Being a Christian and a Soldier is Hard

[Scott_Fraser]

Thanks Cathy.
Being Scottish I like people for who they are and not what they are. All this religious bigotry really shames me, especially here in the West of Scotland and Northern Ireland where I did several tours of duty.
Over here the first thing some people ask you is, what soccer team do you support, Rangers or Celtic. Let me explain: The supporters of Rangers are Prodestant and the supporters of Celtic are Catholic. And when both teams meet they scream religous bile at each other. Don't get me wrong, the majority of the supporters are ok. But it is the few bigots that make the trouble. Some prodestants are members of the Orange Lodge, and they are very anti-catholic. It is the same in Northern Ireland, when the marching season starts in June, the trouble starts and it is left to the police and soldiers to try and keep the peace. Its a hard job, I've done it.
I do a lot of praying at home especially at night. When I put the light out, I just lie there in the darkness and pray. When I left the Army I thought about being a Minister in the Church of Scotland, I felt I had some kind of calling. Does that sound weird to you. But now that I have Combat Stress and PTSD there is no way that I would be suitable for it.
Thanks for listening to me Cathy, you're a good mate and you say it like it is.
Cheers
Scott:music:

 

[DesertDweller]

Jock,

I appoligize for jumping in this so late. To be honest I guess I was really avoiding it. Being overseas really did change my views on alot of things, including religion. I remember our chaplin would give sunday service every sunday without a miss. I never "attended" but was always an earshot away. I think to me that was a time for me to reflect on my sorroundings and prefered to be alone. Its hard to think that there is good in the world when you see so much going on around you. Its tough, especially since I think you have to believe in something in order to make it through mentaly. You want to believe that there is an ultimate good you are working towards after all,.. here is my issue, I didnt and dont see the good after the bad. This really makes you question your beliefs.

 

[Scott_Fraser]

Thanks DD, your advice is much appreciated buddy.
Cheers
Jock:hello:

 

[waynes]

I know this is a 'hard to accept' fact, but here goes. The reason things such as murder, violence and all of the sin that goes with it is allowed to continue, is simple. When the Archetect of the universe created man it was with one concept in Mind. Companionship. Our Lord wishes to have willing servants, not mindless slaves. He can make all of those He wants.
To have willing servants, those beings, (us) must have freedom of choice. To acheive this end, evil had to come into existance. Good must have its alturnitive, or its contrast. For all of this to run its race, for the most part He does not interfere. It is beyond imagining the tears Jesus has shed for the atrosities commited in His Name. WE, WE are resposible as humanity, for the horror that goes on down here, not God. We have been given the choice to choose good or evil. What you see as God given trauma is accualy the results of decisions being made by us.
You see, God has given us more than one wonderful gift, the least of which is not, the freedom to be resposible for our own actions. By giving us such freedom, we are made more like Him.
Personally I thank Him most for Jesus. A way for me to see Him as one of us. Keep your eye on the ball. It's not about how many times you go to church a week, it's about having a personal relationship with Jesus. All you have to do is call His Name. He will hear and will see you through. For me this is not faith but knowledge.:think:


Wayne

 

[Scott_Fraser]

Hi Wayne.
Thanks for your messge, its a bit heavy going but I take on your point of view. But like the title of my thread, can a soldier be a christian at the same time, as basically we are trained to commit legalised murder, Anthony and DD know what I'm talking about.
Cheers Wayne
Scott:hello:

 

[cookie]

ya, scott, many wars/battles in the Bible. same situation, sometimes even told to fight by God. you can be both, i have a friend with ptsd from viet nam, and he is a solid Christian. you just have to get past blaming yourself, and then blaming God. Blame sin.

 

[Scott_Fraser]

Thanks Cathy for your kind words. As we say in Scotland, "You're a wee Gem".
Scott:thumbs-up

 

[nermal64]

Wow! When I first signed up for this forum, I signed up to get help, helping my soldier son handle his PTSD. Ignoring all the abuse I recieved form my ex-husband... and simply throwing myself into my children's life to avoid my own problems. I DEFINATELY understand the religion conflict in this thread. My ex was a Christian "when it was convient" I turned away from the the Christian religion because of all the contradicting "rules" My son still says he is a Christian, but doesn't "live the lifesyle" He isvery angry all the time... many sexual partners... not attending services... I believe a soldier can be religious (Christian... Pagan... etc...) but it is very difficult!

 

[Scott_Fraser]

Hi Nermal how are you. Thanks for your reply. Whether your son goes out with various women does not make a sinner in God's Eyes. He is merely trying to settle down and him going out with the girls is part of that.
I'm a afraid that being a soldier I've used my rifle on various situations, and I have killed, so I don't know how God sees that, as I was doing my job. And your son did the same many times in Nam.
Thanks for listening to me.
Take care:crazy-blu

 

[waynes]

Never seen combat.

Scott,
From my limited knowledge of what you have been through, all I can say is this. I had a friend who was an officer in the 'Nam' conflict. He insisted that all men went to their knees in prayer before they went on patrol. Their AO was near Pleiku. His entire tour went without losing a man in his care. This was even through the 68" Tet. He later became a Babtist preacher. He used this as a witness to many.
I used to hunt with this man and I see one of the reasons they survived. He was the most exceptional snap shot I have ever witnessed.
He believed that if you follow the LEGAL orders you are given, and try to help the non-cobatants Our Lord will honor that.
All that being said, having never been in combat I am not qualified to answer your question and wish my friend were still alive. He would know what to say. All I can do is try to comfort someone who is hurting. I am sure you have seen too much, and pray that you will be comforted by our Lord.

Wayne

 

[Scott_Fraser]

Thanks Wayne, it means a lot to me that.
Cheers
Scott:thumbs-up

 

[mac]

can a soldier be a christian at the same time

As a soldier, you can label yourself as, and believe you are, a "Christian." So I guess the answer would be 'yes.'

In its purest interpretation, to be and live as a true Christian, and also be a soldier, is incompatable. You trade off, or will at some point, one for the other.

"Romans" 5, which says "Vengence is mine, I shall re-payeth said the lord".

Well, maybe this so-called PTSD is punishment!