Wars Emperor

Wars Emperor

Early Christians' views on war, power, and politics

Over the past year, I've written some things that have gotten me into trouble with a lot of religious people. One one level, I feel sorry that I have to offend so many people, especially people that I love and respect. On another level, I feel a sense of righteous indignation (at least I hope it's righteous indignation and not something else) that what passes for Christianity today in the Western world is so far from what Jesus, the Apostles, and the early Church had in mind.

The quotes below cover the period of the first two centuries of Christian history. As far as I know, no respected historian disputes what you are about to read. As you read these quotes, I'd like for you to ask yourself a question. Which is more likely? That the early Church closest in time to the lives of Jesus and the Apostles, started out in error but then gradually came to the truth around the time of Constantine--or the other way around?

The Early Church and the World, Professor C. J. Cadoux writes: ?Up to the reign of Marcus Aurelius at least [161-180 C.E.], no Christian would become a soldier after his baptism.?

?Early Christianity was little understood and was regarded with little favor by those who ruled the pagan world. . . . Christians refused to share certain duties of Roman citizens. . . . They would not hold political office.? (On the Road to Civilization?A World History, A. K. Heckel and J. G. Sigman, 1937, pp. 237-8)

The Encyclopedia of Religion states: ?The early church fathers, including Tertullian and Origen, affirmed that Christians were constrained from taking human life, a principle that prevented them from participating in the Roman army.? In his book

?A careful review of all the information available goes to show that, until the time of Marcus Aurelius [Roman emperor from 161 to 180 C.E.], no Christian became a soldier; and no soldier, after becoming a Christian, remained in military service.??The Rise of Christianity (London, 1947), E. W. Barnes, p. 333.

The book The Early Christian Attitude to War says: ?Inasmuch as they [Jesus? teachings] ruled out as illicit all use of violence and injury against others, clearly implied [was] the illegitimacy of participation in war . . . The early Christians took Jesus at his word, and understood his inculcations of gentleness and non-resistance in their literal sense. They closely identified their religion with peace; they strongly condemned war for the bloodshed which it involved.?

?They refused to take any active part in the civil administration or the military defence of the empire. . . . it was impossible that the Christians, without renouncing a more sacred duty, could assume the character of soldiers, of magistrates, or of princes.??History of Christianity (New York, 1891), Edward Gibbon, pp. 162, 163.

?The behavior of the [early] Christians was very different from that of the Romans. . . . Since Christ had preached peace, they refused to become soldiers.??Our World Through the Ages.

? And The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon, states: ?[Early Christians] refused to take any active part in the civil administration or the military defence of the empire. . . . It was impossible that the Christians, without renouncing a more sacred duty, could assume the character of soldiers.?

The Catholic Herald of London stated: ?The first Christians . . . took Jesus at His word and refused to be conscripted into the Roman army even if the penalty was death. Would the whole of history have been different if the Church had stuck to its original stand? . . . If the churches of today could come out with a joint condemnation of war . . . , which would mean that every member would be bound in conscience to be, like the Christians, a conscientious objector, peace might indeed be assured. But we know that this will never happen.?

?Early Christianity was little understood and was regarded with little favor by those who ruled the pagan world?Christians refused to share certain duties of Roman citizens?They would not hold political office.? --- On the Road to Civilization, A World History (Philadelphia, Chicago, etc; 1937) Albert K. Heckel and James G. Sigman, pp 237, 238.

?Zealous Christians did not serve in the armed forces or accept political offices.?-- World History, The Story of Man?s Achievements (River Forest, Ill; 1962) Habberton, Roth and Spears, p. 117.

?While among Romans it was considered the highest honor to possess the privileges of Roman citizenship, the Christians announced that they were citizens of heaven. They shrank from public office and military service.?-- ?Persecution of the Christians in Gaul, A.D. 177? by F.F.G. Guizot, former prime minister of France, Vol. III of The Great Events by Famous Historians (New York; 1905), Rossiter Johnson, ed, p. 246.

?The Christians were strangers and pilgrims in the world around them; their citizenship was in heaven; the kingdom to which they looked was not of this world. The consequent want of interest in public affairs came thus from the outset to be a noticeable feature in Christianity.? ? Christianity and the Roman Government (London; 1925), E. G. Hardy, Principal of Jesus College, Oxford, p. 39.

?The emperors disliked Christianity because it seemed unpatriotic and un-Roman.??The Course of Civilization, Volume One, (New York; 1961), p. 144.

It's time for a Reformation!

About the Author

Aaron D. Taylor is the author of "Alone with a Jihadist: A Biblical Response to Holy War." Check out his blog at http://www.aarondtaylor.blogspot.com

Star Wars Deluxe Emperor Palpatine Adult Costume $149.99 A symbol of evil and sinister deception, Emperor Palpatine is a primary antagonist in the Star Wars saga. Antagonize one and all in this officially licensed and officially evil Star Wars deluxe

Emperor's Royal Guard Cutout $29.99 Star Wars: Emperor's Royal Guard Lifesize Cutout. Height: 6'1"

Adult Emperor Palpatine Hands - Authentic Star Wars Costume Accessories $25.54 Adult Emperor Palpatine Hands - Star Wars Costume Accessories - These adult Emperor Palpatine Hands are made of latex and are the perfect way to complete your Emperor Palpatine costume! Emperor Palpatine began his political career as a humble Senator of Naboo. But he turned to the dark side and became the Sith Lord. Palpatine influences the young Jedi Anakin Skywalker to turn to the dark side and become Darth Vader. Palpatine is a villanous, gnarled and ancient looking human with pale skin. Palpatine is eventually killed by Darth Vader when Palpatine tries to kill Darth Vader's son, Luke Skywalker. These Emperor Palpatine Hands are an officially licensed authentic Star Wars Costume accessory.

LEGO: Star Wars: Emperor Palpatine's Shuttle $67.99 Transform Anakin? into Darth Vader? on Emperor Palpatine?s? Shuttle! Using his personal shuttle to recover Anakin Skywalker? from the volcanic planet of Mustafar Emperor Palpatine? transforms Anakin into Darth Vader? as seen in Revenge of the Sith?. Use the transformation bed and medical droid to place the helmet on Anakin?s head complete the transformation. Includes 4 minifigures: battle-damaged Anakin Skywalker with Darth Vader helmet Emperor Palpatine medical droid and clone pilot Shuttle features folding wings functioning landing gear opening cockpit and transformation bed Shuttle measures 12? (29cm) long and has a wingspan of 15? (39cm) Star Wars ? 2010 Lucasfilm Ltd. and TM. All rights reserved. Type: Sets

Lego Star Wars Emperor Palpatine's Shuttle $59.99 LEGO set based on Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Awesome Theta-cl@ss shuttle finally gets made as a toy. 592 pieces. Includes 4 figures. It's sure to bring order-- or chaos-- to the galaxy! With folding wings and the medical facilities needed to keep Darth Vader alive, Emperor Palpatine's Theta-cl@ss shuttle is ready to save the Sith! Direct from the end of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, its 592 pieces include Palpatine, a Clone Pilot, a Medical Droid, and Darth Vader. This incredible LEGO set is sure to bring order-- or chaos-- to the galaxy! Gender: Unisex Age: Child

Star Wars - Emperor Palpatine Deluxe Adult Costume $64.99 With his plans near completion,Senator Palpatine turns Anakin Skywalker against the Jedi. He then has himself declared Emperor,starting the Empire's reign of terror. Costume contains hooded robe and cowl with detailed front panel,and a ¾ mask. Available in adult sizes: Standard and X-Large. Character hands sold separately. This is an officially licensed STAR WARS™ Revenge of the Sith costume. ¾ Mask covers front and sides of head; this is not a full over the head mask.

Lego: Emperor Palpatine's Shuttle (8096) Vehicle $79.95 Lego Star Wars: Emperor Palpatines Shuttle (8096) Vehicle

Star Wars: Holographic Emperor Action Figure $19.99 Hasbro continues the Star Wars adventure with this line of action figures for the final film Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. Collect them all, each sold seperately.

Star Wars Episode 3 Deluxe Emperor Palpatine Adult Costume $49.99 Emperor Palpatine is a primary antagonist in the Star Wars saga and a symbol of evil and sinister deception. Be evil or be good, either way you will look like an alien in this officially licensed and

Star Wars - Emperor Palpatine Deluxe Adult Costume $64.99 With his plans near completion, Senator Palpatine turns Anakin Skywalker against the Jedi. He then has himself declared Emperor, starting the Empire's reign of terror. Costume contains hooded robe and cowl with detailed front panel, and a ? mask. Available in adult sizes: Standard and X-Large. Character hands sold separately. This is an officially licensed STAR WARS? Revenge of the Sith costume. ? Mask covers front and sides of head; this is not a full over the head mask. Gender: Unisex Age: Adult Theme: Science Fiction Occasion: Everyday Size: One-Size Color: As Shown

Star Wars Emperor Palpatine Latex Hands $26.99 One pair of latex character gloves. One size fits most adults. This is an officially licesend STAR WARS™ Revenge of the Sith costume.

Scary Adult Deluxe Emperor Palpatine Costume - Star Wars Costumes $50.29 Scary Halloween Costumes - Monster Halloween Costume - This Deluxe Emperor Palpatine Costume includes the hooded Emperor Palpatine costume robe and cowl with attached detailed front panel and 3/4 mask. Emperor Palpatine began his political career as a humble Senator of Naboo. But he turned to the dark side and become the Sith Lord. Palpatine influences the young Jedi Anakin Skywalker to turn to the dark side and become Darth Vader. Palpatine is a villanous, gnarled and ancient looking human with pale skin. Palpatine is eventually killed by Darth Vader when Palpatine tries to kill Darth Vader's son, Luke Skywalker. This Deluxe Emperor Palpatine costume is an officially licensed authentic Star Wars Costume.

Star Wars: Mara Jade: By the Emperor's Hand $11.43 Mara Jade is beautiful, intelligent -- and deadly She is the Emperor's Hand, the personal assassin of the Empire's dark overlord. Mara has destroyed many enemies of the Empire in her time, and has always carried out her missions with forethought and skill. But after the Emperor's death at the hands of Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, an unforeseen variable is about to enter the scene of her final mission for her employer: the assassination of the leader of the Black Nebula crime organization. Though her master is dead, Jade must complete her final mission...even if it costs her life

The Purple Emperor $36.16 Archfiend Lord Hairstreak has managed to recover nicely from defeat in this sequel to THE FAERIE WARS. With vile conspirators Chalkhill and Brimstone, he has illicitly brought the Purple Emperor back from the dead, and through him controls all Faerie Realm. Meanwhile in the Analogue World (ours), Henry uses the portal in search of Prince Pyrgus and his sister, Blue. Desperately trying his friends, he learns that the two royals have been banished, powerless, to far off lands. With the help of Mr. Fogerty and the remarkable Madam Cardui, the three create a crack plan to win back the kingdom.

The Purple Emperor: Faerie Wars II $17 Henry Atherton, his faerie prince friend Pyrgus, and Pyrgus's fearless sister, Holly Blue, return in this fantastic adventure to save the Faerie Realm from the evil Hairstreak and his henchmen, Chalkhill and Brimstone. With the help of forest faeries, some silk mistresses, a sewer-dwelling creature of unknown dimensions, and additional creatures magical and otherwise, the three intrepid young friends find their way from exile back to the home they all would die to preserve and protect.

Rogue Emperor: A Novel of the Chronoplane Wars $18.8 Author: Kilian, Crawford Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 304 Publication Date: 1998/12/01 Language: English Dimensions: 8.08 x 5.12 x 0.74 inches

Rogue Emperor : A Novel of the Chronoplane Wars $9.7 No Synopsis Available

The Napoleonic Wars: The Rise of the Emperor 1805-1807 $53.63 No Synopsis Available

Opium Wars $11.25 In this tragic and powerful story, the two Opium Wars of 1839??1842 and 1856??1860 between Britain and China are recounted for the first time through the eyes of the Chinese as well as the Imperial West. Opium entered China during the Middle Ages when Arab traders brought it into China for medicinal purposes. As it took hold as a recreational drug, opium wrought havoc on Chinese society. By the early nineteenth century, 90 percent of the Emperor's court and the majority of the army were opium addicts. Britain was also a nation addicted-to tea, grown in China, and paid for with profits made from the opium trade. When China tried to ban the use of the drug and bar its Western smugglers from it gates, England decided to fight to keep open China's ports for its importation. England, the superpower of its time, managed to do so in two wars, resulting in a drug-induced devastation of the Chinese people that would last 150 years. In this page-turning, dramatic and colorful history, The Opium Wars responds to past, biased Western accounts by representing the neglected Chinese version of the story and showing how the wars stand as one of the monumental clashes between the cultures of East and West. "A fine popular account."-Publishers Weekly "Their account of the causes, military campaigns and tragic effects of these wars is absorbing, frequently macabre and deeply unsettling."-Booklist

Star Wars Mighty Muggs Series 4: Emperor Palpatine Figure $9.99 Experience the trendy side of the force! Urban vinyl collectible figures have been tearing up shelves in galleries and toy stores all over the planet. Hasbro, never one to shy away from mutating their licenses (remember those Star Wars choppers?) has created an entire suite of 6-inch tall Star Wars characters in the chunky, edgy Urban Vinyl style! Collect them all, each sold separately.

Sigismund, Holy Roman Emperor $58.94 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Sigismund (Hungarian: Zsigmond,Croatian:igmund 14 February 1368 9 December 1437) was one of the longest ruling Kings of Hungary and Croatia, reigning for fifty years from 1387 to 1437, and was also Holy Roman Emperor for four years from 1433 until 1437, and the last Emperor of the House of Luxemburg. He was also King of Bohemia from 1419, of Lombardy from 1431, and of Germany from 1411. Sigismund was one of the driving forces behind the Council of Constance that ended the Papal Schism, but which in the end also led to the Hussite Wars that dominated the later period of Sigismunds life. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 72 Publication Date: 2010/07/12 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.17 inches

Dacian Wars $76.47 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Dacian Wars refers to punitive expeditions or wars of conquest by the Roman Empire along its Danube River frontier against the north bank kingdom of Dacia and the Dacian king Decebalus, and the nonspecific name will mean one of either: Domitians Dacian WarThe two punitive expeditions mounted as a border defense against raids of Moesia from Dacia in 8687 AD ordered by the Emperor Titus Flavius Domitianus in 87 AD, and 88 AD. The first expedition was an unmitigated disaster, and the second achieved a peace, seen as unfavorable and shameful by many in Rome. Trajans Dacian WarsThe two campaigns of conquest ordered or led by the Emperor Trajan in 101102 AD, and 105106 AD from Moesia across the Danube north into Dacia. Trajans forces were successful in both cases, reducing Dacia to client state status in the first, and taking the territory over in the second. Author: Surhone, Lambert M./ Timpledon, Miriam T./ Marseken, Susan F. Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 112 Publication Date: 2010/06/23 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.26 inches

Emperor: The Gates of Rome $11.89 From the spectacle of gladiatorial combat to the intrigue of the Senate, from the foreign wars that created an empire to the betrayals that almost tore it apart....

Star Wars Revenge of the Sith Holographic Emperor Exclusive Action Figure $34.95 A scheming, cold and calculating Sith Lord, Emperor Palpatine rises to power and all but eliminates the Jedi Knights. His pupil, Darth Vader, communicates with his master via holographic image transmissions. Together, they strive to crush anyone who stands in the way of their new Galactic Empire. WARNING: contains small parts not for children under 3 years.

The First Emperor of China - $9.99 Originally presented in IMAX theatres, The First Emperor of China has been shrunk down and released by Slingshot Entertainment in DVD and VHS formats for the world to enjoy in the comfort of home. This stylish documentary tells the story of how Qin Shihuang united, through diplomacy and force, the Chinese land and people. Considering the age of the Chinese culture, much of this story has never been fully revealed to the Western audience. This 40 minute film delves deeply into the history of the first imperial reign with dazzling re-creations of major events and wars, as well as modern views of amazing sites like the inner sanctum of Emperor Qin's royal palace. With a rise of curiosity in ancient China, this documentary will help a great many people understand the pride many Chinese hold in their culture. Directors Tony Ianzelo and Liu Hao Xue present a masterful piece of filmmaking that is aptly supported by a musical score from Eldon Rathburn and Zhao Ji Ping that combines the modern and the ancient. The The First Emperor of China DVD is Internet ready for further exploration and equipped with menu options that make it easy for the viewer to often visit their favorite sections. ~ Ed Atkinson, Rovi

Frederick III, German Emperor $70.1 Frederick III (German: Friedrich III., Deutscher Kaiser und Knig von Preuen; 18 October 1831 15 June 1888) was German Emperor and King of Prussia for 99 days in 1888 during the Year of the Three Emperors. Frederick William Nicholas Charles (German: Friedrich Wilhelm Nikolaus Karl), known informally as Fritz, was the only son of Emperor William I, and was raised in his familys tradition of military service. Although celebrated as a young man for his leadership and successes during the Second Schleswig, AustroPrussian and FrancoPrussian wars, he nevertheless professed a hatred of warfare, and was praised by friends and enemies alike for his humane conduct. Following the unification of Germany in 1871 his father, then King of Prussia, became the German Emperor, and on Williams death at the age of 90 on 9 March 1888, the throne passed to Frederick, having by then been the Crown Prince for twentyseven years. Frederick was suffering from cancer of the larynx and died on 15 June 1888, aged 57, following unsuccessful medical treatments for his condition. Frederick married Princess Victoria, daughter of Queen Victoria of Great Britain. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 96 Publication Date: 2010/07/27 Language: English Dimensions: 5.98 x 9.01 x 0.22 inches

The Byzantine Wars $19.08 This is a history of the wars between Byzantium and its numerous foes, among them the Goths, Arabs, Slavs, Crusaders, and Ottoman Turks. By the middle of the 6th century the Byzantine emperor ruled a mighty empire that straddled Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Within 100 years, this powerful empire had been cut in half. Two centuries later the Byzantine empire was once again a power to be reckoned with that soon recovered its position as the paramount East Mediterranean and Balkan power, an empire whose fabulous wealth attracted Viking mercenaries and central Asian nomad warriors to its armies, whose very appearance on the field of battle was sometimes enough to bring enemies to terms. This book provides essential support for those interested in Byzantine history in general as well as a useful corrective to the more usual highly romanticized views of Byzantine civilization.

The Emperor $3.99 "The Emperor" by Georg Ebers is a classic work of literature that can be enjoyed by all. Download "The Emperor" and enjoy another quality Digireads.com publication.

Star Wars Deluxe Stromtrooper Child Costume $54.99 Star Wars Stormtroopers are the personal army of Emperor Palpatine and his commanders. They began as humans originally cloned or conscripted from Jango Fett, and carry out the will of their superiors

Star Wars: Crimson Empire $6.8 Kir Kanos is the last surviving member of the elite Crimson Guard. He's on the run -- and the Empire will stop at nothing to destroy him The story details an amazing encounter with Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine and reveals at last what happened to the Crimson Guard after the death of the Emperor in Empire's End The final battle of the last of the Royal Guards is about to begin -- and you have a ringside seat Combining the dynamic artistic talents of Paul Gulacy and P. Craig Russell (winner of the 1998 Harvey Award for best artist), and featuring a cover painting by renowned Star Wars illustrator Dave Dorman, this is a Star Wars collection no fan will want to miss

Star Wars The Emperor's Ultimate Weapon Canvas Giclee Print $412.51 Coming to a galaxy near you! Limited edition giclée on canvas. 100-piece, hand-numbered edition. Each piece is individually signed by Richard Edlund! "The Emperor's Ultimate Weapon" is a limited edition, canvas-giclée print created from a Death Star model photo taken by Richard Edlund, the multi Academy Award winning special effects photographer well known for his work with Industrial Light and Magic. The eerie, ominous image measures 19-inches tall x 33-inches wide and is personally signed by Edlund. It's limited to a mere 100 pieces and arrives with a certificate of authenticity. Bring The Emperor's Ultimate Weapon to a galaxy near you… if you dare! Giclée (pronounced "zhee-clay") is an invented name for the process of making fine-art prints from a digital source using ink-jet printing. The word was coined to distinguish commonly known industrial "Iris proofs" from the fine-art prints artists were producing on the same printers. The name has since come to mean any high-quality, ink-jet print, and is often used in galleries and print shops to denote such. In the past few years, the word (as a fine-art term) has come to be associated with prints using fade-resistant "archival" inks and the inkjet printers that use them. A wide variety of substrates are available, including various textures and finishes such as matte photo paper, watercolor paper, cotton canvas, or artist textured vinyl. This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Giclée" and is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License .

Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire $7.99 Shadows of the Empire illuminates the shadowy outlines of a criminal conspiracy that exists in the background of the events in the movies, ruled by a character new to us. Prince Xizor is a mastermind of evil who dares to oppose one of the best-known fictional villains of all time: Darth Vader. The story involves all the featured Star Wars movie characters, plus Emperor Palpatine and, of course, Lord Vader himself. Features a bonus section following the novel that includes a primer on the Star Wars expanded universe, and over half a dozen excerpts from some of the most popular Star Wars books of the last thirty years!

Clone Trooper Replica Costume - Star Wars $71.95 Are you a fan of that awesome new Star Wars installment, Star Wars: The Clone Wars? If you would like to be one of the noblest fighters in the Republic, try out this Star Wars Clone Trooper Replica Costume! The Star Wars Clone Trooper Replica Costume comes with a white Clone Trooper Mask and a white bodysuit with molded body armor! This also comes with a molded belt and even gloves! Defend from the evils of Emperor Palpatine and the Siths in this amazing Star Wars costume!