Does being deployed to a 3rd world country change our religious beliefs and practices?

SPC Will Keller — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 20:47:39 -0500

I pray more, go to services more. When I was deployed I said grace more than I do while home.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2015 9:36 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 21:36:53 -0500

Yes, I think any situation with increased danger brings people closer to God. Even for those who don't currently believe in God, but especially for those who do. And the third world aspect of it ... we see that third world and how those folks live, and we thank God for all the blessings we have in the USA.

Response by SPC Mark Beard made Jan 24 at 2015 9:49 PM

SPC Mark Beard — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 21:49:30 -0500

yes but it should not change where you are are where you go you are seeing what you are takeing for granted when your out of country and your need to feel Gods protection and peace in this world there is danger everywhere continue to pray and go to church !!!! stay strong Brother mark sending

Response by SPC David S. made Jan 24 at 2015 9:55 PM

SPC David S. — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 21:55:51 -0500

I would bet many have found God on the battlefield. I see prayer as a way of drawing strength in times where one needs either comfort or fortitude.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2015 11:27 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 23:27:25 -0500

Personally, I didn't lose any more of my faith than that which i had already left behind, not knowing what to expect when I arrived. I saw plenty that would shatter the beliefs of some who weren't as religious, and some things that would probably have converted those who didn't believe in the first place.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 11:57 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 11:57:09 -0500

I think it does for most people, especially when human contact is limited. They will find something they can feel connected to in a time of loneliness, and since religion is the most readily available method, it is the one most often turned to.
I, personally, didn't have much change in my practices or beliefs when I deployed to Afghanistan. I adopted Asatru for a bit but quickly realized I was doing so just to have something other than "no-pref" on my ID tags (others in my unit had Satanist and Jedi Knight)

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Feb 3 at 2015 5:24 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 17:24:11 -0500

Sorry sir but not Only no But hell No. Might learn toleration, but not to change. But that me.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 3 at 2015 5:28 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 17:28:01 -0500

I can honestly say I have deployed to third world holes I mean countries and never once did my religious beliefs and practices change. Before deployment I was a non-practicing Catholic, during deployment I was non-practicing Catholic, and still today I am a non-practicing Catholic. I resigned myself to the fact that if I should die me the man upstairs would discuss it then. Just because I deployed I was not changing who I am or was.