Warrior Christians

So I was struck by a post on the Stuff Christians Like blog about the popularity of Warrior (hunter, other very manly things) themed conferences, books, men's groups, retreats, etc. In addition to that, the guys at Rethinking Youth Ministry have had a couple posts about the inflammatory Mark Driscoll view about the church becoming "chick-ified" and a youth Boot Camp for Christ. And, in the share and share alike spirit of the blogosphere, I thought I'd add my thought on this phenomenon.

I see a few issues with it. Primarily, I don't see how stereotypical masculinity, or machismo, is seen as biblical. Christ, as the quintessential man, kept himself from violence. During the Passion and crucifixion, he could have appealed to the centurions' warrior nature, converted them, and led them in a revolt against the Sanhedrin. Before His death, He could easily have called his followers up in rebellion against Rome. What a religious uprising that would have been.

Another issue is that while the New Testament often talks of spiritual warfare and the armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18), God often works the most through brokenness, not bravery. I can't imagine Mark Driscoll or any of these macho men extolling the virtues of brokenness, or true humility, or mercy. Christ was committed to peace, both in His life and His death. He forgave the sinners, befriended the outcasts and untouchables; He engaged the Pharisees in verbal sparring, but never rose to their threats; He taught "Love Thine Enemy, and pray for those that persecute you" (Matt. 5:44). Can you imagine these macho men, so concerned about being chickified, or being thought gay, talking about "loving" their enemy?

A final, more surface issue, is that the entire issue of self-image (both for men and the church as feminine) is beside the point. The church should not be squabbling about whether to paint over the seafoam green and lemon yellow walls because it's girlie and men don't want to be seen in it. You are missing the point, people. The point is Christ. The point is not about pandering to our fallen, prideful ideas of masculinity, or warriors, or battlefield strategists, or even which colors are feminine. The point is that we are broken before the cross of Christ and before the life of Christ; that we are the worst of sinners and have no right to judge our brothers; and that we are to love those who would do battle against us, not engage them in warfare. Now, let's all stop talking about irrelevant things that only cause schisms in the church and give each other a hug; or maybe just a quick, one-armed, man-hug kind of thing. Or maybe just a handshake, because, y'know, hugging is for chicks.