148. War-themed ministries.

If you are a man, you have roughly two options when it comes to joining a men’s group, you can be a “warrior” or a “hero warrior.” They are very similar and really only differ in beard length. That is an exaggeration, the beard is the same, but the idea that we Christians love getting battle flavored on you isn’t. From John Eldredge and the Band of Brothers to the hardcore organization, Battle Cry, we prefer our ministries with dog tags and swords.

It starts when you’re little and learn the song, “I’m in the Lord’s army.” Then you join a youth group for guys that has battle plans. Ours was called “the Haminators,” named of course after Hami, the toughest kid at youth group. And then you watch Braveheart and the Matrix with some Christian friends and it’s all over. The war is on.

I don’t think this is a bad thing. The Bible is jam packed with battle analogies and speaks deeply to the idea that there is a war going on. War and the idea of a struggle hang on many, many verses in the Bible.

Does that mean when we refuse to watch the Hills on MTV we have “launched a grenade of denial in the culture war?” That’s debatable.

Update: Please read the anonymous quote below left at 3:58. It is brilliant. I am regularly blown away at the awesomeacity of the comments people leave. Honestly, this is great.