I do not understand how they could meet, date and fall in love.

did he meet her at a uso canteen, a local bar, in the shopping mall?

did they have a romantic diner at the cafe iraq, go to a movie, discuss their future together at the local malt shoppe?

they both deserve anything and everything they get.

What is it that you are so confused about? They met while they were on guard duty at the Iraqi Health Ministry. ( a couple who met at their place of work, how bizarre.) They would date one another during off duty time. Pretty much the same as anyone else in the military would do. The only thing they did wrong was to have the wedding ceremony performed while on duty. On the other hand had their commander not tried to stand in the way of their wedding plans maybe they would have not done it as they did.

Her family does not want her to be married to an ex-Christian. I wouldn't want my daughter married to an ex-Christian, either.

eleltea

please explain "ex-christian"

my dtr-in-law is a born again christian. is my son ross an ex-jew. i saw no reason for either of them to change beliefs and neither did they.

i didn't know you had a daughter old enough to marry

kcody

i've done guard duty and i was required to be alert and attentive at all times. the idea of flirting with anyone would never have entered my mind.

and i was only on guam, not a real hot spot of war in the mid 50's.

either way i still wish them good luck.

Rick, it's no fun if I have to explain it.

I do not have a daughter. If I did, she could marry anyone she wanted except a muslim who used to be a Christian, which whould be over my dead body.

Before anyone yells at me for being a bigot, which of course I might be, keep in mind this is hypothetical and half in jest on my part, but is the true position of the new bride's family, who want her divorced from her ex-Christian groom, and on those grounds.

So he is a muslim convert? First time I have heard the term ex-christian.

****Threadjack On****

I was an ex-christian, for 10 years, I was a druid. I also explored other religions, before going back to Christianity. I left my original church, Southern Baptist, because of the blatent hypocracy and judgemental attitude of my church, not the whole SBC, just my home church. I have since learned, that Christ is the answer to so many of my problems, not addressed by other religions. I realizes that it was not christianity that I was running from, but organised religion. I see a correlation between organised religion, and hatred to others with differing religous views. Completely against the teachings of Christ. I have studied the Bible, and believe that I cannot sit in judgement of others, as I am a sinner as well. The Bible has a word for people who do. Pharisees. Though I am probably misspelling it. My beliefs are between me and God, and the only way I promote my beliefs, is through trying to Live as Christ would have me live. My only testament is through living, unless someone asks, about my beliefs. We, as christians need to quit judging others, I know very hard to do. Lead by example, not by criticizing others, or persecuting those with different beliefs. And by telling, any who ask, about the Love that Christ holds in store for them. But Not forcing it down their throat.

Here, in America, we have both Freedom of religion, and Freedom from religion. Tolerance of other beliefs, and lack of belief, is the cornerstone for this freedom. We cannot legislate Morals, or we endanger the religous freedoms we enjoy as Americans. And In my opinion, Jesus taught tolerance.

****Threadjack Off****

As for the married couple. If they were married, while either was on duty, then they should be punished, as military regs. require.

Later

Dave (A.K.A. Homebrew)

Any room for a Satan worshiper? :~)

Homebrew

thank you for telling your story. i'm glad you have found peace with yourself.

eleltea

but not until he has bought them a new refrigerator, washing machine, and a good used car.

Rick. Of course. But that was understood. ;o)

(This minor agreement does not count toward the cigar deal)

the botton lines is I told BOTH my daughters they may date and get married as soon as I die!!

Smoke'em if Ya got'em, and I know You do 🙂

Being an ex-christian myself, I can understand why someone might not want their daughter to be married to me. That being said, I think its OK to get married during your work day...BUT ONLY IF YOU DO IT DURING YOUR FIVE MINUTE BREAK. I could preform a marriage ceremony faster than most could urinate.

Homebrew:

Your comments and philosophical approach on this are right on. Good job summarizing the issue. We are in the same camp on this one.