The Antinomy of War and Military Service in the Context of Christian Doctrine

The article is dedicated to the philosophical comprehension of the antinomy of war and military service within the context of Christian doctrine, revealing the profound contradictions inherent in these social phenomena. Particular attention is paid to the axiological, theological, and ethical aspects of the problem, including questions of the moral justification of war, the distinction between aggression and defense, just and unjust wars, as well as the role of military personnel in defending the homeland and its spiritual values. It is emphasized that war, being an evil, can be morally justified in cases of restoring justice, defending the country, faith, and freedom. However, adherence to moral and ethical standards by military personnel, even during a just war, is a necessary condition, as their actions may otherwise lead to the aggravationof evil. The article discussesthe dilemmas faced by soldiers during combat operations, including contradictions between Christian principles (e.g., “thou shalt not kill” and “love thy enemy”) and the necessity of fulfilling tactical tasks. The importance of internalizing spiritual and moral standards by modern defenders of the homeland is highlighted, along with the need to maintain a high level of personal responsibility and commitment to universal Christian moral ideals during armed conflicts. The necessity of forming, through the structures of Russia’s Ministry of Defense, the image of a modern soldier who combines qualities of courage, compassion, readiness for self-sacrifice, and spiritual purity is substantiated, as well as organizing educational activities to implement this vision. The methodological foundation of the research includes comparative-historical, theological, axiological, and hermeneutical methods. The results of the study can be used for further reflection on the role of war in the context of religious philosophy and the formation of ethical standards of behavior for military personnel.