Peter MacDonald
This December marks 108 years since New Zealand and Australian soldiers, under General Edmund Allenby, marched into Jerusalem during World War I. Their victory was more than a military triumph; it was a moment steeped in faith, prophecy and historical purpose.
The men who fought in Palestine were products of a society deeply rooted in Christianity. The 1916 New Zealand census reveals that 95.7 per cent of New Zealanders identified as Christian, with Anglicans at 42.9 per cent, Presbyterians 24.4 per cent, Methodists 9.9 per cent and Roman Catholics 14.2 per cent, among others.
For these soldiers, faith was not abstract. Many carried personal or army-issued bibles, attended chapel services and understood their role through a lens of scripture and prophecy. General Allenby reinforced this perspective, describing them as modern day ‘crusaders’.
Deliberate Humility in Jerusalem
General Allenby entered Jerusalem on foot on 11 December 1917; an act of humility and reverence for the area’s sacred significance. Rather than riding in triumph, he acknowledged that the victory was God’s providence and not merely a human achievement. This respectful approach contrasted with past conquerors and reinforced to his troops that they were participating in a holy, providential mission, aligning with the spiritual understanding and faith many carried into battle.
Shaped by the Reformation and the Church of Scotland
Many of the NZ soldiers were raised in the Church of Scotland tradition, particularly those from Otago and Dunedin, instilling covenant theology, moral discipline and devotion to God. Their faith was also shaped by the teachings of Reformation leaders.
· John Knox (Scotland), Covenant theology, obedience to God, moral responsibility
· John Wycliffe (England), Scripture in the English vernacular, not Latin, personal Bible study
· William Tyndale (England), completed English translation from the Greek and Hebrew Bible translations, allowing direct engagement with God’s Word
· John Wesley (England), Personal holiness, practical Christianity, devotion
This Reformation heritage gave the soldiers spiritual literacy, moral courage and awareness of God’s providential plan. They saw themselves not merely as soldiers but as participants in a holy mission, instruments in God’s unfolding purpose.
The hardships of battle, the Anzacs’ perilous march across the Sinai, the daring charge at Beersheba and the challenge of entering Jerusalem reflect Apostle Paul’s teaching on God’s kindness and severity (v.22).
Contrast with Modern NZ
According to the 2023 census, only 32.3 per cent of Kiwis now identify as Christian: a steep decline from previous generations.
Denominations that once formed the backbone of society – Anglican, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist – have all seen significant drops in affiliation. Secularism now shapes the values and identity of younger generations. Whereas the NZ of 1917 produced soldiers who marched into Jerusalem as instruments of divine purpose, modern NZ is largely a country of faith’s remnant.
On this 108th anniversary, we remember the courage, conviction and spiritual depth of these soldiers.
