Recently I came across the K-Pop Group BTS and discovered they had a strong fandom of followers known collectively as ARMY. BTS’s messaging across their music albums resonates with young people across the globe – one of which was to tell young people to ‘Love Yourself’. The BTS ARMY, in turn, show their loyalty and love in many ways.

As I sat quietly in church last Sunday before the Eucharistic Celebration (refer to my article on sacred silence in the previous bulletin), I suddenly thought of the BTS ARMY. Aren’t we supposed to be God’s ARMY? What are they doing that we should be doing to show that we are God’s kingdom of followers? And yes, I heeded the Holy Spirit and began writing notes for this article on my handphone (I was not texting in church!)

Below are just three areas we can take a leaf from BTS ARMY:

Adoration

BTS ARMY across the globe can not only chant all the names of the group members rhythmically, they also know the words to BTS songs even though they do not know the Korean language. They can move BTS to tears with their devoted singing during their concerts.

Do we show our devotion to God by knowing his Word and lending our voices to praise Him?

“Let the Word of Christ dwell in you in all its richness. Teach and admonish one another with words of wisdom. With thankful hearts, sing to God psalms, hymns and spontaneous praise.”
~ Colossians 3:16

As God’s ARMY, do we know our prophets in the Bible and are we learning new bible quotes that bring greater meaning to our prayers? St Augustine has often been quoted as saying – To sing is to pray twice. How many of us are moved to tears when we sing the praises of God’s powerful love?

Content Creators 

BTS ARMY diligently translates the BTS music lyrics and lifestyle videos from the Korean language to their native language. And they share this willingly with all ARMY across the globe on social media platforms. For those who cannot understand the Korean language, these selfless peers make the songs and performances meaningful.

To grow in our Christian faith, we also need the help of content creators. They are often the soulful speakers, the charismatic catechists, the motivated ministry leaders, in our midst. But do we make the effort to attend faith formation talks or strengthen our faith through reading? And if we do, do we share our notes, thoughts, experiences and discoveries with others or keep them to ourselves? Besides sharing on a personal level, would we share on social media? You and I can become content creators.

Unity

Just as BTS ARMY feels an unexplainable closeness with other fans online and initiate charitable works all in the name of BTS, so we too, as Catholics should feel a close connection with Christians everywhere.

“As the body is one, having many members, and all the members while being many form one body, so it is with Christ.” ~ 1 Corinthians 12:
12-13.

Let us support each other’s online posts, share faith stories, pray and fast for one another, and initiate charity projects. These are areas that can help us bond as one big family, across cultures and borders. We are God’s ARMY.

by Karen Roberts-Fong