Dominus Deus Sabaoth

Here’s another dyspeptic observation from the inimitable “Diogenes,” posted under “Onward Christian Facilitators”:

We sang “Lift High the Cross” at Mass on Sunday. Unless I’m mistaken, the “hosts of God” who once combined in “conquering ranks” have now become “glorious ranks.” No doubt that is to reassure everyone that we Christians aren’t in the conquering business anymore. Is anyone out there really worried about being conquered by Christians?

Still, “glorious” doesn’t sound quite right to me. I wonder whether we could combine in “vibrant” ranks.

Better yet, get rid of those “ranks” altogether. The image is far too military. I can foresee: “the hosts of God in dialogue combine.”

Granted, Christian polemicists in the culture war have an unfortunate tendency to forget that our struggle “is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph. 6:12). Ultimately, we are to view no fellow human being as an enemy. But Christian life still does involve unrelenting struggle that demands a martial mentality. Departing from military metaphors for our service to the Lord of Hosts doesn’t just affront the literary sensibilities of fogies like “Diogenes” and me (unspeakably wicked as that is) but encourages a truly dangerous spiritual complacency.