Over the past editions of the magazine we included a series of articles on William Gurnall's "Christian in Complete Armour". With tongue in cheek we give a 20th century parody.
"And having done all to stand, stand therefore …" Which is, by interpretation, "Get one foot firmly planted in each camp, so that you will be able to 'Keep the balance' between right and wrong.
"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth." But, be careful that your "Girdle of Truth" isn't too tight! Remember, it must be wide enough to embrace every ecclesiastical notion in Christendom, and flexible enough to allow for the addition of "new" truth, or the subtraction of "old" while still giving the appearance of a well-clad warrior.
"And having on the breastplate of righteousness …" Not necessarily the type that strange old Christian, Mr. Valiant-for-truth wore. He was under the impression that his "breastplate" was made only and solely from the righteousness that he had through faith by Jesus Christ his Lord, and that the papish breastplate of righteousness by works was an abomination in the eyes of the Lord. However, in our own more enlightened day the "evangelical" warrior may adopt the new "comprehensive" lightweight model, which, although it has taken the "proofing" out of the Mr. Valiant-for-truth style, has, on the other hand, incorporated some features from the Vatican and can now be worn, either on the front, or on the back!
"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel …" The "ballet shoe" variety is much to be preferred to the old-fashioned fundamentalist "tackety-boot." Having your feet shod with the ballet shoe gospel it is then possible to spin so fast on your theological axis that you can almost face in every direction at the one time, while apparently remaining in the one fixed position!
"Above all, taking the shield of faith …" And as there is no "definite article" in the Greek here, then we need not understand it as "the shield of the faith" that was "once for all delivered to the saints," but simply "the shield of faith" in a general sense. Tom's faith, Dick's faith, Harry's faith – it doesn't really matter so long as you're holding something and so long as it gives the right illusion.
"And take the helmet of salvation." A plastic type is now available on the evangelical market and is highly recommended on account of the fact that it can be easily "moulded" into the shape of your theological allies at any given point. It is also highly camouflaged and bears no markings except where opportune, (these included in a plain brown envelope.)
"And the sword of the spirit." Perhaps the "scabbard" is less dangerous and few can tell the difference.
This Page Title – The 20th Century Christian Soldier The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 75 – placed on line November 2008 Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk |