Lipscomb University is planning on having members of the military parachute in to Bison Square on November 10th (http://www.lipscomb.edu/news/archive/detail/105/28747). The University bills this as an event to honor veterans who are students, faculty, and staff on campus, but in reality, this event is much more than that. It is the practice of Civil Religion, which places the American Nation-State on a pedestal of honor and worship. It is a veneration of the civil religion’s saints and martyrs. In other words, it is an exercise in idolatry. What is more, this is occurring on the campus of Lipscomb University, which was founded by David Lipscomb, a committed Christian, who believed that the correct relationship between a Christian and civil government was that of anarchism and pacifism. Such an event is an affront not only to God, but to the founders of the University and their highest ideals.

Therefore, we sign this petition, and let your voice be heard. Please take the time to e-mail Randy Lowry, the President of the University, and Scott McDowell, the Vice President for Student Life and the head of Lipscomb’s Yellow Ribbon program, to let them know that this event is inappropriate, idolatrous, and sinful. Let them know that this action is a betrayal of David Lipscomb’s ideals, and that as a Christian University, Lipscomb has a responsibility to stand up to the principalities and powers of this world and honor God before man or country.

--Churches of Christ Peace Fellowship