Australian Defence Forces have been using gunsights on weapons used in Afghanistan which are inscribed with coded references to biblical verses. This revelation hit the media last week after it was discovered in the United States that the manufacturer Trijicon had inscribed the gunsights, which are used widely by US defence forces, apparently without the knowledge of the US Department of Defence.

The Pentagon is reported to have expressed its concern, and a review has been launched. Trijicon has offered to supply kits to assist in the removal of the inscriptions.

The references include “PSA27:1”) (Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" and “JN8:12”, seemingly a reference to John 8:12: "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Click here for the ABC report of 22 January.

Perhaps it is time for Australian churches to talk to each other and publically about the link between faith, fundamentalism and fear of the other.