Attitudes to warfare Flashcards
What is the Christian attitude to war?
To safeguard human life as far as possible along with some other human rights, such as not allowed torture as part of war.
How to Christians aim to make sure that war is limited in its level of violence?
Combatants are not allowed to kill indiscriminately or kill when a less action would stop the enemy.
Why are these principles important to Christians?
They hold in balance Jesus’ teaching of ‘love your enemies’ and ‘stand up for the oppressed, defend the weak and overcome evil’.
View on use of nuclear weapons.
Majority of Christians oppose as being incompatible with their faith. It is an excessive use of force.
What did Pope John XXIII say about nuclear weapons?
‘It is impossible to conceive of a just war in a nuclear age.’
Methodist Church views on nuclear weapons.
Condemns the possible use of all weapons of mass destruction - chemical, biological and nuclear. However has no condemned the possession of nuclear weapons for deterrent purposes.
Concerns of unmanned drones during war,
The use of drones means that attacks and potentially killings in war can be carried out remotely. Some people believe that this remote conduct can reduce the awareness of the human cost of war. Increases death tolls of the side without drones.
Concerns many Christians have of drones.
The fact that drones may make going to war easier and more risk-free, and make it harder to apply human judgement.
