Although it is made out to look, that the church fathers were pacifist, this is clearly not true. Augustine of Hippo's teachings on war for example inspired the crusaders. The church fathers abided by Thessalonians on passing down the things which the apostles taught them from one church father to the other. So therefore they are considered doctors of the church, and also serious interpreters on scripture. The Old testament and the 13th chapter of Romans, I believe also support war.
"Although one is not supposed to kill, the killing of the enemy in time of war is both a lawful and praiseworthy thing. This is why we consider individuals who have distinguished themselves in war as being worthy of great honors, and indeed public monuments are set up to celebrate their achievements. It is evident, therefore, that at one particular time, and under one set of circumstances, an act is not permissible, but when time and circumstances are right, it is both allowed and condoned"
St. Athanasius of Alexandria
Writings can be found of other church fathers. St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Jerome, St. Thomas Aquinas, and John Calvin all supported a just war.
Martin Luther hear falls contradictory. Luther opposed the crusades and war and believed that Christians should not use self defense. He believed the Turks were God's wrath on Europe. But as the Muslim Arabs drew closer to an invasion on Europe, in his own time, he began to change his mind and decided that self defense could be used.
Thank you, Joshua. I appreciate your assessment of how the early church fathers viewed war.
ReplyDeleteThanks buddy. I like the Augustinian view of war. God bless.
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