We bandy about military terminology quite a bit when talking about our faith – at least most guys that I know do. We do it because it fits very nicely into our psyche and well, because, you know, it sounds macho. Honestly a lot of it does speak to us in a way that makes sense and the gospel writers used the word “war” quite freely. Both Paul and James talk about the war that is within us. Romans 7:23 and James 4:1

As Christians, we have to understand that we are at war and that we need to have a war time mindset. If you are unsure what a “war time mindset” means then talk to some of the older folks that you may know who lived through WWII. Especially talk to those that lived along the coastline or in a major city like NY. I’m sure they will describe to you the constant need for vigil. It was drummed into them night and day no matter where they went. Through the radio, newspapers and billboards they were told to conserve everything; paper, metal, rubber, anything that could be recycled. Never gossip, you never knew who might be listening, and for goodness sake make sure those black out curtains were in place!

But we (Christians) aren’t at war with a physical, tangible enemy. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12

But, how often do we forget this in our unrighteous desire to have our religion and our moral values vindicated by the culture that we live in? If that’s how you find yourself thinking (and I personally do all too often) then please take the time to read this article by Frank Turk at Centurion Other Loudness. I picked up this post from the Internet Monk’s post – Jesus Has Left The Room: Pharisees, Zealots and Culture Warrior Youth Ministry. I have to say I’m in full agreement with iMonk when he says, “Frank Turk hits it into the upper deck on this story!”

Jesus didn’t come here, giving up His rightful place on the throne of Heaven and the active praise of creatures which will make you cry out in fear because they are flames of fire, and die on a cross so we can have a global America. Middle Class American culture is not the reason the Son of God spilled His own blood. He did not walk out of the tomb to hand you the keys to a new SUV or a house with a nice, flat sod yard.

Jesus came to die for sinners, and it wasn’t because He was angry but because of Love. It is because God loved the world that He gave His only son — you know: “for God so loved the world …”. “For” here means “because” or “on accout of”. So the smack-talk about war and opposing cultural terrorists is just as stupid as capitulating to a passive-aggressive culture which will just not talk to you if you disagree with them. Because you’re mean.
   Frank Turk

I bring all of this up because our church youth group is planning on going to Battle Cry when it’s at Nissan Pavilion in May.
Edited (04/12/2007)
I’m not planning on doing my normal soap box rant and question our kids involvement in this program. I know that overall the kids are going to have a great time of camaraderie, fellowship and plenty of cool music. I’m also sure that they are going to hear some very good speakers that may truly and honestly touch their souls.

So no, I’m not going to make waves about this. Instead based on Frank Turks post, I’m going to challenge the kids with what they hear at Battle Cry. In light of what scripture says I think Battle Cry is going to be an excellent avenue for some great discourse.

After listening to the Internet Monk’s podcast in which he reflects further on Battle Cry and after reading this post “Now lemme get this straight”, I’m having some serious second thoughts on what I wrote yesterday. And it comes down to this. At a time in life when a person is going through physiological stress and anxiety. When just trying to figure out what to wear to school can leave a girl in a panic. When the last year of high school is consumed with the questions of what am I going to do in life and where am I going to school. Why oh why would we/I want to subject my kids to this kind of rhetoric. That as iMonk points out just feeds on their already high strung emotions. It’s like winding up a top to a fury and then letting it fly willy nilly where ever…

That’s not what I want for my teens. It’s not what I want for the kids that I know from my church. I want them to hear the promises of God. I want them to know that no matter what situation they find themselves in God is ultimately in control and yes that means even over MTV. I want them to know that there is no reason to get angry and frustrated, at least not to the point where you feel totally helpless and you’re out of control. That’s just the opposite of the religion I’ve been taught. We (the Church) should be a calming influence in our children’s lives and that’s not all what I’m hearing in any of these articles in reference to Battle Cry.

So I’m afraid that I’m going to have to get on my soap box on this one. But not to rant and shout. There’s enough of that already going on. No, out of love, I need to talk to the youth ministry team and see if I can get them to understand my concerns.

To both: Michael and Frank. Thanks for such timely and thought provoking pieces. I pray that God uses the discussions that spring forth from your articles in powerful ways.