RESURRECTING CHIVALRY

Living or working in an environment where there is a high probability of tragedy, can have an interesting effect on us. There is a tendency to guard ourselves emotionally and mentally in such a way that we begin to get jaded or hardened at times. We start to see for example “dark humor,” in these occupations or lifestyles, where there is an attempt to lighten a tragic mood through inappropriately timed comedic remarks. The issue arises when, as we guard ourselves in these situations of hardship and sometimes death, our compassion can quickly become a casualty as well. It seems as though there becomes a separation between our natures, one being fierce, hard, and brash and the other, meek, loving and compassionate.

Being a Christian in today’s world, we are faced with many types of struggles. If not now, we may soon join our Brothers and Sisters all over the world who face violent persecution. Although Christ won the ultimate battle, it is evident, promised even, that we still face the spiritual and physical attacks from the devil throughout our lives. I believe it important to face these hardships while holding onto compassion and love for others, even in the midst of guarding ourselves emotionally and mentally.

Is it possible to maintain our compassion, love, calmness, and meekness while being subject to a hardening high-risk environment? CS. Lewis thought so when referencing Chivalry in this segment of his writing:

“The knight is a man of blood and iron, a man familiar with the sight of smashed faces and the ragged stumps of lopped-off limbs; he is also a demure, almost a maidenlike, guest in hall, a gentle, modest, unobtrusive man. He is not a compromise or happy mean between ferocity and meekness; he is fierce to the nth and meek to the nth.” C.S. Lewis, Present Concerns, "The Necessity of Chivalry"

Although the time of knights fighting in dawned metallic armor is over, I believe this concept can still be applied to our lives today. Notice how CS. Lewis compares the two natures of a man. Instead of a separation between fierce and meek, he melds the two together in a singular person, emphasizing that both can exist without compromise.

If we as Christians take God’s command of protecting life seriously, I believe we should recognize this concept of chivalry. Knowing that when we are faced with any manifestation of evil, and at times having to protect life, sometimes even through physical force, we can still maintain our love for others and protect our compassion from dying out.

CONCLUSION

Strive to read the Word and lean on God in the midst of hardship. Reach out to those in difficulties and give them encouragement to trust in God. Lastly, please consider donating or reaching out to us for Christ-centered training in defensive tactics, situational awareness, trauma care, restraint defeat, and active shooter response.

Topics closely related to this subject are covered by John Lovell of the Warrior Poet Society and can be found at https://warriorpoetsociety.us/.