Bacon's Rebellion

Democracy Thrives in Sunlight

VMI, Character and the Blessings of God

—

by

James A. Bacon
in ,

by Carmen Villani

At the conclusion of sporting events, the Corps of Cadets, players, and alumni join as one in singing the VMI Doxology. It ends with – “God Bless our team and V-M-I!”

During its nearly 182-year history, the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) has aligned itself with Judeo-Christian values, emphasizing character and servant leadership.

God calls upon us to not be of this world, yet the VMI leadership is making changes to align VMI with the world. Driven by the mantra of “diversity, equity, and inclusion,” “Don’t do ordinary” is on the verge of becoming “We do ordinary.”

The Bible speaks of one body and how it consists of many parts, yet the VMI leadership wants the focus to be on the many parts, otherwise known as DIVERSITY.

The Bible speaks of how each of us is blessed with gifts and that we are to use those gifts to glorify God, yet the VMI leadership is focused on EQUITY, which diverts attention from those gifts that we are endowed with.

The Bible speaks of the inclusiveness of Heaven and experiencing eternal life provided you believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins. Honor, self-reliance, perseverance and the Brother Rat spirit defines VMI’s INCLUSION, yet the VMI leadership believes that is insufficient.

Are we now going to change the VMI Experience in a manner that departs from those core values?

I don’t believe God has any plans to depart from His requirement to make Heaven more inclusive.

Romans 5:3-5 (NLT) describes the VMI Experience: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”

If a young man or woman can endure the rigorous four-year VMI Experience, then he/she can go forward being confident in the hope of achieving success in his or her life.

The Bible speaks of how God used flawed men and women to carry out His plans. As with every other institution of higher learning, VMI is flawed but continues to make great contributions to society.

The VMI leadership, however, just can’t bring itself to vigorously defend our alma mater and the alumni. Instead, it acquiesces, and allows the politicians and media to portray us as racist and sexist. In times of “deepest peril “ – words on the VMI Parapet – the blessing we ask for in our Doxology will only come if we align, not depart from, Judeo-Christian values.

Carmen Villani graduated from VMI, class of 1976..

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50 responses to “VMI, Character and the Blessings of God”

  1. M. Purdy Avatar
    M. Purdy

    Carmen, VMI is not a religious school. It’s a state school.

    1. Carmen Villani Jr Avatar
      Carmen Villani Jr

      Right on que Michael and once again, you misrepresent what was said. Fully aware that VMI isn’t a religious school and made no such inference that it should be. So is your next effort to undermine the goodness of VMI by having “God” removed from the Doxology??? I suggest you read the Virginia Constitution and the Bible. I believe you will find them very much aligned with one another. I even make it a little easier for you.

      https://law.lis.virginia.gov/constitutionfull

      1. M. Purdy Avatar
        M. Purdy

        I didn’t say to remove any words from the doxology. I just pointed out the obvious–the authority that VMI answers to is the Commonwealth, not the Bible or Judeo-Christian values, whatever that means. In fact, it’s embodied in the Virginia and U.S. Constitutions. To argue that scripture should have any bearing on VMI’s policies run afoul of these and again shows how out of touch so many alumni are. “That all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people, that magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times amenable to them.” The people have spoken, and they want VMI to change.

        1. WayneS Avatar
          WayneS

          “The people have spoken, and they want VMI to change.”

          The people whose opinions matter to you, or a true majority of the people?

          1. Carmen Villani Jr Avatar
            Carmen Villani Jr

            Excellent WayneS!

          2. M. Purdy Avatar
            M. Purdy

            The ones who were elected, Wayne. You live in Virginia? Who’s in charge?

          3. WayneS Avatar
            WayneS

            Wait. The STATE is making VMI change? I thought it was the Board of Directors of the college.

        2. Carmen Villani Jr Avatar
          Carmen Villani Jr

          Didn’t say you did Michael. Just asked if that was going to be your next undertaking. You seem to have little understanding upon which the founding of this nation or that of Virginia Constitution is based upon. James Madison, a Virginian, and “Father of the US Constitution”: “The future and success of America is not in this Constitution, but in the laws of God upon which this Constitution is founded.” That is the “authority” from which the Commonwealth derives its Constitution from and thus which VMI accounts to. Just a thought but maybe we should learn from history instead of trying to erase it. One thing we do agree on is that we should respect the right of the people.

          1. M. Purdy Avatar
            M. Purdy

            No establishment of religion, Carmen. Even asking people to sit for non-denominational prayers is unconstitutional. VMI learned that the hard way in 2002. Your assessment of our constitution is, umm, unstudied. If VMI ever attempted to justify its policies as you suggest, i.e., through scripture, it would be taken to court and it would lose. You want a religious school, start one.

        3. WayneS Avatar
          WayneS

          This is from the Virginia Constitution – Article 1, Section 16 – Free exercise of religion; no establishment of religion:

          “… and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other.”

          Apparently, the Commonwealth does want us to follow Judeo-Christian values.

          1. LarrytheG Avatar
            LarrytheG

            not sure that’s what it said… and if it did, then it contradicts the first part.

            No religion means no religion.

            And that’s the problem we STILL have – evidence this thread.

          2. WayneS Avatar
            WayneS

            I don’t give 2/3 of a sh!t what you’re “not sure” of. I copied the text directly from Article 1, Section 16 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

            And the words aren’t “what it said”, they are what the document says.

            Have you never read the Virginia Constitution?

          3. LarrytheG Avatar
            LarrytheG

            you did, but I’m not sure I agree with YOUR interpretation. I’m pretty sure the INTENT is to assure that no religion nor religious principles espoused by some religions and believers is intended regardless of how you think you shit.

            All that is IMHO is an attempt at an end-run around the intent.

            And that’s exactly what is going on, when someone claims that of all the religions in the world, the Constitutions actually meant Judaeo Christian. No such thing.. a made up thing by those who refuse to accept the actual words and intent.

            IMHO of course no matter how you crap.

          4. M. Purdy Avatar
            M. Purdy

            It is literally unconstitutional for Virginia to endorsee a religion or whatever claptrap you’re professing. In the very following clause, the Va. Constitution says: “No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of religion, and the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.”

          5. WayneS Avatar
            WayneS

            PS – Are you saying you do NOT think that people should endeavor to treat each other with forbearance, love and charity as taught by Christian-based religions?

          6. M. Purdy Avatar
            M. Purdy

            Nope, not at all. But the Commonwealth can’t take a stance in endorsing Christianity or anything of the sort without running afoul of the U.S. and Virginia constitutions. I read that section as a vestige of an older Virginia constitution, with no legal effect. It’s likely that it just sets an expectation (i.e., the Commonwealth hope we can all engage in forbearance, etc.), rather than requires or implies favoritism, which of course would be unconstitutional.

          7. WayneS Avatar
            WayneS

            EDITED:

            “It is literally unconstitutional for Virginia to endorsee a religion or whatever claptrap you’re professing. ”

            It is literally in Virginia’s Constitution. But the phrase does not endorse a religion.

          8. M. Purdy Avatar
            M. Purdy

            https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/establishment_clause#:~:text=The%20First%20Amendment's%20Establishment%20Clause,favor%20one%20religion%20over%20another.

          9. M. Purdy Avatar
            M. Purdy

            Given your edit, I think we agree. It’s not an endorsement, and if it were, it would have no legal impact. The state CANNOT endorse religion, which is why VMI’s endorsement of Judeo-Christian values, or use of scripture to justify its policies, are nonstarters.

          10. WayneS Avatar
            WayneS

            Yes. Sorry about the edit. I realized the words I typed in that post did not convey what I was trying to say. I let my fingers get ahead of my brain.

            My opinion is this: The state can endorse the teachings of religion when these teachings align with the state’s philosophy and ideals regarding how the people of the state should behave towards themselves and others. Hence, Virginia endorses the ideals of Judeo-Christian values, while not endorsing the theological ideas of Christianity and/or Judaism.

          11. M. Purdy Avatar
            M. Purdy

            Maybe in the broadest sense, like the state could say we think killing is wrong or that we should treat each other with compassion, which are J-C values (and the values of other religions, I should point out). But states have to be careful about how they express themselves and their motivations. A first amendment expert would understand all the nuance.

          12. WayneS Avatar
            WayneS

            “In the very following clause, the Va. Constitution says:…”

            Yes, it does. But those words are not in any way inconsistent or incongruous with the phrase “… and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other.”

            Promoting “Christian forbearance, love, and charity” in no way advocates for establishment or sponsorship of a particular religion. Your own close-mindedness appears to be stopping you from understanding that. You’re so hung up on the word “Christian” that you pay no attention to what the clause is actually saying.

  2. Eric the half a troll Avatar
    Eric the half a troll

    “…the blessing we ask for in our Doxology will only come if we align, not depart from, Judeo-Christian values…”

    So you are advocating to align an entire public university in Virginia exclusively with a Judeo-Christian religion then? Will you find those who exclusively practice Judaism unacceptable then or close enough…? Clearly Muslims and Hindus are out… How about Sihks?… Atheists…? Forget about it! Are you saying they are all welcome if they just accept your scripture and religion as the authority behind the school as well as its Doxology as they sing it? So many questions now… Please elaborate.

    1. kls Avatar
      kls

      You’re right Eric, we should demand women at VMI to cover their faces and walk behind and to the left of male cadets. Now about how VMI should treat homosexuals in the Islamic way……

      1. Eric the half a troll Avatar
        Eric the half a troll

        I think you misunderstood my post. I was not advocating for Islam to be the official religion of VMI. Really scratching my head on how you made such a leap.

        1. LarrytheG Avatar
          LarrytheG

          That’s SOP for many Conservatives these days – skip the basics, go straight to giant leaps.

    2. Carmen Villani Jr Avatar
      Carmen Villani Jr

      That is not at all what I am saying and would highly encourage you to reread what I said. Do you believe that people should treat others as they wish to be treated? Do you believe that people should be honest? Do you believe that people should be held accountable for their actions? Do you believe that content of character is what is important, not color of skin? Aren’t other religions aligned in a similar fashion? Do you believe that these kind of principles are detrimental to society?

      1. Eric the half a troll Avatar
        Eric the half a troll

        These seem like humanistic values. Religion (especially one particular religion) need not be invoked or considered.

        1. Carmen Villani Jr Avatar
          Carmen Villani Jr

          So if they seem like “humanistic values” to you. do you accept these values? And if you do, they how can you accept one, but reject the other?

          1. M. Purdy Avatar
            M. Purdy

            “Roots of humanism can be traced in ancient Greek philosophy, that prioritize on human morality. In other parts of ancient world, thought resonating humanistic though appeared also. It was in the Renaissance, that the interest in classical literature was renewed and humanistic ideas begun to evolve once again.” Literally from the wikipedia page for humanism. SMH.

          2. Eric the half a troll Avatar
            Eric the half a troll

            What value have I rejected? The only thing I’ve rejected is the concept that the particular religion you cited should be considered as the basis of morality that a public university must “align” with in Virginia.

          3. Carmen Villani Jr Avatar
            Carmen Villani Jr

            If I understand what you have stated/inferred to this point is that you accept “humanistic values;” you accept that, regardless of religion, those religions promote values similar to the “humanistic values” you accept.

            It appears that you accept humanistic values as the “basis of morality.” Even though you acknowledge the values brought forth by religions “seem like” the values you accept, they should not be the basis of morality.

            Another clarification is Judeo-Christian is not a religion as you seem to believe. I call for values that are accepted by both the Jewish and Christian faiths. I am not asking anyone to accept a particular religion. I certainly respect your right to not accept either faith but I hope you can now see the contradiction to your argument.

          4. Eric the half a troll Avatar
            Eric the half a troll

            The fact that humanistic values and ALL religions have common values just supports that there is absolutely no benefit to specifically aligning VMI (again a public school) with specific faiths. They can indeed teach and align with those values without forcing the students to invoke the Jude-Christian God in the process.

          5. Carmen Villani Jr Avatar
            Carmen Villani Jr

            I would appreciate Eric if you would stop misrepresenting what I have said. I have stated nothing of the sort to the matter of “forcing the students to invoke the Judeo-Christian God.” Those are your words, not mine. If you can’t see the utter fallacy in your argument, it is an absolute waste of my time to attempt reason with you.

          6. Eric the half a troll Avatar
            Eric the half a troll

            “…the blessing we ask for in our Doxology will only come if we align, not depart from, Judeo-Christian values…”

            You mean the Doxology that every Cadet sings at every sporting event that ends with (Judeo-Christian) “God Bless our team and V-M-I!”? Perhaps you argue they are not “forced” to sing, eh?

            If you can’t see the issue with stating that VMI must align to a particular religious set of values, it is I who is wasting time.

    3. YellowstoneBound1948 Avatar
      YellowstoneBound1948

      What we have here is a failure to read critically. Some “values” are immutable, common to every highly evolved society. That is not religion.

      1. Eric the half a troll Avatar
        Eric the half a troll

        It only becomes a religion when a particular religion is invoked in the teaching of these values.

  3. James Wyatt Whitehead Avatar
    James Wyatt Whitehead

    I see Carmen’s connection too. Knowing a bit of the history of VMI you can see those Judeo Christian values embedded deep into VMI’s principles. I believe it adds to the school.

    1. Carmen Villani Jr Avatar
      Carmen Villani Jr

      👌

  4. Cindy Rushing Avatar
    Cindy Rushing

    This is a fine essay describing VMI. James Bacon and Carmen Villani, you both deserve the appreciation of all who have invested in VMI both as a parent or a Cadet. VMI is good. May God bless and preserve VMI.

    1. Jake Spivey Avatar
      Jake Spivey

      VMI IS GOOD

      1. Carmen Villani Jr Avatar
        Carmen Villani Jr

        👍

    2. Carmen Villani Jr Avatar
      Carmen Villani Jr

      Thank you Cindy!

  5. Nancy Naive Avatar
    Nancy Naive

    God save me from the religious and their implementation of your plans.

    1. YellowstoneBound1948 Avatar
      YellowstoneBound1948

      Have you applied to VMI? What exactly is your concern?

      1. Nancy Naive Avatar
        Nancy Naive

        Tax dollars.

  6. Nancy Naive Avatar
    Nancy Naive

    Bad enough to have “In God We Trust” on my money, but then to spend my tax dollars trying to prove it is beyond stupid.

    That’s one good thing about crypto currency, idiots can’t write on it.

    1. Carmen Villani Jr Avatar
      Carmen Villani Jr

      No one is suggesting that tax dollars be used to prove in “God We Trust.” Quite a leap. Here are what tax dollars have produced (found on SCHEV website):

      “Its alumni include a Nobel Prize winner, eleven Rhodes Scholars, seven Medal of Honor recipients, a Pulitzer Prize Winner, a Supreme Court Justice, 39 college presidents and 266 generals and flag officers. VMI is associated with such distinguished soldiers as “Stonewall” Jackson and George C. Marshall as well as more than thirty thousand former cadets who have excelled in either civilian or military life.”

      I say the taxpayers have gotten their money’s worth, not to mention the thousands of VMI graduates that have served in the military giving you the right to make such comments.

      1. Nancy Naive Avatar
        Nancy Naive

        “I say the taxpayers have gotten their money’s worth, …”
        Just on entertainment alone.

        1. Carmen Villani Jr Avatar
          Carmen Villani Jr

          There is nothing “entertaining” about being falsely labeled a racist or sexist. Would you find it entertaining if that was done to you? There I go again bringing Judeo-Christian values into the discussion.

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