The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

I. Context: Changed Circumstances of the “Christian” Roman Empire

The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

I. Context: Changed Circumstances of the “Christian” Roman Empire

A. 2 Examples:

The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

I. Context: Changed Circumstances of the “Christian” Roman Empire

A. 2 Examples:

1. The Battle of the Frigidus (394): Theodosius’s Victory over Eugenius

“This happened, in fact, during the latest war. Faithless and sacriligeous men challenged one who placed his trust in the Lord. They attempted to deprive him of his dominion and they threatened the churches of the Lord with savage persecutions. Suddenly a wind sprang up; it ripped the rebels’ shields out of their hands and cast all the javelins and missiles back on the sinner’s army. Their opponents had not yet attacked but already they could not sustain the assault of the wind and were cut down by their own weapons. What is more…they lost heart when they realized that God was fighting against them. They had gone forth with a challenge; from the quivers of their hearts they had drawn the poisoned arrows of infidelity against the Christian people. Their impiety was turned back on their own heads. Their unfaithfulness caused divisions among themselves. The Lord broke up the trap they had laid for his faithful ones. Thus not only were they unable to harm the devout but they were deprived of their own auxiliaries & their support went over to their opponent. How much better it would have been if they had never unsheathed the sword, had never uttered the irreverent words…”

-Ambrose, Exposition of Psalm 35, 25

Theodosius, the winner of the battle, became the last emperor of a unified Roman Empire.

Eugenius on a coin. The Western ruler was taken prisoner after the battle, executed, and his head was displayed in Theodosius' camp.

The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

I. Context: Changed Circumstances of the “Christian” Roman Empire

A. 2 Examples:

1. The Battle of the Frigidus (394): Theodosius’s Victory over Eugenius 2. Augustine & Boniface, governor of North Africa

The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

I. Context: Changed Circumstances of the “Christian” Roman Empire

A. 2 Examples:

1. The Battle of the Frigidus (394): Theodosius’s Victory over Eugenius 2. Augustine & Boniface, governor of North Africa

B. Significance

The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

I. Context: Changed Circumstances of the “Christian” Roman Empire

A. 2 Examples:

1. The Battle of the Frigidus (394): Theodosius’s Victory over Eugenius 2. Augustine & Boniface, governor of North Africa

B. Significance

II. Development of Just War Tradition

The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

I. Context: Changed Circumstances of the “Christian” Roman Empire

A. 2 Examples:

1. The Battle of the Frigidus (394): Theodosius’s Victory over Eugenius 2. Augustine & Boniface, governor of North Africa

B. Significance

II. Development of Just War Tradition

A. Criteria for Just War or Use of Force (Jus ad bellum)

Criteria for Just War or Use of Force (Jus ad bellum)

• Legitimate authority

• Just cause

• Right intention

• Reasonable hope of success

• War as the best available means to right or prevent a grievous wrong.

The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

I. Context: Changed Circumstances of the “Christian” Roman Empire

A. 2 Examples:

1. The Battle of the Frigidus (394): Theodosius’s Victory over Eugenius 2. Augustine & Boniface, governor of North Africa

B. Significance

II. Development of Just War Tradition

A. Criteria for Just War or Use of Force (Jus ad bellum)

B. Background: Cicero (106-43 BCE)

The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

I. Context: Changed Circumstances of the “Christian” Roman Empire

A. 2 Examples:

1. The Battle of the Frigidus (394): Theodosius’s Victory over Eugenius 2. Augustine & Boniface, governor of North Africa

B. Significance

II. Development of Just War Tradition

A. Criteria for Just War or Use of Force (Jus ad bellum)

B. Background: Cicero (106-43 BCE)

C. Ambrose of Milan & Augustine of Hippo

"He who does not keep harm off a friend, if he can, is as much in fault as he who causes it."

Ambrose, De officiis

The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

I. Context: Changed Circumstances of the “Christian” Roman Empire

A. 2 Examples:

1. The Battle of the Frigidus (394): Theodosius’s Victory over Eugenius 2. Augustine & Boniface, governor of North Africa

B. Significance

II. Development of Just War Tradition

A. Criteria for Just War or Use of Force (Jus ad bellum)

B. Background: Cicero (106-43 BCE)

C. Ambrose of Milan & Augustine of Hippo

1. Augustine’s Against Faustus

The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

I. Context: Changed Circumstances of the “Christian” Roman Empire

A. 2 Examples:

1. The Battle of the Frigidus (394): Theodosius’s Victory over Eugenius 2. Augustine & Boniface, governor of North Africa

B. Significance

II. Development of Just War Tradition

A. Criteria for Just War or Use of Force (Jus ad bellum)

B. Background: Cicero (106-43 BCE)

C. Ambrose of Milan & Augustine of Hippo

1. Augustine’s Against Faustus

2. Augustine’s City of God

The Christian Roman Empire & the Rise of the Just War Tradition

I. Context: Changed Circumstances of the “Christian” Roman Empire

A. 2 Examples:

1. The Battle of the Frigidus (394): Theodosius’s Victory over Eugenius 2. Augustine & Boniface, governor of North Africa

B. Significance

II. Development of Just War Tradition

A. Criteria for Just War or Use of Force (Jus ad bellum)

B. Background: Cicero (106-43 BCE)

C. Ambrose of Milan & Augustine of Hippo

1. Augustine’s Against Faustus

2. Augustine’s City of God

Concluding Thoughts