Truth Unites
Was Pacifism the Early Church's View?
May 27, 2024
Gavin Ortland discusses whether pacifism was the early church's view, exploring historical figures like Justin Martyr and Athanagoras. The podcast delves into early Christian views on violence, military service, and the development of just war theory, emphasizing the complexity and ambiguity within church history.
40:15
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Quick takeaways
- Early church embraced pacifism, condemning violence and war as endorsed by notable figures like Justin Martyr.
- Shift to just war theory led by Augustine of Hippo acknowledged justified conflict, marking evolution in Christian views on violence.
Deep dives
Strong Pacifist Instinct in Anti-Nicene Church
In the early church, particularly before the fourth century, there was a pronounced inclination towards pacifism. The condemnation of war, violence, and killing was prevalent among early Christians. Notable church figures like Justin Martyr and Athanagoras vigorously advocated for non-violence, drawing from biblical passages to support their stance. While pacifism was a prevailing view, it also emphasized the importance of opposing bloodshed and violent practices.
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