The Spiritual Warfare Metaphor

St Anthony of Egypt in Spiritual Warfare

The metaphor of spiritual warfare is complicated in relation to the Army Chaplain Corps' pluralistic commitment.

Spiritual warfare was mentioned frequently at CHBOLC, especially in word-of-the-day messages. The applicability to military contexts is straightforward and powerful.

However, it may also be alienating. I wonder, "when you draw the spiritual battle lines, where am I?" The message could imply that non-Christian Soldiers are spiritual enemies.

My experience of this metaphor is a reflection of my particular Christian upbringing and the language and attitudes surrounding other faith traditions there. While limited, this experience is common among many former Christians and may be similar to non-Christians.