Posted on 06/30/2011 4:49:27 PM PDT by stfassisi
True Soldiers in the Church Militant
 King St. Louis IX of France led the seventh and eighth crusades. He enforced strict military regulations against killing noncombatants and prisoners, holding the conversion and baptism of infidels among the highest of priorities. As a child, his mother would often say to him: "I love you my dear son, as much as a mother can love her child; but I would rather see you dead at my feet than that you should commit a mortal sin." |
Spiritual warfare in modern times
The body of faithful which comprises the Catholic Church is divided into three parts: the Church Triumphant (souls in heaven), the Church Suffering (souls in purgatory) and the Church Militant (faithful on earth).1 The Church Militant has been defined as:
It is useful to consider the military metaphors contained in such a definition. As Catholics, our lives should not be seen as "business as usual" but warfare — "constant warfare". We are not regular citizens or noncombatants, but soldiers in the war against Satan; a war which has both spiritual and physical dimensions.
All soldiers are called to a particular cause, traditionally the glory of a king, emperor or state. As Catholics soldiers, we are called to fight for the glory of Christ the King and the triumph of His will. We must follow His commandments, receive His sacraments and carry out His directive to convert all nations. While a worldly soldier is concerned with physical warfare, a Christian soldier is involved in a struggle infinitely more important — the spiritual battle for the salvation of souls.
Enemies of a Christian soldier
Just as "soldier" and "warfare" take on different meanings in the context of the Church Militant, so does the term "enemy". The only enemy of Christians is and has always been Satan, but because of his powers, he must be fought both internally and externally (or spiritually and naturally). He is our spiritual enemy when we tempts each of us internally and our natural enemy when he works through other men to subvert the will of God. Since, he is capable of deceiving and tempting every person on earth, he can make accomplices or slaves of men without their explicit knowledge. Such men can be referred to as our "human enemies".
This is an important distinction to make because if Satan rather than an individual human is the true enemy, how we face battle and evaluate victory are very different. Unlike worldly soldiers, we are commanded by our Lord to love our enemies.
 St. Michael the Archangel has been battling Satan since the Fall of the Angels. |
Therefore, we must always seek that which is best for our human enemies — not their worldly comforts or success, but their eternal salvation. This is not to say the only end to our efforts is conversion since a "victory" occurs every time the desires of Satan is thwarted. And since his desires are always opposed to God's will, a victory is also each instance in which His divine will is done. Both Christ and His Mother have repeatedly told their children that all sins (even by non-Catholics) offend their respective Sacred and Immaculate Hearts. Christ's soldiers must fight to prevent any and every such offense, even if the offenders are not converted. Conversion however remains the surest and most effective way to ensure such offensives will not be committed again.
The human enemies of the Church can usually be divided into two groups — public and private enemies. Public enemies openly declare war on and attempt to carry out the destruction of the Faith or the faithful. Historically, such human enemies have included Jews, Muslims, Protestants, Freemasons and Communists.
Private enemies are those who either do not admit to (secret enemies) or do not realize (deluded enemies) their destructive intentions. These are the most difficult enemies to recognize, let alone fight. They are usually outwardly benign or "well-intentioned" people and are comprised mostly of schismatics, heretics, liberals, modernists and humanists. Their ranks include men and women, young and old, clergy and laity who cloak themselves in acts of human charity and prideful piety which only serve to confuse and seduce others. They are enemies of the Church because they spread defiance of God's laws and undermine his Church through heresy, disobedience or indifference.
They are the atheists who consider Christ to be no more than an example of tolerance, cooperation and kindness.
They are the humanists who see no need for "religion" unless it can be useful in preventing poverty and war.
They are the naturalists who perform the corporal works of mercy while rejecting the spiritual and see no use for monastic life unless it accomplishes some humanitarian goal.
They are the heretics who claim to follow God's commandments but reject the revealed Truth entrusted to His Church.
They are the modernists who seek to "evolve" or "renew" the beliefs and practices of the Church in order to "better accommodate" the changing times.
They are the abortionists who lovingly care for newborn infants days after they would have them brutally murdered.
They are the schismatics who claim for themselves apostolic succession but openly defy the successor of the Prince of the Apostles.
They are the pagans that sleep and work, laugh and cry, live and die according to the dictates of their conscience which is constantly adjusted by their environment.
These are the human enemies Satan puts in our path and how we choose to respond to them is what defines the true soldiers in the Church Militant.
The Church Militant and the modern world
 Joseph M. Scheidler is National Director of the Pro-Life Action League and one of the few modern martyrs in North America. His organization has faced lawsuits from the National Organization for Women (NOW) under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act — legislation designed to combat organized crime. |
Needless to say, today's Church Militant is plagued with indifference. Too many soldiers of Christ would rather not fight their enemies because the immediate costs in comfort and human respect are too high. When they witness God being insulted through blasphemy, heresy or denial of His law, they are content to remain silent, denying their love for Him. When questioned directly, they may defend God but only in an equivocal way, depending on how much the opinion of the interrogator means to them.
This is not a "constant warfare", it is a surrender! Soldiers don't sit hiding in the bushes, waiting for someone to accidentally discover them before coming out to fight. They know exactly where the battlefield is and go in earnest to join the war effort. Everyone they make contact with knows not only that they are soldiers but that for which they fight.
Since the beginning of time, Satan has successfully used human respect and pride to tempt the faithful into silence and defiance. How many marriages have been destroyed, profanities been committed, children been aborted, blasphemies been encouraged and souls been eternally lost to Satan because people who knew right from wrong kept silent, putting too much value in human respect? They are more worried about being seen as different or "intolerant" or childish in the eyes of sinners than virtuous in the eyes of God. However subtle this brand of "persecution" may be, the struggle between God's will and man's has always existed. It is why Christ told us in the Sermon on the Mount:
And repeated by St. John Vianney:
Catholic soldiers cannot remain silent in the face of evil and they cannot run from it in hope for better days. We must fight for the Faith at all times, especially when we are facing persecution. Our human enemies need to know that we hold and defend the Truth, even if they hate us for it. The history of Christendom is filled with saints and martyrs who chose torture and death rather than denying Christ or His Church. They could have saved their lives by going along with the popular errors of the day — be it paganism, Freemasonry, Communism or Islam, but they refused and were eternally rewarded. As beautifully expressed in the words of Blessed Sister Marie-Anne Vaillot, a martyr of the French Revolution who refused to take a masonic oath:
 St. Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orleans was an inspirational soldier during the Hundred Years War. She was guided by angels and saints from heaven but was burned at the stake after a mock trial. Among her "crimes" was a refusal to adequately submit to the "Church Militant", a phrase with which she was unfamiliar. |
These days, in most Western countries such courage and dedication is almost non-existent, even though the consequences are much less severe. Many Catholics will deny Christ rather than risk feeling "awkward" or "uncomfortable" in the presence of pagans. They care more about what the faithless think of them than what God does. How many Catholics today would be willingly burned at the stake rather than deny their Faith? What's the use of forcing a denial that is gladly and repeatedly welcomed almost every day?
The dangers of supernatural warfare
Getting caught up in battles against heretics and abortionists, it's easy and dangerous to lose sight of the supernatural aspect of the conflict. Satan and the powers of darkness are fighting to ruin every mortal soul, especially those devoted to Christ. This battle isn't just between the Catholics and non-Catholics, but between good and evil, Christ and Satan.
As such, the ways we can fall are varied. Not only can we be defeated through our own tendencies toward doubt or indifference, but also by giving into the zeal of the battle. Too often, humble soldiers fighting for the will of God give way to the vices of pride and anger. We must not lose sight of the true enemy (Satan) and the true goal (the triumph of God's will). In fighting one error, we must not fall victim to another.
Since this is a supernatural battle, we must use the supernatural weapons heaven has given to us. The Mother of God has given us the Most Holy Rosary and the Brown Scapular to assist in our mission. We also have the teaching of the Church Fathers and Catechism of Trent which prepare us to recognize error when it is encountered. We have the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass which is hated by Satan above all, so much so that modern times have seen it subjected to his destructive power. We have been given the other sacraments which give us access to the most precious gift of grace, especially the sacrament of Penance.
Above all else, those fighting for the Christ's Church must never neglect regular prayer and sacrifice. To do so is to fall in to the very errors of the naturalists against which we fight. We cannot inadvertently become allies in the propagation of supernatural indifference. For it is only through the mercy of God and in a State of Grace that we will prevail.
Ancient advice for modern times
 St. Martin de Tours, a Roman soldier born of pagan parents would go on to become a monk, a bishop and the Patron Saint of France. |
For a reminder on how Catholics are called to live their lives and relate to the world, we will always be able to turn to the timeless words of St. Justin Martyr:
They live in the flesh but not according to the flesh. They dwell on earth but regard heaven as their city. They follow established law but in their way of life, go beyond what the law requires. They love all and everybody persecutes them. No one knows them, while all condemn them; they are put to death and still are very much alive.
To put it all briefly: What the soul is to the body, Christians are to the world. The soul is present in all the body's members; so are Christians in the world's cities. The soul dwells in the body but does not originate from it; Christians live in the world but do not have their origin there. The invisible soul abides in the visible body; Christians are seen as living in the world, but their piety is invisible. On the other hand, the body, though it suffers nothing from the soul, hates it and makes war upon it because it cannot enjoy its pleasures in peace; the world suffers nothing from Christians but hates them because they reject its pleasures.
The soul loves the flesh and members which hate it; so do Christians love those who hate them. The soul is enclosed in the body but it contains the body; Christians must remain in the world as in a prison, but they contain the world. The immortal soul dwells in a mortal home; Christians are pilgrims in a corruptible world while they look forward to heavenly immortality. God has set them in the world as His sentinels and they may not leave their posts." 5
The language sounds harsh, unless you compare it to what we see on occassion on these threads. :)
But, if protestants are not against the Church, then what is the point? If you’re against the Church - oppose it and it’s teaching, then I think “enemy” is a correct term.
St. Louis
St. Michael
St. Joan of Arc
St. Martin De Tours
Do you claim that Pope Benedict XVI holds all Protestants to be an enemy of the Church?
“The hard core protestant that believes the reformation was necessary is an enemy of Christ and His Church.”
Nonsense. Christ is my personal Savior. Is He yours? As one of His, I am part of the body of Chirst - the only Church He recognizes.
Any break from unity is NOT from God and the Reformation has no unity within itself or all protestants would all be Lutherans.
“But he seeing their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself, shall be brought to desolation, and house upon house shall fall.-Luke 11:17
Luther’s kingdom has fallen!
Good Night ,I wish you a Blessed evening!
From New Advent: Ignorance is said to be invincible when a person is unable to rid himself of it notwithstanding the employment of moral diligence, that is, such as under the circumstances is, morally speaking, possible and obligatory.
So, rather than bookend Invincible ignorant and hard core protestant, please let me restate my question with the above definition.
Do you claim that Pope Benedict XVI holds all Protestants to be contained in the group of Invincible ignorant?
Eccliastes 3
“A time for peace and a time for war.”
If the alternative is heresy, yes, there is a need for Reformation.
And as a “hardcore” Protestant, I rather doubt seriously that you are wishing me a blessed anything. Your hatred for anyone who is not Catholic and does not adhere to your beliefs is all too palpable. I will pray for you.
The church isn’t in the O.T. (Eph); and the context of Solomon’s verse is experiential observation— not stating doctrine.
Hermaneutics.
Did you ever hear of or study typology?
Ot’s applying the Old Testament to the New Testament.
There IS such a thing as JUST war.
You are correct. we are brothers in Christ.
the Pope has affirmed that we will see Protestant brothers in Heaven.
but, the original statement, did NOT say ALL were enemies. (and, it also said “Jews”, but i noted NO ONE objected to that...)
“...such human enemies have included ...”
and certainly SOME of each of those groups, have been enemies.
any Protestant who calls me brother, i join in saying “Jesus is Lord”. but, MANY protestants have attacked me and my child, and told us we are going to Hell.
...and i am honored to know many Protestants and Baptists, who are BETTER Christians than me.
but, i do not include Luther in that.
if you read his OWN words, he is a hater of Jews beyond compare. a hater of science. and quotes from him about women, are beyond insulting, compared to what the Bible teachings about wives and women in Ephesians, Corinthians, and Proverbs 31.
http://articles.exchristian.net/2002/04/martin-luther-quotes.php
http://www.positiveatheism.org/hist/quotes/luther.htm
Most Baptists I know, respect Jews and Israel.
but if one like Luther, says their houses should be burned, etc., then yes, i DO call them an enemy of the Church of Jesus.
again, the original statement said “includes”, it did not say “all”.
and we DO need more Christian unity. which is why i respect ANY Christian, from any church, who doesn’t tell me that my child is going to Hell, for being Catholic.
(my child took communion at the Papal Mass. it was a perfect day. until we left the stadium. and people with BULLHORNS and large signs were saying all Catholics go to Hell, and the Pope is the anti-Christ.
HOW would you like to explain that, to YOUR child ?!?)
Sure, I’ve studied typology. But the church isn’t a “type” in the O.T. when the Bible specifically states that the church is NOT in the Hebrew Scriptures. Read Ephesians.
I believe there are just wars. But the church doesn’t wage physical war— it goes 100% against the teachings of Christ for and during the Church Age.
Solomon could justifiably observe in ECC of times of war and peace from his father David (and even before): his viewpoint was from a theocratic monarchy. God told Israel when to go to war. Interestingly, Israel was punished when David did an unauthorized census.
I appreciate your opinion. I run off of “Basic Bible Interpretation” by Roy Zuck, and a few others.
a Baptist school, is the only non-public school i can afford.
my child has come home in tears more than once, because of the hatred of Catholics expressed there.
(they don’t know my child is Catholic.)
i asked my child, and they NEVER condemn or criticise Islam, which IS the religion of Satan himself.
i don’t personally know ANY Catholic who hates Baptists.
NOT ONE !
but even in the military when i was on funeral honor guard for a year, there was constant anti-catholic remarks.
i have personally experienced MUCH hate FROM Baptists.
yet even within the past few years, i have respectfully attended services with Baptist friends at their church.
...i freely admit, many of them are BETTER Christians than me, with a better chance of gaining Heaven.
And now, when there are almost 2 billion Muslims, is when we MOST need Christians of all churches, to unite and say “Jesus is Lord”.
and you will forgive me, if i think the Episcopals and Anglicans returning not individually, but as entire churches, is a good thing. And i pray soon the Orthodox will also soon reunite, with what i believe is the Universal church of Jesus.
Then he is wrong. The hard core Roman Catholics that believe "their" church is the ONE, ONLY, TRUE church of Christ ignore their OWN Scriptures that clearly describe that the church of Christ is a spiritual body made of ALL believers in Christ regardless of the nameplate over the house of worship's door.
The Reformation, as you MUST know, sought to steer the Roman Catholic Church BACK to the orthodoxy of the first century. Centuries of wealth, power, worldly recognition and secular deference made "her" full of greed, lust, debauchery, murder, theft and bribery. The church that laid such claim to exclusivity ruled with horrible tyranny and completely forgot where and why the church was instituted in the first place. It's "duty" was NOT to conquer sin but to win sinners to Christ. She forgot that once this happened the heart of the redeemed was reborn and was indwelt with the very Holy Spirit of God that even enabled true piety and holiness. The reformation succeeded in that at least some of the wrong being committed by the clergy was stemmed but where it needed to be changed the most, the Catholic Church refused the discipline of God and the men and women who dared to challenge the church to change, were instead anathematized and persecuted and some were murdered. A far cry from the True Church Christ created.
Sadly, most of the false teachings of Rome have not been corrected but thank God the TRUE CHURCH - that spiritual body of Christ - continues and more souls are still being won through the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ who saves by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone for the glory of God alone!
The Church is right or wrong compared to YOUR interpretation of Holy Scripture.
To get to the true Christian faith, do we just accede to BB, or do we take a vote of Protestants?
Doesn’t work, FRiend, except as a Church of individuals and a faith of individuals. There’s no Church there.
Have you ever heard of the Battles of Lepanto where the Moslems were invading Europe?
Prayer, specifically saying the Rosary, help those defending Europe defeat the Moslems.
I have one more question for you. Are you a democrat that you don’t support war?
That depends. If he clings to Unam Sanctum a papal "bull" (appropriate) from Pope Boniface VIII. It "lays down dogmatic propositions on the unity of the Catholic Church, the necessity of belonging to it for eternal salvation, the position of the pope as supreme head of the Church, and the duty thence arising of submission to the pope in order to belong to the Church and thus to attain salvation." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unam_sanctam.
If he instead clings to Vatican II the twenty-first Ecumenical Council which closed in 1965. BTW the current Pope (Benedict) was one of those who worked on the development of this work. One of the major documents resulting from this council was called Lumen Gentium. One of the key portions of Lumen Gentium is its second chapter, with its declaration that the Church is "the People of God":
At all times and in every race God has given welcome to who so ever fears Him and does what is right. God, however, does not make men holy and save them merely as individuals, without bond or link between one another. Rather has it pleased Him to bring men together as one people, a people which acknowledges Him in truth and serves Him in holiness… Christ instituted this new covenant, the new testament, that is to say, in His Blood, calling together a people made up of Jew and gentile, making them one, not according to the flesh but in the Spirit. This was to be the new People of God. For those who believe in Christ, who are reborn not from a perishable but from an imperishable seed through the word of the living God, not from the flesh but from water and the Holy Spirit, are finally established as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people . . . who in times past were not a people, but are now the people of God". (Lumen gentium, 9) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumen_Gentium
It also states: All human beings are called to belong to the Church. Not all are fully incorporated into the Church, but "the Church knows that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who are honored by the name of Christ, but who do not however profess the Catholic faith in its entirety or have not preserved unity or communion under the successor of Peter" (Lumen gentium, 15). In addition, the Church declares the possibility of Salvation for non-Christians and even non-deists.
So, I would say, no, the current Pope probably doesn't consider us Protestants to be invincibly ignorant, and even, thank God, allows that we can indeed be saved by Christ outside of the Catholic Church. What is most curious is their admission that even non-Christians can be saved - if they do enough good works. How they sometimes get around directly answering things in diplo-speak is in referring to the catholic Church - which means the universal church of ALL Christians. They even go so far as to recognize the Eastern Orthodox Church as well as other Orthodox churches as also being a part of this universal church.
First I want to say that I am sorry for any hurtful experiences you and your son have had. I truly am. I live in a state that is traditionally Catholic and while I am Southern Baptist I have never experienced the kind of vitriol aimed at Protestants (or Catholics) that I have experienced here. It truly is astonishing to me. In my state we live side by side and I truly had no idea that there were still Catholics who believed you were a heretic if you weren’t Catholic, that you were somehow the “enemy of Christ”, that one needed to “come home” to Catholicism, take pride in Catholicism, etc... I find it truly astonishing - and yes, frankly deeply offensive, unBiblical and wrong-headed. Anyone who puts their faith in something other than Christ and holds it dearer than Christ — be it membership in a specific denomination (be it the Roman Catholic Church, as some here are doing, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, etc.), money, fame, whatever — is also engaging in heretical worship - and that is also Satanic. It is, in essence, a form of idolatry.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.