According to the provided materials, there is an idea that both God and the Church do not see violence as an unconditional evil, but rather as an extremely negative, yet sometimes necessary phenomenon in an imperfect world.

Divine Paradox: Violence as a Necessary Means in an Imperfect World

According to the provided materials, there is an idea that both God and the Church do not see violence as an unconditional evil, but rather as an extremely negative, yet sometimes necessary phenomenon in an imperfect world. In other words, God permits violence because the human mind is incapable of fully grasping the depth and wholeness of the divine plan, in which what might seem like rational evil can serve a higher purpose. In one excerpt it is stated:

"The religious question of violence can be answered not by reason, but only by that very ‘something more’ than reason. 'It is hard to believe in a miracle. And if you believe in a miracle, then there are no questions.

Why then violence?

Why the sword? Why the blood? Why ‘thou shalt not kill’? And now we lack faith. A miracle, they say, is a children’s tale. But listen and decide for yourself, is it a tale or not?'" (source: link txt)

This emphasizes the idea that behind the apparent paradox of permitting violence, there may lie a higher truth inaccessible to the human mind, within the framework of which violence has its place.

On the other hand, while the Church remains committed to the ideal of love, forgiveness, and the pursuit of peace, it does not condemn the use of violence per se if it is aimed at protecting one’s neighbor and preventing even greater evil. In particular, one text explains this position:

"As for their argumentation, it often boils down to the assertion that just violence is a way to stop even greater evil. They refer to the Bible and the writings of the Church Fathers, claiming that arms and struggle are, in some cases, inevitable. The Church does not condemn soldiers—and even sanctifies them—for defending the Motherland, because this is seen as an expression of the highest love: love for one's neighbor and the protection of life. Nevertheless, the holy fathers always emphasized that violence is a last resort, to be used only in exceptional circumstances." (source: link txt)

Thus, the relationship between the divine allowance of violence and the Church’s stance is built on the idea that, ideally, evil does not exist at all, but in an imperfect and sinful world, it is sometimes necessary to resort to violence as an extreme yet essential means to protect justice and preserve life. This aligns with religious doctrines in which the ultimate goal—love and the protection of life—can justify the use of violence only in exceptional, compelled circumstances.