The Metaphor of War
and
The Salvation Army

Scriptural Support

     Mixing religon metaphorically, specifically Christianity, comes from Scripture itself, both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Old Testament

     In the Old Testament war was very often a physical actuality, not a metaphor. It begins with the garden of Eden where the angel was posted with a fiery sword. The following is just a sample of how it continues:

Deuteronomy 20:1
(King James Version)
When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses, and chariots, [and] a people more than thou, be not afraid of them: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

New Testament

     In the New Testament, however, there is metaphorical use of war and armor.

Ephesians 6
(King James Version)
11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12. For we wrestle 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.

13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: