusades?
According to GQ, the quotations were started by Major General Glen Shaffer. Before the Iraq War started, the briefings had humorous quotes; but as the war progressed, Shaffer decided that biblical passages would be more appropriate. Others in the Pentagon disagreed, believing that a religious message with an intelligence briefing is inappropriate. But the covers continued, despite the misgivings because "seniors"—specifically, Donald Rumsfeld—appreciated the covers.GQ: And he shall be judged (May 17, 2009)
The unnamed informant who supplied the covers to GQ says ignoring about protocol was typical of Donald Rumsfeld's handling of the Bush administration Department of Defense. The article depicts Rumsfeld as controlling and unwilling to cooperate with the departments of State and Homeland Security, treating the defense Department as his turf in a war among the Bush administration cabinet.GQ: And he shall be judged (May 17, 2009)
Cover Quotes
- "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Here I am, Lord, send me." (Isaiah 6:8, paired with soldiers praying), March 2003
- "If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast, O Lord." (Psalms 139:9-10; fighter plane getting ready to leave the carrier), March 2003
- "Their arrows are sharp, all their bows are strung; their horses' hoofs seem like flint, their chariot wheels are like a whirlwind." (Isaiah 5:28; soldiers praying and getting ready to fight), March 2003
- "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9; infantry, tanks, fighter planes, April 2003)GQ: Onward Christian soldiers! Slideshow (May 17, 2009)
References
Fast Facts
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Covers were provided to GQ by unnamed Pentagon staffer
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Quotes paired photographs of praying soldiers, sunsets and Saddam Hussein with passages about the support of GodNew York Times: Biblical Quotes Said to Adorn Pentagon Reports (May 17, 2009)
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Covers created by Pentagon director of intelligenceGQ: And he shall be judged (May 17, 2009)
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Unknown when it stopped, but the Obama administration says it is not using Bible passages on its Pentagon briefingsFox News: Pentagon Briefings No Longer Quote the Bible (May 19, 2009)
