The Early Church and Pacifism

Was the Early Church pacifists?  That's the question that the Mere Orthodoxy blog seeks to answer and the conclusion is fascinating.  I recently discussed this on a major commentary.  One of the reasons why many in the Early Church refused to join the military is because one had to worship the gods including Caesar.  Christians, in good conscience, could not commit such idolatry.  However, once the laws changed, several believers did join the military.

We must not forget a number of other things in the New Testament.  Jesus, John the Baptist, and many of the apostles ministered to soldiers and never told them to abandon their posts.  Furthermore, Paul worked as a tent maker in Corinth and in other cities in order to make ends meet.  A tent makers primary customer was a soldier.  It is hard to imagine the Apostle Paul being anti-military and yet making money off of them.

To view the article from Mere Orthodoxy, click here.


For more:
Mere Orthodoxy - Were the Church Fathers Pacifists?
Commentary - Blessed are the Bombmakers:  Turning Jesus' Gospel into a Political Cause