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

Authors:

Pages: 194-201
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/STTT2608

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.

Keywords:

Latin literature; Christianity; military work; Christian life; asceticism.

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