Lectures in Intellectual History Vassilios Paipais - "Between Pacifism and Just War: Oikonomia and Eastern Orthodox Political Theology"
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Dec 20, 2023 Vassilios Paipais, an academic in international relations at the University of St Andrews, delves into Eastern Orthodox political theology. He challenges Western interpretations of the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing unique Orthodox perspectives. Paipais critiques the limits of the symphonia model and highlights the concept of economia as a pastoral tool for moral management. By exploring Byzantine views on imperial power and accountability, he explains how Orthodoxy navigates the complexities of war, resisting strict categorizations of pacifism and just war.
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Theology That Counters Sacred Sovereignty
- Eastern Orthodox political theology resists sacralizing state power by emphasizing pastoral care over juridical authority.
- This framework explains why Orthodoxy transcends simple categories like pacifism or just war.
Western Lenses Misread Orthodox Thought
- Western analysts often misread Orthodox responses to war through Western just war lenses.
- Paipais argues this ignores distinctive Eastern political theology and its pastoral priorities.
Pastoral Response To Soldiers' Sin
- St Basil's 13th canon treats killing in war as grave but distinct from murder, requiring penitential care.
- The Church prioritized spiritual healing over endorsing or sanctifying violence.
