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What is the Coptic Orthodox Church’s View on the Military? |
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Monday, April 11 2011 |
What is the Coptic Orthodox church’s view on the military? I am interested in learning about your religion.
 The Coptic Orthodox Church does not promote the use of force or war. Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ is the King of Peace. Therefore, we pray for and promote peace in every way we can. Nonetheless, the military is a necessity with regard to self-defense, as others may wage war against a peaceful people. During the time of war, we pray for peace and the protection of those that are defending the peaceful. We pray for a quick end to conflict and the safe return of those acting on behalf of those protecting and promoting peace. There are a number of examples in the New Testament that discusses the Christian view of the military.
Take for instance, Matthew 8:5-13, in which a Roman Centurion approaches Jesus and asks for the Lord to visit his paralyzed servant. Jesus went with him and recognized the Centurion as "appealing" (of good character). More importantly, the Centurion recognized Jesus as the Lord.
Furthermore, St. Augustine justifies war if the appropriate motive for it is love. He argues that what is done out of love for God must be good. He says, "We do not seek peace in order to be at war, but we go to war that we may have peace. Be peaceful, therefore, in warring, so that you may vanquish those whom you war against, and bring them to the prosperity of peace."
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