RPC - Christian attitudes towards warfare, pacifism and working for peace Flashcards
What is the overall Christian message with regards to war?
- War is to safeguard humans and promote human rights such as not allowing torture during war
- Limit violence in war
What are the requirements of combatants during war?
- Only use necessary force, don’t kill indiscriminately and don’t kill if lesser actions would stop the enemy
- These are principals which relate you ‘Love your enemy’ (Matthew).
- Defend the weak and the fatherless (Psalms)
What are Christian views on nuclear wars?
- Pope says ‘Impossible to conceive a just war in this nuclear age’
- Excess use of force and nuclear weapons are opposed to by Christians and are incompatible with the faith.
- Methodists condemn biological, chemical and nuclear warfare, allows possession as a deterrent
Arguments for drones.
Fewer combatant deaths
Control over where bombs land reducing ‘unnecessary deaths’
Arguments against drones.
More remote and secretive killing
Reduce awareness of human death toll
Less human judgement required
Define pacifism.
Belief that no one should use military force whatsoever, whether the reason is just or not
What are alternative methods that pacifists use to resolve conflict?
Boycotts
Processions
Sanctions
What teaching promotes pacifism?
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44)
What are examples of pacifistic actions that Jesus performed?
Jesus gave himself up to death instead of fighting back
Jesus healed a man that his disciples cut the ear off of.
Why should governments be respected?
Paul said…
They carry God’s authority to rule
Rebelling against them is rebelling against God
What is conditional pacifism?
The view that, yes, the consequences of war and war itself is bad, but it would be less worse than an alternative in some circumstances.
Which denominations advocate pacifism?
Quakers, Amish, Plymouth Brethren, RCC and Anglican in some cases
