Feb. 22, 2015

Background Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Devotional Reading: Colossians 3:12-17

One of the things we often overlook is there are many passages in the Bible that are written not for eternity, but for the time being.

When my wife and I were writing the curriculum for our premarital program for First United Methodist Church in Dallas, I wanted to explore just what the Bible says about marriage. I discovered there is a lot in the Bible concerning marriage, including polygamy and concubines that would not fit into contemporary Christianity.

Another example is the concept of political freedom: there is virtually no room in the Bible for the concept of democracy, but that doesn’t mean Christians should choose monarchies or dictatorships over democracy. I believe the Good News of Jesus Christ is eternal, but I also acknowledge that the means of communicating and making it manifest in the world are constantly changing.

Over the years I have found some Christians holding that Ephesians 6:10-20 is a proof-text that justifies “Christian militancy.” There are also more texts if you are looking for them. It is amazing how many things can be charged to the Bible, if that is what you’re looking for.

Similarly you could make a case for plucking out your eyes if you believe they are responsible for your sins and have a strong effect on the rate of blindness in your church. So, the writer of Ephesians says: “Put on the whole armor of God. that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Mt. 6:11).

Whose might?

There are a surprising number of Christians who cite Ephesians 6:10-20 as justification  to interpret Christian discipleship in a militant manner.

There are other passages cited, but Ephesians 6 is the one specified by most.

It is best delivered and received as a metaphor, rather than a literal command. But for more than 2,000 years there have been great numbers who have interpreted or used it as a call to arms, as a justification for killing others, including – and maybe even “especially” – other Christians.

“Onward Christian Soldiers” is a great hymn, but for many people the emphasis is on “Soldiers” rather than “Christian.” Even among Christians  we put a strong emphasis on “don’t let anyone push you around!” But Jesus tells us: “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles” (Mt. 5:41).

Is Jesus out of step?

It is true the principal meaning of the Latin term “militants” refers to serving as a soldier . But it can also mean “to struggle” or “to make an effort.” So, when the term “the Church Militant” is used, it is the struggle against sin and the anticipation of heaven, the Church Triumphant, for which the struggle is accepted and endured.

In fact, this passage begins: “Finally be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Mt. 6:10). Notice he is not saying: “Grab a spear and kill a pagan.” God, not our own “toughness,” is the true source of our power and determination.

Faced with condemnation and the cross, Jesus did not call down the heavenly legions. And at the end of this passage, Ephesians tells us: “Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Mt. 6:18).

So, while I understand and honor the thought of which this term “the Church Militant” is representative, and that in Ephesians 6 it is used as a metaphor, I am reminded too often how tragically militant Christians have used the injunction in a way the writer of Ephesians surely did not intend.

Using the gospel

I am also aware, as all Christians should be, how often and how deeply Christians have acted militantly and blasphemed the Gospel, twisting the militancy of the Church and churches to gain moral ends with immoral means: the fourth century A.D. transformation of the Church from persecuted to persecutor, the unholy Holy Land Crusades, the Inquisition that made torture an infamous art, the decimation of New World native populations in the name of winning them to Christ, the Hundred Years War, the English Civil War and, in modern times, the vicious war between Protestants and Roman Catholics in Ireland and the rampant religious-based crimes against humanity and humanity’s God in the Balkans.

As Blaise Pascal has written: “Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.” But religious conviction does not justify irreligious hostility.

If Ephesians 6:10-20 confuses you, turn the light of Romans 12:17 on it: “Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought to what is noble in the sight of all.” The message of Ephesians 6:10-20 is just as important and valid today as it was when it was written: Don’t let the world prevail against the Good News of Jesus Christ.

And we might add, don’t become pagans in order to “protect” Christianity. What is at risk when we try to protect our faith? Answer: The power of the Gospel in our own lives and in the world around us.

Our problem with spiritual power as against temporal power is that we assume the former is a weak power, while the latter is strong. Militant anger is favored because it makes people feel “strong,” whereas love may be interpreted as “weakness.”

On the other hand, Albert Edward Day tells of a boy who was having his first love experience. “Are you sure you’re in love with her?” his father asked him.

“Indeed I am,” replied the son. “When I was kissing her good night, her dog bit me and I never felt it ‘til I got home!”

Love may take a little longer, but it also lasts a lot longer.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Those with questions or comments for Rev. Althouse may write to him in care of this publication.