Adaptation of Christian Pacifism by St. Ambrose of Milan in the Context of Christianity's Transformation into the State Religion of the Roman Empire

Abstract

The theory of just war, its formation and development, in the late 20th — early 21st centuries becomes a popular topic. This is due to ethical paradoxes arising from the constant decline in tolerance to violence in modern society and the need to justify the right of the state to use violence. The focus of our research is the era of the transformation of Christianity into the state religion of Rome in the 4th century, during the reign of Emperor Theodosius the Great. Bishop Ambrose of Milan, who embraced both Roman and Christian traditions at the same time, made a career in public service, a faithful supporter of Theodosius and a minister of the church, left a literary legacy reflecting the complex processes of transformation of Christian anti-state radicalism and pacifism. Ambrose combines Cicero's doctrine of just war, epic admiration for bravery with the demand for Christian humility and self-sacrifice. As a participant in the political process, Ambrose was able to adapt the Christian view.