What is a/the Patristic view of war?
This is some thing I have not read very much on, unfortunatly, and I would really appreciate some input on this issue.
A pamphlet/booklet written by Metropolitan Antony Khrapovitsky on war and capital punishment was suggested to me, but no title was given. Would any one know the title and were I might obtain it, either online or otherwise?
-Daniel
Dear Daniel,
Below is some words by Blessed Metropolitan Philaret on War. I think it is the best summary of the Orhtodox position I have seen. I also read the pamphet by Metropolitan Anthony a long time ago. I think it was called ''On War''. I bought my copy at Jordanville. I don't know where else they sell it though.
Anyway, I hope this helps.
In Christ,
Nicholas (Savva)
Christian Service;
War
Naturally, this Christian patriotism we have spoken of requires from each of us as great a service as possible to the nation. The value of such service is even more significant if it is rendered unselfishly - free of any material calculations and considerations. A person serves the country in one way or another when he participates in its life by, for example, expressing himself in the press or in civil elections, etc. In this, one must strive to bring benefit to the whole country, the whole people, and not to one's own personal or party interests - then one's conscience will be at peace. It may be that one will not attain great external success, but let him, nevertheless fulfil the duty of a patriot and a faithful child of the nation in an honorable and Christian manner.
There is a saying, "In misfortune, a friend is known." Love for the nation is most clearly manifested in times of national trials and troubles. We all know how it feels when someone close to us is ill. We do not want diversions or satisfactions. In our sorrow and concern, we sometimes cannot even eat or drink or sleep. One who truly loves one's nation will manifest similar feelings during times of national troubles. If our heart is filled with nothing but our own personal experiences and interests, if we moan and sigh while our deeds remain far from our words, then our love for the nation is poor indeed.
One of the clearest and most self-denying struggles of service to one's homeland is to die for the nation. A Christian soldier is a defender of the homeland, and clearly fulfils Christ's precept, "there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for ones brethren."
War in itself is absolutely evil, an extremely sad phenomenon and deeply contrary to the very essence of Christianity. Words cannot express how joyous it would be if people ceased to war with one another and peace reigned on earth. Sad reality speaks quite otherwise, however. Only some dreamers far removed from reality and some narrowly one-sided sectarians can pretend that war can be omitted from real life.
It is quite correct to point out that war is a violation of the commandment, "Do not kill." No one will argue against that. Still, we see from the Holy Scripture that in that very same Old Testament time when this commandment was given, the Israelite people fought on command from God, and defeated its enemies with God's help. Consequently, the meaning of the commandment, "Do not kill," does not refer unconditionally to every act of removing a person's life. This commandment forbids killing for revenge, in anger, by personal decision or act of will. When our Savior explained the deep meaning of this commandment, He pointed out that it forbids not only actual killing, but also an un-Christian, vain anger.
Nevertheless, in a conversation with the apostles about the last days, the Lord told them, "You will hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you are not distressed: for all this must be." With these words, the Lord refutes all statements that war is avoidable.
True, we have already examined the fact that war is a negative phenomenon. Yet, it will exist, sometimes as the sole defense of truth and human rights, or against seizure, brutal invasion and violence. Only such wars of defense are recognized in Christian teaching. In fact, we hear of the following event in the life of St. Athanasios of the Holy Mountain.
Prince Tornikian of Georgia, an eminent commander of the Byzantine armies, was received into monasticism at St Athanasios' monastery. During the time of the Persian invasion, Empress Zoe recalled Tornikian to command the armies. Tornikian flatly refused on the grounds that he was a monk. But St. Athanasios said to him, "We are all children of our homeland and we are obligated to defend it. Our obligation is to guard the homeland from enemies by prayers. Nevertheless, if God deems it expedient to use both our hands and our heart for the common weal, we must submit completely ... If you do not obey the ruler, you will have to answer for the blood of your compatriots whom you did not wish to save." Tornikian submitted, defeated the enemy and rescued the homeland from danger.
In a conversation with Mohammedans, about war, St. Cyril the Enlightener of the Slavs said, "We meekly endure personal offenses; but as a society, we defend each other, laying down our lives for our neighbors..."
One can, of course, sin and sin greatly while participating in war. This happens when one participates in war with a feeling of personal hatred, vengeance, or vainglory and with proud personal aims. On the contrary, the less the soldier thinks about himself, and the more he is ready to lay down his life for others, the closer he approaches to the martyr's crown.
Code: Select all
Metropolitan PhilaretAs far as I understand war is never ever good in itself like a virtue or spiritual book might be. On the other hand war is sometimes needed and so can be considered a lesser evil. The highest virtue with this seems to be not resisting and not fearing those who can put the body to death. On the other hand even monks sometimes defended their bodies and sometimes war is needed to protect the innocent which is our duty as Christians. There were both military saints who killed tens of thousands like Constantine and Theodosius and Justinian and then there were saints who gladly died rather than harming someone else even in self defense. I guess what I am trying to say is that from what I can tell there is no one definate position on war because each war is different and has to be approached as it comes about taking into consideration all sorts of variables. I guess this is subjective and so not really what people want to hear since people would like solid straight forward answers, but then the saints would probably be less subjective about these types of decisions. Or at least those who have spent their lives trying to become saints. So maybe that is who we should look to as each military situation comes up. Not that we do not have a mind of our own of course but with each situation we the public are only told a fraction of what the truth is so we really aren't making a decision based on all the information anyway. That is all the more reason I think to let those more advanced in the faith guide us in such things since they can probably read between the lines of what is told to the public better than most of us who are not advanced in the faith.
Savva24 wrote:Dear Daniel,
Below is some words by Blessed Metropolitan Philaret on War. I think it is the best summary of the Orhtodox position I have seen. I also read the pamphet by Metropolitan Anthony a long time ago. I think it was called ''On War''. I bought my copy at Jordanville. I don't know where else they sell it though.
The title of Met. Antony's booklet is "The Christian Faith and War." Must reading.