Christian Pacifism Before Constantine

32 Pages Posted: 16 Jun 2008

See all articles by David B. Kopel

David B. Kopel

University of Wyoming College of Law - Firearms Research Center; Independence Institute; Cato Institute; Denver University - Sturm College of Law

Date Written: June 12, 2008

Abstract

Much recent scholarship on early Christianity has emphasized the diversity of early Christian thought. This Paper presents evidence of diversity on early Christian belief and practice on the issue of pacifism. Notably, the diversity is found within orthodox Christianity itself. The claims of some modern writers that pre-Constantian orthodox Christians were virtually unanimously pacifist are not correct. In fact, some but not all of the early Patristic writers were pacifists. A significant number of Christians, including saints, served in the Roman army. The Paper discusses the following writers: Justin Martyr, Marcion, Irenaeus, Athenagoras, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Hippolytus, Julius Africanus, Origen, Cyprian, Arnobius, and Lactantius, and also examines other sources of information about the early church.

Keywords: Pacifism, Christianity, Church Fathers, Roman Army

JEL Classification: Z00

Suggested Citation

Kopel, David B., Christian Pacifism Before Constantine (June 12, 2008). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1144924 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1144924

David B. Kopel (Contact Author)

University of Wyoming College of Law - Firearms Research Center ( email )

United States

HOME PAGE: http://firearmsresearchcenter.org/

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Denver University - Sturm College of Law ( email )

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