Seal of God, by Chad Williams

I have never doubted that Navy SEAL training was hard, but reading Chad Williams's blow-by-blow account of his life as a SEAL convinces me that those guys are tough!  SEAL of God follows Williams' journey from rebellious kid to dedicated recruit to exemplary SEAL, and, ultimately, to a follower of Jesus and enthusiastic evangelist.

Chad Williams

Williams was a good candidate for not making it as a SEAL.  He was more concerned with partying than sticking with anything, especially anything as difficult as SEAL training.  Under the guidance of former SEAL Scott Helvenston, Williams prepared physically and mentally.  He never thought of quitting.  Even though only 13 of his class of 173 became SEALs, Williams made it, thinking of his training as a prison from which he could only escape by graduating as a SEAL.

Part of his motivation was to avenge Helvenston's death.  Helvenston was one of the Blackwater contractors who was ambushed in Iraq, dragged through the streets, mutilated, and hung from a bridge.  Seeing those images on TV gave Williams the fuel to drive his commitment.  However, after graduating from SEAL training, Williams gave his life to Christ.  His driving passion now was not revenge but following Jesus.  He began to have doubts about whether the SEAL lifestyle was for him.

The bulk of the book, about two thirds, deals with Williams's life before and during SEAL training.  I haven't read much about the SEALs, but Williams's detailed descriptions of the grueling, intense training gives a great picture of what someone has to go through to be a SEAL.  The most disturbing portion was Williams's account of the persecution he endured as a result of his being a Christian.  Many of his fellow SEALs were indifferent to his newfound faith, but others actively harassed him for his choice not to get drunk or go to strip clubs with them.  The hazing he endured as a result led him to seek assignment to another team, and led to broken relationships with his fellow SEALs.

I was greatly encouraged by Williams's faith and conversion story, but was discouraged that he struggled so much during his service.  I know the military is full of strong believers, but it seemed like Williams was surrounded by apathetic, nominal Christians, people who didn't care about faith, and, tragically, some who openly ridiculed him for his faith.

Seal of God will strike a chord with military readers, and Christians will be challenged by the passion with which he shares the gospel.  Bonus for Fort Worth readers: Williams' co-author is David Thomas, formerly a columnist for the Star-Telegram!

Thanks to Tyndale Press for the complementary review copy!
Tyndale promotional video.
Tyndale's book web site.