Christian Officers

[phrogdriver]

Just so I'm clear, I didn't realize being Christian meant being fun-free. Believing in Christ is supposed to be a blessing, not a burden. In most denominations, drinking is a personal choice, not a religious one. No one will expect you to drink, or hold that against you, unless you appear to be looking down at them for their imbibing.

There are those who set the good example while not alienating those around them. I had an admin officer who decorated her workstation with what I would call excessive religious material, went to the XO to complain her Marines swore too much, sent all-hands e-mails for revivals, and answered her home phone "praise be to God." I also had two pilots with me who would have a beer or two now and then and were well-liked, but who everyone knew didn't tolerate porn in their presence and who were known to be devoutly religious. Which approach do you think attracted more people to Christianity?

Key thing is to be who you are, but not look down on your fellows for who they are.

Phrogs phorever

 

[EA-6B1]

I see you point Phrog. I would be like the 2 pilots you talked about.

I don't think that believing in Christ is a burden at all. All I'm saying is that I have my opinions (notice I didn't say beliefs) about drinking, but it's more about what you do when you get to drinking. I never said that drinking is wrong. I'd drink if I thought that it tasted good, but I don't. Just being in college, I have (and I know everyone on this board has) seen alcohol being abused that leads to other things.

My father has drank (hope that's the right tense) since I can remember, but he never gets carried away. Maybe he'll take a drink at a family get together or after a long day fishing or something. But never to the abuse of what I've seen some people do. That's all I'm saying. No hard feeling to anyone. Do what you want. This is a free country right? Believe what you want to believe. But I'll just take a water with lemon opposed to your longneck. Semper Fi.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
-Col.3:23-

 

[davidsin]

Wow a lot of concerns here are so much like my own. My personal statement pretty much displayed my faith as a Christian, and I think they had no problem with it. In fact, I read that the president starts his cabinet meetings with a prayer. Also, in our pledge of allegience it states that our nation is under God.

I'm hoping that there are some Christian fellowship groups wherever I go, I'll be glad to attend.

I don't drink either, but recently I started taking a shot of soju (rice wine similar to saki) every day. I read that it lowers your colesteral (mine is very high) and improves your circulation to drink a little bit of wine or alcohol a daily. I think it's okay as long as it doesn't alter your behavior and judgement. The oldest man in the world did this shot a day thing I read. A kidney doctor told me it's good for you to do it as long as I don't get carried away, which will do more harm than good.

Also, I know that I'm imperfect, so I don't have the ground to judge another Christian for drinking or anything else he/she chooses to do that's acceptable to other Marines. All has fallen short of the Glory of God, which is the whole reason why Jesus shed his blood to redeem us from our imperfect nature.

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Semper Fi

 

[ltjhoward]

I am a student at TBS and trust me, nobody cares if you drink. Just be friendly and fun, and things will go well for you. Most people think about religion and God here, and some practice their beliefs, but there is very little harsh judgement.

 

[Dolld]

This is very encouraging to see all of this discussion and concern about how people will be get a certain impression of what a Christian acts like. It is true that we are to represent Jesus and by looking down on people for what they do is not very Christ like. We are to build people up and show them the joy of a living a life free. Free from sin (not that we don't sin but that we've accepted Jesus' death on the cross to wash away our sins, making us sinless.) Some people don't know that tehy don't have to sin. We as Christians can be the Light in this dark world and prove that you have more fun without alochol or porn or etc. because those are simply imitations to what God has for us.
May God be with you in your Quest of the Marines.
In Christ.

 

[Bushmaster]

It is such a pleasure to come across a thread like this... I am so glad there are so many Christians in our military...

I am willing to enlist in the Navy and this was my question, too... Got my answers

EA-6B1, would you like to keep in touch?

 

[EA-6B1]

Good to go.

"For he who serves his fellows, is among his fellows greatest."
- Meteu -

 

[ghost_ttu]

I thought this was cool, hope you enjoy.

http://www.faithflashes.com/military.htm

Eliminate distractions, focus on your goals and visualize what you hope to accomplish.

 

[reapergm]

Random thought - My mother was a nun. No joke... for 9 years! Left the convent to have a family. Now her son wants to be a Marine! Seems almost ironic!

 

[plumberphil]

Wow...I didn't even realize this thread existed. It's definitely encouraging to know that Christian Officers in the Marine Corps are not as small a minority as I had thought. I've had a couple Navy buddys who were P-3 bubbas that went to OCF here at NAS JAX and enjoyed it. They're encouraging me to try it out once I get in.

Good stuff
Jake