Those who laid down their arms in peacetime should abstain from communion. (Council of Arles, Canon III). Bainton explains: "The normal antithesis to in pace is in bello. The meaning then is that the Christian is not to lay down his arms in time of peace, when he may be called upon only for police duty, but he is still at liberty to withdraw in case of war. This interpretation is strengthened by the example of Martin of Tours, who on conversion remained in the army for two years, until an actual battle was imminent, and only then declined longer to serve. This was in the year A.D. 336. We may say, then, that ecclesiastical authors before Constantine condemned Christian participation in warfare, though not necessarily military service in time of peace" (Roland Bainton, Christian Attitude Toward War and Peace 81).
Labels: Early Christians, Nonviolence, Pacifism
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