Martial spirituality

[bardegaulois]

Bear in mind that I’m talking “martial,” as in related to war or military matters, and not “marital” as in related to marriage. It’s odd that those two words should be very close anagrams, since they seem to describe two very prominent spiritual styles.

Perhaps it’s best to ask the broadest question and to clarify more later if needed: What do you think a martial or military spirituality would look like? Are there any sources that might elaborate on this somewhat?

 

[BlueKnight]

Since the beginning, before man was even created, there was violence in heaven.

The highest cherubim named Lucifer was cast down my a simple archangel named Michael who challenged Lucifers claim that he was like the most high with the response “who is like God.”

This caused a re organization of heavens Hierarchy. Those who responded to God with the most love and joy were elevated while those who rebelled were cast out.

All through the Old Testament we find examples of battles fought by Gods chosen people.

We find Caleb and Joshua ready to even battle giants to gain the promised land.

The Hebrews when in battle won when Moses raised his staff.

We learn that when God sets up the first Hebrew monarchy the king is instructed not to raise a great army, not to build up wealth, and to keep only one wife.

All because victory comes from fidelity to God, not in numbers, wealth, or earthly prosperity.

We also know that one angel killed over 180,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night because of the threat and blasphemy of one Assyrian General.

The book of Ephesians talks about the armor of Elijah.

The biblical victories and failures in battles depicts clearly the nature of military victories and defeats.

Bk

 

[ChibiViolet]

Since the beginning, before man was even created, there was violence in heaven.

The highest cherubim named Lucifer

Bk

Lucifer is a fallen seraphim (and not that it really matters, but an exorcist once said that he no longer goes by that name.)

 

[ChibiViolet]

We are all in a battle against demons, whether we realize it or not and whether we choose it or not (as long as we are in this world anyway. There’s always at least some good in everyone as long as they are on Earth so yes, I even refer to those who directly worship them when I say this.) I’ve often sensed it in my life, but have heard that that is not a common experience–that it’s not even common to sense them at all. Sometimes sensing them gives me the advantage and sometimes it gives them the advantage. These days, it’s not too hard to avoid giving into direct temptation, but it used to be REALLY hard (I mean, depending on what it is exactly they were trying to get me to do, but of course, they are very good at seeing what a particular individual is capable of.)

Of course, most temptation is not sensed as coming from them, even if it directly does, for most people, but the source is not the important thing. The important thing is to try and avoid temptations to sin (at the very least near occasions of mortal ones, though preferably all that can possibly be avoided.)

 

[bardegaulois]

Thanks for the replies.

Somehow I suspected that the whole idea of battle against demons would figure prominently in the replies, but I was thinking something a little different, perhaps something a little more basic. I once heard the military described as a school of hard work, only a fraction of whose members ever see combat, and even those usually for only a certain time of their service. Outside of that that, there’s a lot of labor and a lot of training, to prepare for any looming battles or emergencies.

I think somewhat of the centurion, a military officer, telling Christ that he was a man of authority, as he knew authority, being one who consistently issued and received orders. So perhaps a better way to put this might be in terms of authority and orders: accomplishing the duties one is ordered to do effectively, serving as a solicitious commander or supervisor if ordered to do that, building that sense of purpose that so marks military (and police and firefighting) units, and so forth. It’s certainly masculine, no doubt, stressing the suppression of base desires, great courage in the face of danger, , and the giving up of one’s own interests or wishes in order to help others or to advance Mother Church’s cause. It’s more as though the virtue to see that there’s much to be done in the Church and in the world, and then to apply oneself to it with zeal and vigor, like so many crusaders, missionaries, and martyrs of old.

That’s closer to what I’m trying to get at.

 

[mh2007]

It sounds like you might enjoy reading about the formation of different Orders, such as the Jesuits (Ignatius of Loyola was a military man). Perhaps the Order of St. Benedict, and many others.

Dedicating purposeful time, attention, focus, and prayer becomes more than a habit. It becomes a way of life - applied to your mission. We need to have more than a philosophy of life. We need to embrace a mission, purpose, etc.

God Bless You.

 

[bardegaulois]

Mh2007, you’ve got it. The foundation of many of these orders was a very bold and audacious response (more theologically correct: a heroic response to God’s bold and audacious grace) to definite needs in the Church and in society, in addition to creating a school of Christian perfection.

I see the foundations of such great and noble bodies as a significant inspiration. The question, however, is how does the same mindset that gave rise to these operate in our present time, as maddening and chaotic as it is.

 

[Mystical_Seeker]

Unless it’s a technical term, “martial spirituality” makes me think – “don’t sin or you’ll go to hell.”

As opposed to – yes we have all sinned, so let us forgive ourselves and each other as Christ showed us?

Like: I desire mercy not sacrifice.