What are the views of St. Ambrose of Milan (c. 339–397) on participating in military service?

The answer

St. Ambrose of Milan says, “For courage, which in war preserves one’s country from the barbarians, or at home defends the weak, or comrades from robbers, is full of justice”⁹⁷³ And of courage in battle he says, “For it prefers death to slavery and disgrace.”⁹⁷⁴ It would be wrong to think that St. Ambrose lent his approval to Christianity adopting all Roman practices and principles, regardless of the scriptural commandments of peace and longsuffering. He said, “Military courage is itself often militates against peace.”⁹⁷⁵

Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty