Onward, Christian Soldiers: Are Evangelicals Winning the Culture War?

Onward, Christian soldiers! marching as to war,

with the cross of Jesus going on before.

Christ, the royal master, leads his armies on:

forward into battle till the fight is won!

At the name of Jesus, Satan’s armies flee:

on then, Christian soldiers, on to victory!

Like a mighty army moves the church of God…

I grew up in a fundamentalist Church of Christ located just outside of Seattle, WA, in the 1970s. During our services, I can well remember lustily belting out this classic 19th century hymn. As a kid, of course, I didn’t take the time to analyze its thoroughly martial aspects, nor evaluate the elements of spiritual warfare — and ultimate victory — the church would inevitably enjoy some day. None of my friends did, either; we lacked the critical thinking capacity to question what we were being taught. It was all true, because the Bible said so, our parents said so, and the pastor reinforced it too. Looking back on it now, it was more akin to indoctrination of defenseless children than anything else.

Back then, all I knew is that we, the church of God, were part of a “mighty army” moving forward to inevitable victory.