Do it for Jesus or Nursery History Rhymes:
Years ago I spent some time studying the Apocalyptic wars of the Crusades, and how the crusader were taught to fight and die in the middle east for Jesus, and the end of the world, as martyrs.
With the thought of history rhyming, and the present US military calling Jesus and the end times into the mix, I'm going to refer to some history, as much as history can be trusted. (I did use my local AI to pull up the dates, names, and juxtapose against Pete Hegseth and others' recent statements)
1. The First Crusade (1095–1099)
The core idea: Many Crusaders believed they were participating in the final struggle before Christ’s return.
Popular preachers told masses of peasants that killing “the enemies of Christ” was necessary to trigger the apocalypse.
2. The People’s Crusade & the Rhineland Massacres (1096)
The core idea: Apocalyptic preachers convinced thousands that purging non‑Christians was required before Christ could return.
Charismatic leaders like Peter the Hermit told followers that the apocalypse was imminent.
Many believed that killing Jews along the Rhine was a necessary step before the Second Coming.
Soldiers and peasants alike thought they were participating in a divinely mandated cleansing.
3. The Crusade of 1101 (a.k.a. “The Crusaders’ Disaster”)
The core idea: Soldiers believed their deaths were part of the final holy war between good and evil.
As the armies were annihilated in Anatolia, chroniclers describe men looking upward, calling on Christ, believing their deaths were part of the divine timetable.
Why these three matter in your comparison:
“This war is not just a war — it’s God’s plan, and you are part of the final battle.”
divinely mandated—cosmic struggle
The apocalyptic framing was used to motivate, justify, and sustain violence.