Just War Flashcards
What is war?
War is defined as armed hostilities between peoples, frequently different nations, sometimes between different parties within a nation, as in a civil war, or between one small group and the state, as in a guerrilla war.
What does the Old Testament teach about war?
One of the oldest functions of the State is to preserve scrutiny for the individual and the nation. God is presented as a God of action and his activity is frequently seen in his engagement in conflict with those who oppose him and his will for his covenant people. The biblical writers are aware that war must be conducted under God’s guidance, or it is rooted in human selfishness and greed.
What is the New Testament teaching on just war?
The struggle between the people of God and their enemies is seen as a precursor of the great final, cosmic, spiritual battle which will come at the end of time and will be led by the Messiah and his heavenly armies. This is the greatest and most-legitimate battle to be fought, and the biblical writers urge God’s people to engage in it in confidence that victory is already on their side, even when it may appear to be on the contrary.
Explain early Christian thought on just war.
Ambrose and Augustine stipulated that war must only be waged by a legitimate governmental authority; it must be intended to restore peace and justice; it should be a last resort.
Thomas Aquinas drew together the thinking on Just War and listed right authority, just cause and just intention as the most important aspects.
In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries Francisco Suarez and Francisco de Vitoria added the extra conditions or proportionality last resort and reasonable chance of success.
Explain Jus Ad Bellum - When it is right to go to war
Addressed primarily to the heads of state and government:
1. Just cause
2. Competent or legitimate authority
3. Comparison of justice
4.Right intention
5. Last resort
6. Likelihood of success
7. Proportionality
Explain Jus In Bello - How a war should be fought
Refers to justice in war, to right conduct in the midst of battle. Addressed to military commanders, officers and soldiers:
1. Proportionality
2. War must discriminate
Explain Jus Post Bello - Justice after war
The justice of peace agreements and the ending of the war:
1. Right vindication
2. Proportionality
3. Discrimination
4. Punishment
5. Compensation
6. Rehabilitation
What is absolute pacifism?
Absolute pacifism says it is never right to kill another human being, no matter what the consequences of not doing so might be. This may be a religious belief or even a secular one. Absolute pacifists see violence as totally unacceptable.
What is Christian pacifism?
In the West, pacifism is rooted in Christianity and was particularly strong in the early church. It looked to the Gospels, which record that Jesus called his followers not to violence, but to sacrificial love. Jesus taught that we must love our enemies, do good to those who hate us and ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’.
What is contingent pacifism?
Contingent pacifism is not opposed to war on absolute grounds, but on contingent grounds - war as we know it cannot be waged in a morally acceptable way. In other words, all wars today involve killing of the innocent, and this is morally unjustifiable.
What is preferential pacifism?
Preferential activism is a preferential option over violence. They choose this option partly because war has been so destructive historically. This position has been linked to economic justice as a basis for peace.
