The statement [of Celsus] is false "that in the days of Jesus, others who were Jews rebelled against the Jewish state and became his followers." For neither Celsus, nor those who think like him, are able to point out any act on the part of Christians that hints of rebellion. In fact, if a revolt had led to the formation of the Christian commonwealth, the Christian Lawgiver would not have altogether forbidden the putting of men to death. So it could not have derived its existence in such a way from the Jews. For they were permitted to take up arms in defense of the members of their families and to slay their enemies. Yet, Christ nowhere teaches that it is right for his own disciples to offer violence to anyone, no matter how wicked. For he did not consider it to be in accord with his laws to allow the killing of any individual whomever. For his laws were derived from a divine source. Indeed, if the Christians truly owed their origin to a rebellion, they would not have adopted laws of so exceedingly mild a character. For their laws do not allow them on any occasion to resist their persecutors, even when it was their fate to be slain as sheep. (4.467)
Origen makes it plain that, while for the Jews it was permitted, a Christian cannot slay an enemy even in defense of his own family. It ought to be pointed out, as well, that Origen is writing a public refutation of the anti-Christian accusations of Celsus, a Roman politician. If what Origen was saying about the conduct of Christians was not the widespread practice, his argument would not have held water.
Christians were taught not to avenge themselves upon their enemies.... They would not have made war (although capable) even if they had received authority to do so. For they have obtained this reward from God: that he has always warred on their behalf. On certain occasions, he has retrained those who rose up against them and desired to destroy them.... On special occasions, some have endured death for the sake of Christianity, and those whose individuals can be easily numbered. However, God has not permitted the whole nation [of Christians] to be exterminated. (4.467-468)
Note that Origen calls the totality of Christians a “nation.”
To those who inquire of us from where we come, or who is our founder, we reply that we have come agreeably to the counsels of Jesus. We have cut down our hostile, insolent, and wearisome swords into plowshares. We have converted into pruning hooks the spears that were formerly used in war. For we no longer take up "sword against nation," nor do we "learn war any more." That is because we have become children of peace for the sake of Jesus, who is our Leader. (4.558).
Origen too sees the age of the church as the fulfillment of the Isaianic prophecy.
Providence has extended the Christian religion day by day, so that it is now preached everywhere with boldness. And this is in spite of the numerous obstacles that oppose the spread of Christ's teaching in the world. However, since it was the purpose of God that the nations should receive the benefits of Christ's teaching, all the devices of men against Christians have been brought to nothing. For the more that kings, rulers, and peoples have persecuted them everywhere, the more Christians have increased in number and grown in strength. (621)
Labels: Early Christians, Nonviolence, Pacifism
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