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But now inquiry is being made concerning these issues…

“But now inquiry is being made concerning these issues. First, can any believer enlist in the military? Second, can any soldier, even those of the rank and file or lesser grades who neither engage in pagan sacrifices nor capital punishment, be admitted into the church? No on both counts.” quote by Tertullian
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“But now inquiry is being made concerning these issues. First, can any believer enlist in the military? Second, can any soldier, even those of the rank and file or lesser grades who neither engage in pagan sacrifices nor capital punishment, be admitted into the church? No on both counts.”

Tertullian

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Believers cannot serve in the military or join the church if they partake in pagan rites or capital punishment.

In simple terms: Military service barred for believers.

Key Takeaway

Consider the conflict between faith and state duties.

Themes

faith military service religion ethics exclusion

Mood

serious thoughtful

Type

theological ethical

When to use this quote

  • church membership
  • military enlistment
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

theology civil obedience moral integrity

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can faith coexist with state violence?
  • What alternatives exist for conscientious objectors?
A Different Perspective

Excludes those with differing moral codes.

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