Chapter 1 - It is War (The Culture War)
How to win hearts but challenge parasitic unbiblical ideas.
In today’s rapidly changing world, where ideologies clash and societal norms are constantly being redefined, it is crucial for Christians to equip ourselves with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of the cultural landscape. As Douglas Murray astutely observes in his book “The Madness of Crowds,” We find ourselves in an ideological post-Christian, post-modern VACUUM, where traditional values and beliefs are being challenged and undermined. (Marriage, Family, Gender, Sexual Expression, Group Identity, Abortion, Penal Punishment, Economic re-distribution of wealth)
This course stands as a vital resource for Christian spiritual survival, providing insights and strategies to confront the prevailing cultural currents and uphold steadfast faith in the face of ideological turmoil.
Through this course, we will delve into the core principles of spiritual warfare, examining the relevance of biblical teachings and the power they hold in countering the prevailing ideologies. By understanding the intricacies of the battle and recognizing the strategies employed by the cultural forces, participants will be equipped to stand firm in their faith and actively address the challenges that arise.
Our aim is not only to survive in this cultural milieu but to thrive as faithful followers of Christ. This course will empower Christians to navigate the ideological currents, providing practical tools for spiritual resilience, cultural engagement, and intellectual coherence. Together, we will explore the depths of our faith, draw strength from biblical wisdom, and discover how to effectively respond to the ideological post-Christian, post-modern vacuum of our time. By actively engaging in this course, you will be equipped to embrace your Christian identity, confidently defend your beliefs, and contribute to a thriving spiritual community amid societal challenges.
Peter Kreeft in his book “How to Destroy Western Civilization and Other Ideas from the Cultural Abyss.” Explains the Culture War in terms of a military strategy.
1. You need to know you are at war.
Your spiritual journey begins by acknowledging that you are engaged in a war. Many believe there is no war, and have already been captured into the enemies’ P.O.W. ghettos of inhumane restrictions, reductionism, misery and death. Since the beginning of time, there has been a spiritual war raging between those of righteousness by faith, and those of righteousness by works. he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. (Gal 4:29) The battle has been raging for centuries: Cain and Abel, Essau and Jacob, Saul and David, Israel and Juda, Jesus and the Pharisees.
It is a Battle against EVIL: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:12)
It is a battle of FAITH: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Tim 6:12)
It is a battle for TRUTH: I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)
It is a battle against FLESHLY LUSTS: Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, (1 Pet 2:11) Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? (James 4:1-2) But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. (Jude 1:10-11)
2. You need to know who your enemy is.
To succeed in warfare, you must know your enemy.
Satan: This is the most common name used for the adversary.
Job 1:6-7: “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, ‘From where do you come?’ So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.’”
Devil: Another common name for Satan, emphasizing his role as the accuser and deceiver.
Matthew 4:1: “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
Beelzebub: This name is often used as a title for Satan and is associated with demons.
Matthew 12:24: “Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, ‘This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.’”
Belial: This name signifies wickedness and worthlessness, often used symbolically for Satan.
2 Corinthians 6:15: “And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?”
Lucifer: Though not explicitly mentioned in all Bible translations, this name is traditionally associated with Satan, particularly in reference to his fall from heaven.
Isaiah 14:12: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!”
Dragon: A metaphorical title depicting Satan’s fierce and dangerous nature.
Revelation 12:9: “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
Serpent: Referring to Satan’s deceptive nature and association with the serpent in the Garden of Eden.
Revelation 12:9: (See the verse above)
Enemy: Describing Satan as an adversary of God and believers.
Matthew 13:39: “The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.”
Father of Lies: Signifying Satan’s role as the originator of falsehoods and deceit.
John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”
3. You need to know how big the war is.
Understanding the scope of the conflict requires us to comprehend the impact and spread of spiritual warfare in our society. This is a cosmic war but also a local war. It is a war of eternal consequences. It is a war that either makes civilization flourish or suffocates. Think of how socialism has kept countries and their people in bondage, or how Naziism and nihilism led to 70mil people dying in the second world war. Even now, there is a war between Russia and Ukraine. The war between the Republicans and Democrats and the different outcomes for society as a whole.
4. What the war is about?
The war in which we are involved has a purpose and significance. “For this war is for souls, not just bodies. That’s what culture is: culture is cultus, cultivation, the cultivation of souls, the farming of souls in the soil of society and its transformations of the material world, which is what we call civilization. Civilization is the body of culture; culture is the soul of civilization.” [1] This is where most of us literally experience the outcome of the battle: The Culture of the place where we reside. The school, town, neighborhoods, family, and country are determined by the CULTURE it is loyal to.
5. You need to know the enemy’s strategy.
By understanding the tactics employed by the adversary, we will be better equipped to respond and overcome. The strategy of the enemy is clear: He wants us to stop serving and loving God! His strategy has always been but one – lies and deceit! He is the father of lies. The power of satan is in his convincing deception and illusions. These lies trap many people in bondage. The world is becoming increasingly more evil by the day. Undoubtedly, this is because so many people are caught in the trap of satan to do his will (2 Tim 2:26).
“You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44 (NKJV):
“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NKJV):
“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:9 (NKJV):
“The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (NKJV):
6. You need to cope with injuries.
In war, injuries are inevitable. We will learn how to recover from spiritual wounds and support others who may be injured in the fight. The two primary ways we recover from the injuries we receive in this war:
- a) The Power of Forgiveness.
b) Do not take Offence.
7. Where is the main battlefield?
To succeed, we must know where the primary battleground is located. The main battlefield is fought in the MIND. The battle of the mind finds its discourse in our universities, schools, and social media. More and more parasitic ideas are spread on the digital information highways, disconnected from the realities of daily life.
8. What weapon will win the war?
To overcome the war, we must be equipped with the right weapon. The strongest weapon in the world is sanctity. Nothing can defeat it.[2] The holiness of the Church and every member’s embodiment of Christ in and through us, is how God will win this war. God’s love and peace are different! See the two blogs on God’s Holy Eternal Love and His the source of True Happiness.
Overcome Evil by Doing Good
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21).
The Apostle Paul encourages us to conquer evil with good. Instead of an emotional retaliation in a similarly bad spirit like hatred and anger, we are called to respond with opposite acts of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. By choosing to do good, we break the cycle of evil and allow the light of God’s love to shine through us.
Not Against Flesh and Blood
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12):
When we are under attack, it is crucial to understand that our ultimate struggle is not against human beings but against spiritual forces of evil. The enemy seeks to divide, deceive, and destroy. In contrast, we must recognize the spiritual nature of our battles and rely on God’s strength and spiritual weapons to overcome evil. This is why Jesus prayed for His oppressors and tormentors. “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Manifest the Manifold Wisdom of God
To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, (Ephesians 3:10):
The Church has a vital role in overcoming evil by manifesting the manifold wisdom of God. As followers of Christ, we are called to live in unity, demonstrate love, and display God’s wisdom to the world. Through our actions and attitudes, we can reveal the power of God and His ability to overcome evil.
Resist Every High Thing
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:5):
Evil often tries to exalt itself against the knowledge of God and His truth. To overcome it, we must actively resist the lies, false ideologies, and temptations that oppose God’s wisdom and principles. By anchoring ourselves in God’s Word and discerning His truth, we can stand firm against evil schemes.
“Get Away with You, Satan!”
“Away with you, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” (Matthew 4:10):
When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, He firmly rebuked him, saying, “Get away with you, Satan!”. This statement reveals the authority and power we have in Christ to resist evil. We can confidently confront and overcome the enemy’s schemes through prayer, fasting, and relying on the Holy Spirit.
9. You have to get to know this weapon well.
To effectively use the weapon, you must know it well. The life of Christ needs to be lived to feel and experience its power and value. The Kingdom of God is not for spectators. The more we daily HEAR and OBEY Him, the more He will lead us into all TRUTH.
10. You’ll need to know that you will win.
Studying the Book of Revelation reveals the outcome of this battle. We do not become weary, we only obey and continue to do precisely what He tells us to do.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7:
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” Revelation 2:11:
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone, a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.” Revelation 2:17:
“And he who overcomes and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—” Revelation 2:26:
“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” Revelation 3:5:
“He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.” Revelation 3:12:
“To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21:
“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.” Revelation 21:7:
Resource List
Kreeft, Peter. (2021, March 18). How to Destroy Western Civilization and Other Ideas from the Cultural Abyss.
Kreeft, P. (2002, May 1). How to Win the Culture War: A Christian Battle Plan for a Society in Crisis. IVP Books. https://doi.org/10.1604/9780830823161
Haidt, Jonathan. (2013, February 12). The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. Vintage.
Saad, Gad. (2020, October 6). The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense.
Zille, Helen. (2021, January 1). #Stay Woke Go Broke: Why South Africa Wont Survive Americas Culture Wars (and What You Can Do about It).
Murray, Douglas. (2019, September 17). The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity.
[1] How to Destroy Western Civlization and Other Ideas… by Peter Kreeft
[2] Excerpt from: “How to Win the Culture War: A Christian Battle Plan for a Society in Crisis” by Peter Kreeft. Scribd.