What is the Orthodox perspective on nations and war?

[Kameaux]

After having consumed a reasonable amount of literature that relates to (Eastern) theology and the history of the development of the Christian faith, i was left with some specific questions that i hope can be answered by someone with a more advanced understanding of Orthodox theology then i do.

Firstly, i've heard claims that conservation of local cultures, nations (i.e. ethnos) is sanctioned by Orthodox Christianity, implying that, though Christianity being universalist in nature, there is a place for tribalism, nationhood and ethnic conservatism, if you will. These claims have come to my ears from, apparently, recent converts, who's conversion may or may not be motivated or influenced by their taste in politics. Is there any truth to this?

Secondly, studying the history of Christianity, it's very obvious that most (if not all) churches have developed themselves beyond the desire to call to violence. Since this is, for all intends and purposes, the first time in history that the church has become as pacified as it is today, i can't help wondering; to what degree can violent resistance to perceived outside threats by defended on a theological basis, this having been the norm since the birth of Christ? The church fathers were, as far as the death penalty goes, always very adamant about the fact that the death penalty should be instated for certain moral transgressions, and simultaneously churches have, historically, been quite silent on territorial expansion when it suited their particular branch of Christianity. This is not a critique, but rather an observation. Is this a result of Christianity reverting to it's true and rather pacifistic form, or has the church been forced to pacify itself for the sake of it's existence, nothing being perceived as being above secular law and the modern conception of human rights in our day in age?

 

[HTacianas]

After having consumed a reasonable amount of literature that relates to (Eastern) theology and the history of the development of the Christian faith, i was left with some specific questions that i hope can be answered by someone with a more advanced understanding of Orthodox theology then i do.

Firstly, i've heard claims that conservation of local cultures, nations (i.e. ethnos) is sanctioned by Orthodox Christianity, implying that, though Christianity being universalist in nature, there is a place for tribalism, nationhood and ethnic conservatism, if you will. These claims have come to my ears from, apparently, recent converts, who's conversion may or may not be motivated or influenced by their taste in politics. Is there any truth to this?

Secondly, studying the history of Christianity, it's very obvious that most (if not all) churches have developed themselves beyond the desire to call to violence. Since this is, for all intends and purposes, the first time in history that the church has become as pacified as it is today, i can't help wondering; to what degree can violent resistance to perceived outside threats by defended on a theological basis, this having been the norm since the birth of Christ? The church fathers were, as far as the death penalty goes, always very adamant about the fact that the death penalty should be instated for certain moral transgressions, and simultaneously churches have, historically, been quite silent on territorial expansion when it suited their particular branch of Christianity. This is not a critique, but rather an observation. Is this a result of Christianity reverting to it's true and rather pacifistic form, or has the church been forced to pacify itself for the sake of it's existence, nothing being perceived as being above secular law and the modern conception of human rights in our day in age?

I don't know if you're likely to find a direct answer to your question. It's more a hodge podge patchwork of beliefs and customs. But there is certainly a tendency among Orthodox Churches to be "tribal" to an extent. But keep in mind that the Liturgy contains a prayer for government officials. The government officials of nations Orthodoxy exists in are often at odds with each other. For instance in the United States the prayer is "for the President of the Untied States and all government officials". But in Russia that prayer is also for their president and prime minister. And also it mentions "for our armed forces stationed around the world". "Our" armed forces may be in conflict with each other but the prayer for both is the same.

 

[Lukaris]

We do not have the just war doctrine but St. Basil the great has guidelines:

Incommunion » St. Basil’s Guidance on War and Repentance

 

[ArmyMatt]

war is inherently sinful, but necessary in our fallen condition. so it must be approached with repentance.