2 edits
As to serving in the armed forces, what does secular history disclose about the
attitude of early Christians?
“A careful review of all the information available goes to show that, until the time of
Marcus Aurelius [Roman emperor from 161 to 180 C.E.], no Christian became a
soldier; and no soldier, after becoming a Christian, remained in military
service.”—The Rise of Christianity (London, 1947), E. W. Barnes, p. 333.
“We who were filled with war, and mutual slaughter, and every wickedness, have
each through the whole earth changed our warlike weapons,—our swords into
ploughshares, and our spears into implements of tillage,—and we cultivate piety,
righteousness, philanthropy, faith, and hope, which we have from the Father Himself
through Him who was crucified.”—Justin Martyr in “Dialogue With Trypho, a Jew” (2nd
century C.E.),
“They refused to take any active part in the civil administration or the military
defence of the empire. . . . it was impossible that the Christians, without renouncing
a more sacred duty, could assume the character of soldiers, of magistrates, or of
princes.”—History of Christianity (New York, 1891), Edward Gibbon, pp. 162, 163.
Originally posted by robbie carrobieCornelius was a career military officer and obviously remained in
He did not leave is post after his conversion to Christianity???
BS, nothing is known of Cornelius after he accepted Christianity.
the Roman Army. See my earlier link for a little more on him.
But even he did not, that does not mean being a soldier or a
publican like Matthew was wrong. Jesus never condemned these
occupations.
Originally posted by robbie carrobieThis does not prove that being a soldier is wrong.
As to serving in the armed forces, what does secular history disclose about the
attitude of early Christians?
“A careful review of all the information available goes to show that, until the time of
Marcus Aurelius [Roman emperor from 161 to 180 C.E.], [b]no Christian became a
soldier; and no soldier, after becoming a Christian, remained in m ...[text shortened]... trates, or of
princes.”—History of Christianity (New York, 1891), Edward Gibbon, pp. 162, 163.
Where did God say, "Thou shalt not be a soldier"
or anything like that?
Originally posted by Rajk999What does the word "no" or "apart" or "seperate" mean? Again what did Jesus give as an example as to what we owe Ceaser? To pay taxes and to obey laws that do not enterfer with God's laws such as the Apostles told them when they were brought before the government they were in when they were told to stop preaching.. All the principles of this is are in the Bible.
Im sure all Christians are aware of all that. I will agree that not all Christians are able to successfully separate themselves from the world they way Christ and Paul intended. However the way you are proposing that they do it is above and beyond what is required of Christians.
If we were to obey what every government tells us to do such as to go to war and kill, then you might as well ignor most of the Bible.
Originally posted by menace71Yes I'm here but busy at work so give me a chance to catch up a lttle.... 🙂
G-75??? You there buddy?? G......???? You there ??? LOL I'm messing around but history is awesome and we can learn a lot. I love early Christianity it's was an interesting time to say the least.
Manny
Originally posted by RJHinds"The first gentile convert to Christianity"
Jesus was criticized for associating with publicans, who worked for the
Roman government collecting taxes. Jesus took one of these publicans
as His disciple. His name was Levi (Matthew). (Luke 5:27)
The first gentile convert to Christianity was a soldier in the Roman army.
His name is Cornelius the centurion living at Caesarea. (Acts 10)
http:// ...[text shortened]... hough both these men were part of the Roman government
they both had only one spiritual master.
He did not enter this position as a Christian. CORRECT?
Originally posted by RJHindsLol... Your spiritual insight or conscience is so off. It doesn't have to say that because the whole ministry of Jesus was to love your neighbor and to leave the vengence to God.
This does not prove that being a soldier is wrong.
Where did God say, "Thou shalt not be a soldier"
or anything like that?
Originally posted by galveston75I believe your fellow witness would disagree with you on that.
Lol... Your spiritual insight or conscience is so off. It doesn't have to say that because the whole ministry of Jesus was to love your neighbor and to leave the vengence to God.
He tells me everything has to be in the bible in plain language
so anyone could understand it, i.e. the Trinity.
Originally posted by RJHinds“A careful review of all the information available [shows] that, until the time of Marcus Aurelius [121-180 C.E.], no Christian became a soldier; and no soldier, after becoming a Christian, remained in military service.”—The Rise of Christianity.
Cornelius was a career military officer and obviously remained in
the Roman Army. See my earlier link for a little more on him.
But even he did not, that does not mean being a soldier or a
publican like Matthew was wrong. Jesus never condemned these
occupations.
“The behavior of the [early] Christians was very different from that of the Romans. . . . Since Christ had preached peace, they refused to become soldiers.”—Our World Through the Ages.
Originally posted by galveston75You said ..... “A careful review of all the information available . "
“A careful review of all the information available [shows] that, until the time of Marcus Aurelius [121-180 C.E.], no Christian became a soldier; and no soldier, after becoming a Christian, remained in military service.”—The Rise of Christianity.
“The behavior of the [early] Christians was very different from that of the Romans. . . . Since Christ had preached peace, they refused to become soldiers.”—Our World Through the Ages.
Exactly what information was carefully reviewed?
If you cannot answer that then your quote is just mumbo-jumbo.
Originally posted by galveston75Apparently the author was mistaken or maybe, just ignorant of the facts.
“A careful review of all the information available [shows] that, until the time of Marcus Aurelius [121-180 C.E.], no Christian became a soldier; and no soldier, after becoming a Christian, remained in military service.”—The Rise of Christianity.
“The behavior of the [early] Christians was very different from that of the Romans. . . . Since Christ had preached peace, they refused to become soldiers.”—Our World Through the Ages.