For some reference to a question some had for me on where I learned that the Early Church was pacifist. I had heard it so many times, I forgot any specific references, so I looked up a Google Search with Early Church Pacifist and found numerous hits, and the hit below which references it as an assumed fact. How true this is many are debating (but I do not….I have long held that the acceptance of Chritianity by the Roman Empire soon made “proper citizens of empire” of these “sectarian” people, and there evolved the “just war” theories (which are also being wholly redefined today, to further welcome the use of unjustified violence)
BBC – Religion & Ethics – The Ethics of War includes this:
Historical note
The Christian view of war has changed throughout the history of the faith.
The early church (the first 300 years) was strongly pacifist. Origen said that Christians “do not go forth as soldiers”. Tertullian wrote “only without the sword can the Christian wage war: for the Lord has abolished the sword.” Clement of Alexandria wrote “…he who holds the sword must cast it away and that if one of the faithful becomes a soldier he must be rejected by the Church, for he has scorned God.”
Origen said that Christians “do not go forth as soldiers”. Tertullian wrote “only without the sword can the Christian wage war: for the Lord has abolished the sword.”
Two important documents that provide us with insight as to the position and thinking of “early Christians” pertaining to the war question are “The Testament of Our Lord” (composed ca. 460 A. D.) and “The Egyptian Church Order” (written ca. 425 A. D.). In the former, it was stated that a man in the military could not even be baptized unless he left the service. In short, the document forbade the Christian from serving in the army. This was such a strong position by many professing “Christians” at the time of this document that the church was called upon to withdraw from any member who served in the military. The “Egyptian Church Order” contained similar instruction and statements.
http://www.bibletruths.net/Archives/BTAR250.htm
For many years prior to the blending of the Church with secular authority at the time of Constantine, the Christian community stood apart from the surrounding secular society and government on a number of major issues, including participation in the military.
http://www.nyym.org/leadings/holy_obedience.html
I put all this together in looking for references to the pacifism of the Early Church, for this debate
What does this say about america’s face of christianity?
NT Wright’s insight into Jesus’ teachings, and perhaps even what Ghandi did/said, speak volumes about “active pacifism.” Thanks for the notes and thoughts!
Thanks for this. I’ve heard this countless times as well, but just haven’t seen any information on it.
I noticed you talked about John Howard Yoder in a previous post. I’ve read his “What Would You Do…?” essay that answers that classic question.
Have you read any Hauerwas, or any of the other authors on this page?:
http://www.jesusradicals.com/library.php
(pastor draven pointed me to you, btw, and am very thankful for that!)
It seems to be saying that Republicanism is more important than Jesus…..especially in the accusations of Bush-supporting Christians that opposing Bush for faith reasons is suspect and partisan.
People have been syaing that about Sojourners since their “God is not a Republican or a Democrat” ad. I’ve heard several conservative reactions: “Sure sounds like they think God is a Democrat”.
Eric,
Thanks for the comment. Brad told me he pointed you to theoblogical. I put this list up after someone on a message board asked me where I got the idea that the 1st Century Church was pacifist, and so I looked up several references. I think it points out what happens when Christianity gets in bed with Empire — an almost unholy mix (at least that potential looms, and I think we are seeing some of the uglier aspects of that right now.
I have read a few interviews with Hauerwas (do a search here and find some resources I found on him). He seems like a fascinating person. I am still looking for some copies of some of his books.
I read a book and some articles by Yoder (the book was a course textbook for Glen Stassen’s Christian Ethics course I took while at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1979-80.
Dale
Right on.
Yes, Hauerwas is indeed a fascinating guy. I’ve seen him speak here in San Diego on a discussion called “Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Truth and Politics.” It was totally rad. He’s sort of a crass guy, but that sort of makes him loveable, if you can get past his swearing (I don’t have a problem with it– he’s harmless). In an interview he did in The Progressive in April of 2003, he said something like, “I’m a pacifist because I’m a violent son of a bitch.”
Oh, did I mention he likes to laugh at himself a lot 😛
The pastor of my church (also a religion professor at the school I attended knows him somewhat, and requires his students to read some of his books (Unleashing the Scripture and a few others, I think).
I never had any of my pastor’s religion classes while I went to school, but I’ve read Resident Aliens and The Peaceable Kingdom is waiting for me on my shelf.
Also, one of my friends from church takes classes from him at Duke. He tells me Hauerwas is definitely not a people-pleaser. From what I’ve read thus far of his, speaking truth to power and truth to everyday circumstances tends to do that.
I checked out your mentions of Hauerwas in your archives. Of the few links I have in my links section, I actually already have that site bookmarked. It’s a great resource 🙂
Peace,
eric