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Soldier's Faith: Lessons from Cards

A soldier was seen looking at playing cards during a church service instead of a Bible. The chaplain brought him to the major to be punished. However, the soldier explained that during battle he had no Bible, so he used his playing cards to remember religious concepts - each card representing something from the Bible or lessons about God. For example, the ace represents there is one God, and the numbers and face cards relate to biblical people, events, and concepts. The major was moved by this creative way the cards helped the soldier remember his faith.

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Abel R
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42 views2 pages

Soldier's Faith: Lessons from Cards

A soldier was seen looking at playing cards during a church service instead of a Bible. The chaplain brought him to the major to be punished. However, the soldier explained that during battle he had no Bible, so he used his playing cards to remember religious concepts - each card representing something from the Bible or lessons about God. For example, the ace represents there is one God, and the numbers and face cards relate to biblical people, events, and concepts. The major was moved by this creative way the cards helped the soldier remember his faith.

Uploaded by

Abel R
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

A SOLDIER'S PLAYING CARDS

After heavy fighting, a soldier returned to camp.


The next day being Sunday, the Chaplain had set up church service.
The men were asked to take out their Bibles or Prayer Books.

The Chaplain noticed one soldier looking at a deck of cards.


After service, he was taken by the Chaplain to see the Major.
The Chaplain explained to the Major what he had seen.

The Major told the young soldier he would be punished if he could not
explain himself.

The young soldier told the Major that during the battle, he had neither a
Bible or a Prayer Book so he would use his deck of cards and explained:

"You see, Sir, when I look at the ACE, it tells me that there is one GOD
and no other.

When I see the "2," it reminds me that there are two parts to the Bible, the
OLD TESTAMENT and the NEW TESTAMENT.

The "3" tells me of the TRINITY OF GOD THE FATHER, GOD THE SON and GOD
THE HOLY SPIRIT.

The "4" reminds me of the FOUR GOSPELS, MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE and JOHN.

When I see the "5," it tells me of the FIVE UNWISE VIRGINS who were lost
and that five were saved.

The "6" makes me mindful that GOD CREATED THE EARTH IN JUST SIX DAYS,
and GOD said that it was good.

When I see the "7," it reminds me that GOD RESTED ON THE SEVENTH DAY.

As I look at the "8," it reminds me that GOD DESTROYED ALL HUMAN LIFE BY
WATER EXCEPT FOR EIGHT PEOPLE, Noah, his wife, their three sons, and
their three son's wives.

When I see the "9," I think of the NINE LEPERS that GOD healed. There
were ten lepers in all, but only one stopped to thank him.

The "10" reminds me of the TEN COMMANDMENTS carved in stone by the hand
of GOD.

The "JACK" makes me remember the Prince of Darkness. Like a roaring


lion, he devours those that he can.

When I look at the "QUEEN," I see THE CHURCH, THE BRIDE OF JESUS.

As I look at the last card, "THE KING," it reminds me that JESUS IS LORD
OF LORDS and KING OF KINGS."

There are 365 spots on a deck of cards, and that is the number of days
in each year.
There are 52 cards to a deck and that is the number of weeks in a year.

There are 12 picture cards and that is the number of months in a year.

There are 4 different suits in a deck and that is the number of seasons
in a year..."

And so, the young soldier then said to the Major, "You see, Sir, my
intentions
were honorable. My deck of cards serves as my BIBLE, my PRAYER BOOK and
my ALMANAC.

Most importantly, my deck of cards reminds me that I need JESUS...

365 days, 52 weeks and 12 months a year and that I should always PRAY 4
others."

Common questions

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The soldier's narrative reflects resourcefulness through his inventive method of using playing cards as a substitute for religious texts, demonstrating resilience by maintaining his spiritual identity despite the absence of traditional religious resources. His actions underscore adaptability and persistence in holding onto faith through unconventional means in difficult circumstances .

Individual interpretation is central to the soldier's religious experience, allowing him to derive personal meaning and maintain his faith without physical religious texts. By assigning religious symbolism to a deck of cards, he exercises personal agency in religious expression, which underlines the theme of personalized faith and individualism within religious frameworks .

The soldier uses the cards as a symbolic substitute for the Bible and a tangible reminder of his faith, thus providing comfort and a sense of constancy in a chaotic environment. By assigning each card spiritual significance, he creates a personal religious framework that offers guidance and solace amidst the battlefield's uncertainty .

Initially, the chaplain and Major perceived the use of playing cards during service as disrespectful and inappropriate, aligning with their expectations and norms of religious worship. However, their perception shifted once they understood the soldier's genuine and thoughtful connection of the cards to religious teachings, revealing the sincerity behind his actions and challenging preconceived notions about expressions of faith .

By using playing cards, traditionally associated with leisure and games, as religious texts, the soldier challenges conventional views on sacred symbols and texts, promoting understanding that faith and spirituality can reside in ordinary objects if viewed with reverence and intent. This reinterpretation questions rigid boundaries and opens dialogue on spirituality being adaptable and personal .

The significance lies in the soldier’s ability to adapt and find spiritual meaning and guidance in unconventional contexts. By using cards, he reaffirms his faith and the teachings of Christianity, demonstrating resilience and ingenuity despite lacking traditional items of worship .

The story illustrates that religious practices can be seamlessly integrated into daily life through personal interpretation and creative expression. It highlights that faith can be maintained and expressed outside formal religious settings, merging daily experiences with spiritual life to sustain belief and values in all situations .

The story suggests that true faith transcends physical objects and religious texts, emphasizing that devotion and prayer can manifest in various forms. The soldier's creative interpretation shows that the essence of faith lies in personal understanding and connections rather than adhering strictly to traditional practices .

Each card’s meaning is closely aligned with fundamental Christian teachings and narratives. For instance, the '3' relates to the Trinity, a cornerstone of Christian belief; the '10' signifies the Ten Commandments, fundamental moral laws; the KING represents Jesus as the sovereign ruler, which is a central tenet of Christianity. These interpretations reflect the soldier's intimate understanding and application of doctrine through familiar objects .

The soldier interprets the deck of cards by assigning each card a religious significance, reflecting his deep personal belief and devotion. For example, the ACE represents the belief in one God; the '2' symbolizes the two parts of the Bible; the '3' stands for the Trinity, and so on. This demonstrates how he uses symbols in everyday objects to maintain his spiritual connection in the absence of formal religious texts .

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