Militaristic Spiritual Warfare Rhetoric

Using battle language to demand absolute loyalty and sacrifice in religious life

• You’re told you’re a soldier, fighting a culture war, and questioning equals betrayal.

• Worship events feel more like boot camp than spiritual gatherings.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• Hypervigilance and overidentification with conflict-based ideologies may develop.

• Non-believers may be perceived as adversaries, reducing empathy.

• Emotional burnout may result from constant intensity and pressure.