Mention the Knights Templar to most people these days and the chances are, if they knew what you were talking about at all, they would assume you were referring to a new book by Dan Brown. If they were a bit better read, they might engage you in a conversation about the crusades and the immorality of invading a foreign country in the name of God (this may lead to a follow up conversation about a certain American president's attitude towards Middle Eastern, 'dangerous', oil-producing countries). However, I've read stuff recently (Desmond Seward's Monks of War) that has got me thinking the Knights Templar, Knights of St. John, Knights Who Say Ni and other European military orders of the Middle Ages have got something to say for a 21st century faith community.Now before anyone accuses me of being a closet supporter of Nick Griffin, let me explain. The Knightly Orders were first and foremost monks, following all the ascetic rigours of their non-military brethren. The first order, the Order of the Temple, was founded by a chap named Hugues de Payens and grew from a group of ragged knights that Hugues had put together in 1118 to guard the monastic hospitals in and around Jerusalem. The 'Poor Knights' became a monastic order when St Bernard of Clairvaux composed a rule for them in 1123. Thus they had two vocations - to pray and to fight.
What the Templars did - killing in the name of God, is reprehensible to anyone with any understanding of the Bible, God and common goodness. This was even recognised by some at the time, for instance the Cistercian abbot Isaac of Etoile who wrote "Its (The Templar's) members consider that they have every right to attack anyone not confessing Christ's name...whereas if they themselves are killed while thus unjustly attacking the pagans, they are called martyrs." It is the principle that interests me, however, the principle of action.
Monastic orders in general are known for contemplation, prayer and spiritual insight, but not so much for action. In a world wracked by so much injustice, churches need some of the spirit of passionate, zealous action. There are plenty of evils surrounding us that need to and CAN be combated by those with a mind - women trafficked into sex slavery, children forced to produce our clothes, atrocities committed against innocent people so we can use mobile phones.
Nice one! Challenging and a metaphor and concept that could appeal more to our male community members - this could help re-dress the balance!
ReplyDeleteI was encouraged too with the twin (two-sided) truth of the gospel as both inner spirituality and as outward action. To use Steve Chalke's book title and content - Intimacy and Involvement.
Soldiers of Christ arise and put your armour on!
One thing to consider - this metaphor does not sit easily with the 'Pub' culture. When one thinks of Pub, and so by association, Pub Church, one thinks of engaging socially with people for people's sake. Being rather than doing. Enjoying friendship and fellowship, rather than warfare and mission.
How do you see Pub Church as also acting in the world, including against some of the evils to which you refer?