Will Atheism-Themed Concert Rock the Fort?

Last September "Rock the Fort", a Christian concert venue sponsored through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association stirred up plenty of controversy. 

Now the tables have turned and after months of disagreement, the Army has approved an atheism-themed concert event at Fort Bragg slated for March 31, 2012. Many bands will perform like at the "Rock the Fort" venue only the notorious atheist, Richard Dawkins will be the key note speaker.

Bragg spokesman Ben Abel says the base will provide the same support for the event it provides for other private groups.

Supposedly many felt that the Christian based event last fall crossed a line when more than 100 soldiers complained to Mikey Weinstein's group, Military Religious Freedom.

A Fort Bragg chaplain said the event on the base was open to the public and that no one was forced to come - except the thousands of soldiers and their families who are excited to do so, saying it's up to the individual and people like any message or any faith can choose to accept or reject.

Sgt. Justin Griffith, a Bragg soldier and military director of American Atheists, attempted to organize the event earlier this year but canceled in the Spring due to road blocks. He stated that the event could be a turning point for military personnel who don't belong to any religious affiliation.