The opinions of the early Christians in the war, power and politics

Over the past year, I wrote some things that have gotten into trouble with many religious people. A certain level, I feel that I did not offend many people, especially people I like and respect. On another level, I feel a sense of outrage (At least I hope righteous indignation and nothing else) that what is happening today for Christianity in the Western world is so far from what Jesus, the apostles and the early Church had in mind.

The following citations cover the period of the first two centuries of Christian history. To my knowledge, no dispute respected historian you read. After reading these quotes, I want to ask a question. What is more likely? For the early church in the nearest time in the life of Jesus and apostles, began in the error, but then gradually the truth about the time of Constantine – or vice versa?

The early church and the world Professor CJ Cadoux writes:? Until the reign of Marcus Aurelius at least [161-180 CE], no Christian became a soldier after his baptism.?

? Early Christianity has been misunderstood and considered favorably little of who ruled the pagan world. . . . Christians refused to share the functions of some Roman citizens. . . . Do not hold political office.? (On the road of civilization? A history of the world, Heckel and JG AK Sigman, 1937, pp. 237-8)

The Encyclopedia of Religion states:? The Church Fathers, including Origen and Tertullian said that Christians have been forced to take human life, a principle that prevented them from participating in the Roman army.? In his book

? A careful examination of all available information suggests that, until the time of Emperor Marcus Aurelius [Roman 161-180 CE], no Christian became a soldier, and no soldier, after becoming a Christian, remained in military service.? The rise of Christianity (London, 1947), EW Barnes, p. 333.

The book The Early Christian Attitude to War, says:? To the extent that [Jesus? teachings] excluded as the illegitimate use of violence and injury against others, clearly implied [was] the illegitimacy of the participation in the war. . . Early Christians took Jesus at his word, and understood the inculcation of gentleness and non-resistance, in its literal meaning. Religion is closely identified to peace, which it strongly condemned war for the bloodshed in question.?

? They refused to take an active part in public administration or military defense of the empire. . . . it was impossible for Christians, without renouncing a more sacred duty, could assume the character of soldiers, magistrates, and princes.? History of Christianity (New York, 1891), Edward Gibbon, pp. 162, 163.

? Christian Behavior [] at the beginning was very different from that of the Romans. . . . Post Christ had preached peace, they refused to become soldiers.? our world through the centuries.

? And the decline and fall of the Roman Empire Edward Gibbon, said:? [The early Christians] refused to take an active part in public administration or the military defense of the empire. . . . It was impossible for Christians without giving up a most sacred right, you can assume the character of soldiers.?

The Catholic Herald of London, said:? The early Christians. . . Jesus made in his word and refused to be conscripted into the Roman army, but the punishment was death. Can the history of l'ensemble have been different if the Church had stuck to its original position? . . . If churches today could get away with the belief the war together. . . , This means that each member would be obliged in conscience to be, as Christians, a conscientious objector, peace might actually be achieved. But we know that this will never happen.?

? Early Christianity has been misunderstood and has been regarded with little favor of those who ruled the pagan world? Christians refused to share the functions of some of Roman citizens? Them do not take political positions.? — On the road to civilization, world history (Philadelphia, Chicago, etc, 1937) Albert K. Heckel and G. James Sigman, pp 237, 238.

? The Jealous Christians do not serve in the armed forces or to accept a political office. ? – History of the world, the history of man? S Achievements (River Forest, Ill, 1962) Habberton, Roth and Britney, P. 117.

? Although the Romans are considered the highest honor to have the privileges of Roman citizenship, Christians said they were citizens the sky. He fell from a utility office and the military.? -? The persecution of Christians in Gaul, in the year 177? FFG by Guizot, former Prime Minister France, vol. III Major Events famous by historians (New York, 1905), Rossiter Johnson, ed, p. 246.

? The Christians were strangers and pilgrims in the world around them, their citizenship is in heaven, the kingdom who were not of this world. The absence therefore of interest to businesses Consequently, the government from the beginning to be a notable feature in Christianity.? ? Christianity and the Roman Government (London, 1925) EG Hardy, director of Jesus College, Oxford, p. 39.

? The emperors did not like Christianity, because it seemed unpatriotic and un-Roman.? The march of civilization, Volume One, (New York, 1961), p. 144.

It is time for reform!

About the Author

Aaron D. Taylor is the author of “Alone with a Jihadist: A Biblical Response to Holy War.” Check out his blog at http://www.aarondtaylor.blogspot.com

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