RPC - Just war & Holy War

Question 1

Define just war and why Christians would consider one?

Answer 1

• A war which meets certain criteria that make it justifiable.
• It is a last resort to solve a conflict if every other option has been exhausted

Question 2

Name the 3 just war theories

Answer 2

Jus ad bellum
Jus in bello
Jus post bellum

Question 3

What does Just ad bellum state?

Answer 3

• War must be started by an authority
• Reason must be just e.g. protect people
• Good must be the result of the war, not evil
• War must be last resort
• Only use appropriate force, not too much

Question 4

What does Jus in bello state?

Answer 4

• Civilians must not be harmed
• Only use appropriate force
• Obey international war regulations

Question 5

What does Jus post bellum state?

Answer 5

• Punish war criminals

- Retrain police and army forces in defeated countries after a bad government has been defeated

Question 6

Define holy war

Answer 6

A war that is fought on behalf of God and with his support.

Question 7

What are the 3 conditions for a holy war?

Answer 7

• Achievement of a religious goal
• Being authorised by a religious leader e.g. pope
• Promise of a spiritual reward for the partakers.

Question 8

What would be justification for Holy War?

Answer 8

• Claiming religious land
• Spreading faith
• Defending religious believers

Question 9

What are examples of Holy Wars?

Answer 9

• Crusades

- George Bush was ordered by God to invade Iraq