Augustine has been claimed to be the progenitor of the theory of just war in Christianity. In the medieval age his position was taken advantage of by the Roman Catholic Church to justify the persecution of heresies, the crusades, and other wars. It is true that especially in his controversy with the Donatists, he articulated the reasons and methods of religious coercion. Yet he did not advocate relgious coercion outrightly.
Augustine, who valued the universal nature of the Catholic Church, abhorred the provincial character of the Donatist Church. He took notice of escapism in the Donatists' understanding of religious purity. Moreover, Augustine chided them for practicing rebaptism. This rite had been confirmed in North Africa, but not anywhere else. Augustine asserted that though the baptism administered in the Donatist Church was valid, it was not efficacious. So long as they remained separated from the Catholic Church, their baptism did not work remission of sins.
Augustine believed that for the maintenance of order and peace, religious coercion can be exercised to schismatics. The Christian order ushered in by the advent of Constantine should be preserved not only in the world but also in the church. Furthermore, Augustine thought that as a means of discipline religious coercion is necessary. Yet, it is not for punishment or persecution per se but for correction and education. He even believed that it is a means of love. Because people who love never do evil, even their coercive measure can be justified.

• 김영도(영남신학대학교) | Kim, Young Do