“Militia Saeculi” and “Militia Christi” in the Two Letters of Paulinus of Nola († 431) to Crispinianus Cover Image

„Militia saeculi“ и „militia christi“ в двете писма на Павлин от Нола († 431) до Криспиниан
“Militia Saeculi” and “Militia Christi” in the Two Letters of Paulinus of Nola († 431) to Crispinianus

Author(s): Rosen Milanov
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, History, Military history, Ancient World, Theology and Religion, History of Religion
Published by: Великотърновски университет „Св. св. Кирил и Методий”
Keywords: Latin literature; Christianity; military work; Christian life; asceticism

Summary/Abstract: There are in the epistolary corpus of the great Latin Christian poet and writer of the 5th century Paulinus of Nola († 431) two letters to a soldier whose name is Crispinianus, which reveal the author’s outlook on military service (militia). This paper discusses the language and style of those letters. It also seeks out the arguments against military service and examines the way they are constructed. According to Paulinus, militia saeculi is not compatible with a fulfilling Christian life. The last section of the article examines the character, specifications and goals of the Christian alternative of military work: the work for Christ, also referred to as militia – militia Christi.

  • Issue Year: 31/2022
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 294-301
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: Bulgarian