Anecdotes from Secular History #1
by R.A. Miller
Published June 6, 2026.
“…that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world…”
- Revelation 12:9
Sun Tzu
It is widely believed that the first treatise on military strategy was The Art of War, which is attributed to the Chinese general Sun Tzu. In it, Tzu discusses various topics, such as terrain, the use of spies, and marching. It may be the most influential book on military tactics ever written.
One striking quote comes from the opening chapter on planning, “All warfare is based on deception.”* This idea has parallels to the spiritual lives of Christians, as the great adversary of believers, Satan (1 Peter 5:8), is the father of lies (John 8:44), and wages war by the use of deception (Revelation 12:9). Christians, however, trust the Lord to win their battles (2 Chronicles 20:15).
*Sun Tzu, The Art of War, 1.18.