The Rejection of Military Service by the Early Christians
@article{Ryan1952TheRO, title={The Rejection of Military Service by the Early Christians}, author={Edward Ryan}, journal={Theological Studies}, year={1952}, volume={13}, pages={1 - 32} }
Late in the winter of 295 a veteran of the legions named Fabius Victor appeared before Dion, proconsul at Theveste, North Africa. He came, according to his obligation, to present his twenty-one-yearold son, Maximilianus, for military service. In the course of the physical examination the young draftee astonished Dion by a vigorous refusal to serve: "Mihi non licet militare quia Christianus sum." For the moment the remark was ignored; they went ahead measuring him. He was tall enough: five ten… CONTINUE READING
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Pacifists, Patriots, or Both?: Second Thoughts on Pre-Constantinian Early-Christian Attitudes toward Soldiering and War
- Philosophy, Political Science
- 2010
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Cum non deceat eum qui hominem interfecit aut mutilavit, etiam sine culpa, esse ministrum illius qui fuit mitis et humilis corde, Ecclesia eum removit a clero