'Mars or Jesus?'

control, and dominance. From its beginning, Rome was founded with Mars—the god of war, power, and control—as its spiritual father, the mythical parent of Romulus and Remus. This ideology shaped the Roman worldview. Julius Caesar, during his campaign from 58–52 BC, famously wrote The Gallic War, beginning with “All of Gaul is divided into three parts.” Though often celebrated for his military genius, Caesar’s victories came at a staggering cost—one million Gallic people were killed, another million enslaved. After the Gallic city of Avaricum attacked Roman supply lines, Caesar laid siege and slaughtered 40,000 men, women, and children. In another conquest, he sold 50,000 captives in one lot to Marcus Licinius Crassus, his political ally in the triumvirate.

Rome ruled through war, fear, and strict control. The empire expanded through overwhelming military force, and once territories were subdued, it maintained order with brutality—public executions, crucifixions, and swift, merciless responses to rebellion. Rome's structure—its legions, roads, and surveillance—kept local leaders compliant through forced loyalty and tribute. Roman law, though efficient, ultimately served the power of the state. What emerged was the Pax Romana—peace through terror and domination. The Romans admired this. Ordinary people worshiped Mars and participated in rituals asking for more power and control.

Today, we may not bow to Mars, the Roman god of war, but his influence lingers. His methods—domination, fear, and the thirst to be right—remain alive and well. On a global scale, nations still follow his path: Russia embraces “to the conqueror go the spoils,” and China’s censorship, military expansion, and genocidal actions toward over 2 million Uyghurs show Mars wearing a modern face. Even within politics, parties often care more about controlling the narrative than serving the public. Causes become tools for manipulation. Truth is replaced by tribal loyalty. Groups deploy every tactic—shaming, slandering, blacklisting, and sometimes even violence—to dominate and silence.

And Mars doesn’t just haunt the halls of power—he creeps into our homes and hearts. We argue to win, not to understand. Instead of listening to learn, we plan our next point in the argument. Being right becomes more important than being reconciled, and we want others to not only agree with us but submit to our view. We label opposing ideas as threats, then go to war with anyone who disagrees. We weaponize opinions, bulldoze relationships, and treat influence as a game of control rather than compassion.

Mars promises the good life through power and domination. His shadow still falls across our governments, our politics, and our personal lives. But into this world, Jesus steps—not with a sword, but with a towel and a basin. He doesn't conquer through fear but through servanthood. His way overturns the empire of Mars with the Kingdom of God. The way of Jesus is not weakness—it’s strength restrained by love. It’s leadership shaped by humility. It’s power used to lift others up, not hold them down. Jesus could have ruled with force—but He chose the cross. He washed feet. He laid down His life. And now, He invites us to follow Him.

Blessings,

Jonathan

Rev. Jonathan Beck