17d (edited) • Christian Ethics
When is going to war considered just?
War is a controversial subject, but we should consider what the Bible has to say about going to war.
One of my favorite ways of thinking about war from a biblical standpoint is the just war tradition. I am aware of a contrary position called "pacifism". I'll probably make another post about it at another time.
In this post, I wanted to share the criteria that has developed with heavy Christian influence over the past 2 millennium.
These are the 8 criteria for a just war and the supporting Scripture. Let me know your thoughts on just way tradition and whether you agree with it's criteria.
A thread on 8 criteria of just war theory.
- Just cause (Is the reason going to war a morally right cause?
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.”
Revelation 19:11
- Competent authority
Has the war been declared by a competent authority within a nation, not simply by an unrecognized band within a nation?
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
Romans 13:1
- Comparative justice
Is it clear that the actions of the enemy are morally wrong, and the motives and actions of one’s own nation going to war are, in comparison, morally right?
“For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,”
Romans 13:3
- Right intention
Is the purpose of going to war to protect justice and righteousness rather than simply to rob and pillage and destroy another nation?
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.”
Proverbs 21:2
- Last resort
Have all other reasonable means of resolving the conflict been exhausted?
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:9
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Romans 12:18
- Probability of success
Is there reasonable expectation that the way can be won?
“Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?”
Luke 14:31
- Proportionality of projected results
Will the good results that come from a victory in a. Way be significantly greater than the harm and loss that will inevitably come with pursuing the way?
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21
“For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.”
Romans 13:4
- Right spirit
Is the way undertaken with great reluctance and sorrow at the harm that will come rather than simply with a “delight in war”?
“Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute; scatter the peoples who delight in war.”
Psalm 68:30
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When is going to war considered just?
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