Permitted; no pacifist doctrine; defense of the church and nation permitted
The Assyrian Church of the East permits military service and has no formal pacifist doctrine. The church has historically existed in the context of Mesopotamian and Persian empires, and has understood Christian participation in legitimate defense as morally permissible. The church teaches that government is ordained by God and that Christians may participate in the legitimate exercise of authority, including military defense of the nation.
The church's long history of persecution and survival in hostile environments has shaped its understanding of military service. While peace and justice are central Christian values, the tradition distinguishes between unjust aggression and righteous defense. The protection of the innocent and the defense of the church and Christian communities against persecution are understood as legitimate applications of the Christian duty to love one's neighbor. The church does not glorify war, but recognizes defensive military service as permissible.
Key Distinctions
- Official stance:
- permitted — military service recognized as legitimate vocation
- Theological basis:
- government ordained by God; defense of innocent is expression of Christian love
Scripture References
Sources
- Church of the East Theological Tradition
- Theodore of Mopsuestia, theological writings
- Ecclesiastical History of Bar Hebraeus