Christians in the SCA

Friar Erasmus of Notingham to The Knowne World
Greetings and Salutations,

Since I last wrote, many questions have been asked about the society, namely about our place among the heathens in the Society. I fear that there are many misunderstandings of the Society, and how to reach this people group for Christ.

First and foremost, I wish to express emphatically that the Society is in no way a "dark" Society, with the arcane arts being practiced. Instead, the Society is a beautiful, artistic representation of what the best of life was like in Medieval times. There are a few who take their personal practices to the extreme, but, as a rule, religion is not allowed to be forced on one member by another. This does not, however, remove faith from the Society, it only mutes the expression of it.

Being a monk in the Society is not a very uncommon thing, and there are numerous monks listed in the Society's records of names. Of course, do not think that all who call themselves monk are truly in the service of the Lord. Many like the history, others like the artwork, and still others like the opportunity to sell merchandise related to the medieval church.

It is truly unknown how many true followers of the Lord actually participate in the Society. This may seem somewhat peculiar to you, but considering the generally negative response to open evangelism among the majority of the Society, it is often best to bear witness to your faith by offering prayers before a fight, or by presenting your faith openly in the guise of being a Monk or Friar in the Society. The society welcomes reenactment of the faith of that time, but frowns on any attempts to persuade another member to believe in a certain faith.

On the whole, the Society is simply what its name means, a social group of like minded individuals. Most of those involved will find out rather soon about your faith, and through friendship, good character, honesty, loyalty, and dedication, you may win those around you to Christ. To directly press the issue is to lose a friend. To gently guide another to the point where they want to know more, now that is the art of Evangelism that will win the Kingdoms in the Society for Christ.

My dear brothers, I urge you to learn as much as you are able, to gather knowledge from the corners of the earth, and to fully understand the minds of those whom you intend to reach. The Society is full of people who feel that they do not fit anywhere else in the Knowne World. The Society is like their church, events their service, and fighting on the Field of Honor their worship. They, like everyone else, wish to feel complete, and the Society gives them that completion.

To win a soul in the Society, you must show them first that you are not just there to win their soul, but are truly one of them. This is living out the words of the great Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, the 9th chapter, 22nd and 23rd verse, "...I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." We must blend in because we have a passion to reenact the medieval times. If you love a game, you bring a friend there. You do not usually attempt to bring that person to a point of praying the Lord's Prayer while the game is still on, but you do spend time building trust, and then present the Gospel at a different time, away from the game. This is the manner in which we must bring the Society to Christ.

We must also show the ones we are attempting to save how Christ is a giant step better than the fighters' ring, and that the community of Church can provide a better social atmosphere and support group. Do be careful to follow through with your local place of worship. We can run many away by enticing them to come to the house of bread, only to have nothing more than week old crumbs to offer as a meal. Spiritually, they will starve, and will retreat to the meager meals of the Society's spirit. The meal may be meager, but it will always seem better than the crumbs most churches offer.

The best manner in which to bring about the trust and respect of those in the Society is to gain your Award of Arms, craft excellent garb, know your historical time period, and to build a reputation as a fighter of great skill. Then, you will have the authority to speak into their lives the wisdom Christ has given you. Learning the art of SCA battle is key to becoming integrated into the Society, and learning a craft, such as smith work, cooking, calligraphy, or some other valuable merchant/crafting skill will take you far up in the esteem of others. To advance from a Lord or Lady into the upper levels takes not only time, practice and skill at Heavy Weapons fighting, but also takes the love of those around you, since you need to be nominated by others for a majority of the awards available. A generous gift to the King and Queen on their Coronation day doesn't hurt either.

My brothers and sisters, I hope to come to you soon, and teach you of the ways of the Society. Maybe some day, I will be able to bring with me skilled artists, crafters, and fighters, so that we as a team may bring you to the point where you will not just look like a member, but will in fact become integrated into the Society, feeling like a native to all around you, so that by becoming an SCA member, you may win SCA members to Christ.

Humble Servant of Our Lord and Savior,

Friar Erasmus of Notingham
Of the Shire of Korsvaag of Kingdom Northshield
May the Lord of Hosts Bless You and Keep You Safe.