Newly established Agnostic

[JudgeMagister]

Good evening from Kuwait.

I sit here in my living area alongside 49 of my close peers in the US Air Force. We live in a sort of structure that I can only describe as a large garage with no walls. I'm part of a convoy team that goes into Iraq and assists in the drawdown and ending the occupation (like that will ever happen). I'm a very rare person in the US military in that I do not 'pray' with my peers in the prayer circle before we cross north over the Kuwaiti border and into the vast desert. While my team prays after the safety briefing, I very patiently stand aside in the dark and watch and wait for them. Never do I push my thoughts and beliefs onto them as this really intimidates them. I have been asked on many occasions exactly what I believe in and I usually don't respond. I still have a hard time dealing with my friends who ask me questions on why I don't want to be saved or whatever. It doesn't bother me too much but I feel as if I am frowned upon or might cause 'misfortune' to my team in times of great danger on the roads of Iraq. (Yes. They have singled me out whenever something bad happened but in a joking way.) It's not that bad however it DOES get old.

I was raised Christian since I was born and frequently attended church functions as a child. Both of my parents do not attend church anymore but constantly pray for me which is understandable. I have only recently told my mother about my complete lack of faith which really hurt her. I haven't really said anything to my father but most likely will if it ever comes up. I refuse to say anything about it to my very fundamental grandparents as it would likely cause them extreme stress and at their age this would be unhealthy for them physically.

Only recently, maybe two years ago, I became very interested in theoretical physics and psychology. I also like to privately research astronomy and science. Opening up my mind to many things like that caused me to slowly open up to everything around me. Also, war and world affairs has caused me to look at the Bible in a very different way. I think many people may know what I mean by that.

I'd like to mention that I had found out about these forums at moderator Will's home when I visited. Must have been a year and a half ago? Very good friends with him since High School when we were in marching band.

Nice to meet you all.

[pinkocommie]

Welcome!  I hope you like it here.  

[McQ]

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your service. When do you get to come home? Also, thanks for the intro. Former U.S. Army myself. 24th Infantry Division (no longer in existence). Your experience sounds like a typical, frustrating one that we have. At least your friends don't outright shun you, so that's a positive.

Nice to know you're Will's friend. He's a good man.

[JudgeMagister]

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your service. When do you get to come home? Also, thanks for the intro. Former U.S. Army myself. 24th Infantry Division (no longer in existence). Your experience sounds like a typical, frustrating one that we have.

Thanks! I currently work with the 1st Sustainment Brigade 7th Trans Battalion in the US Army. I'm done with my tour in October when I will go back to my home station in Tokyo.

[Recusant]

Hello and welcome to HAF, JudgeMagister.  My dad was Army, but for some reason, the 3 of my siblings that went into the military chose the Air Force.  (Actually, counting those brought into the family by marriage, I have six close Air Force relatives. One single, two couples, and one Air Force/civilian.) Thank you for what you do; I have a lot of respect for those who put their lives on the line to serve their country.    

It's great to hear that you only get good-natured guff for your agnosticism/non-participation in prayer groups. I would say that indicates your comrades have respect for you as a person, which is a good thing to know.

Best wishes for your safe return to your home base!

[skwurll]

Welcome to the forums!  

[The Magic Pudding]

Welcome and good luck, or should I say propitious outcomes?
No I'll stick with good luck.

[Thumpalumpacus]

Welcome to the forum.

I'm an AF vet of Desert Storm  (firefighter, 571xx, 7th BW out of Carswell), who was openly atheist, and I'm sorry to hear that your experience is so different from mine; I wish you the best, both professionally and personally, and hope like hell you come home safely.

Some of my most-cherished memories of service were the after-duty-hours BS sessions with a few of the guys vigorously debating religion, in good humor and sharp mind.  It's a bummer you don't seem to have that, but perhaps it depends on the unit and the guys.

Thanks for your service.  Fly, fight, and win, brotha.

[Tank]

Welcome to the forum from a Brit across the pond.

Regards
Chris