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Handout #27 |
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A Christian cannot be a soldier |
| By forbidding Christian soldiers to wear the
crown during religious ceremonies, Tertullian concludes that it is
impossible for Christians to remain in the army.
Shall it be held lawful to make an occupation of the sword, when the Lord proclaims that he who uses the sword shall perish by the sword? And shall the son of peace take part in the battle when it does not become him even to sue at law? And shall he apply the chain, and the prison, and torture and punishment, who is not the avenger even of his own wrongs? And shall he keep guard before the temples which he has renounced? And shall he take a meal where the apostle has forbidden him? And shall he diligently protect by night those who in the day time he has put to flight by his exorcisms, leaning and resting on the spear the while with which Christ's side was pierced? Shall he carry a flag, too, hostile to Christ? Tertullian, De corona ch. 11, about 210 A.D. |
