Just War Theory: Morality and Warfare in Christianity

 

Summary

In the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the United States faced a pivotal moment, grappling with the legitimacy of warfare as a response. This moment raised profound questions about the role of civil government, the morality of capital punishment, and the principle of self-defense. Historically, Christianity has engaged with these issues through the lens of the just war theory, a doctrine that seeks to reconcile the harsh realities of war with moral and ethical principles.

The just war theory, rooted in the teachings of Augustine and Aquinas, begins with the premise that all wars are inherently evil due to the violence and destruction they bring. However, it also posits that not all participation in war is necessarily evil. There are instances where a nation, acting in self-defense against an aggressor, may be justified in its use of force. This principle extends from the personal right to self-defense to the national level, where civil magistrates have the responsibility to protect their citizens from harm.

The teachings of Jesus, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, are often cited in discussions of pacifism versus just war. Jesus' exhortation to turn the other cheek is understood not as an absolute prohibition against self-defense but as a call to respond to personal insults with grace. This nuanced understanding allows for the defense of oneself and one's family when faced with genuine threats.

The historical context of wars, such as World War II, illustrates the complexity of these issues. While all wars are tragic, they can sometimes prevent greater evils, such as the genocide perpetrated by Nazi Germany. The liberation of oppressed peoples and the halting of aggressive regimes demonstrate that, while war does not eradicate evil, it can achieve significant moral and humanitarian outcomes.

In conclusion, the just war theory provides a framework for evaluating the morality of warfare, balancing the need for peace with the responsibility to protect the innocent. It acknowledges the inherent evil of war while recognizing that, in certain circumstances, engaging in warfare may be a necessary and just action.

Key Takeaways:

1. The legitimacy of warfare is deeply intertwined with the original purpose of civil government, which includes the protection of its citizens. This responsibility sometimes necessitates the use of force to defend against aggressors, reflecting the broader principle of self-defense. [02:39]

2. The just war theory, rooted in Christian tradition, acknowledges that while all wars are evil, not all participation in war is necessarily immoral. It provides a moral framework for determining when warfare may be justified, particularly in defense against aggression. [16:28]

3. Jesus' teachings, such as turning the other cheek, are often misunderstood as prohibiting all forms of self-defense. However, these teachings address personal insults rather than physical threats, allowing for the defense of oneself and one's family when necessary. [13:02]

4. Historical examples, like World War II, demonstrate that while war is tragic, it can prevent greater evils, such as genocide and oppression. The defeat of aggressive regimes can lead to significant moral and humanitarian outcomes, challenging the notion that wars never solve problems. [21:30]

5. The just war theory emphasizes that while war does not end evil, it can stop aggressors from committing further violence and destruction. This perspective underscores the moral responsibility to protect the innocent and maintain peace through necessary and just actions. [22:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:38] - Post-9/11 Response
- [01:15] - Public Opinion on Warfare
- [02:00] - Legitimacy of Warfare
- [02:39] - Government's Role and Self-Defense
- [03:15] - Personal Story of Self-Defense
- [06:03] - Vietnam War and Public Dissent
- [07:57] - Historical Christian Views on War
- [09:48] - Sermon on the Mount and Self-Defense
- [12:04] - Illustrating Turning the Other Cheek
- [13:48] - Jesus and the Use of Swords
- [14:20] - Personal Struggles with Self-Defense
- [16:28] - Just War Theory Explained
- [18:48] - War's Impact and Moral Responsibility
- [22:38] - Conclusion on Just War Theory

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Matthew 5:38-39 (Sermon on the Mount)
2. Romans 13:1-4 (Role of Civil Government)
3. Ecclesiastes 3:8 (A Time for War and a Time for Peace)

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the just war theory suggest about the nature of all wars, according to the sermon? [16:28]
2. How does the sermon interpret Jesus' teaching on "turning the other cheek"? [13:02]
3. What historical examples were used in the sermon to illustrate the potential necessity of war? [21:30]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of civil government in the context of warfare? [02:39]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the just war theory reconcile the inherent evil of war with the potential necessity of participating in it? [19:30]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' teachings on non-retaliation are often misunderstood? [13:02]
3. How does the sermon use historical events like World War II to argue for the potential moral outcomes of war? [21:30]
4. What is the significance of the civil government's responsibility to protect its citizens, as discussed in the sermon? [02:39]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a personal conflict. How did you balance the idea of "turning the other cheek" with standing up for yourself? [13:02]
2. How do you perceive the role of your government in protecting its citizens? Are there areas where you feel it succeeds or fails? [02:39]
3. Consider a situation in your life where you had to make a difficult moral decision. How did you determine what was the right course of action?
4. How can you apply the principles of the just war theory to conflicts in your personal life, such as disputes at work or in your community? [19:30]
5. In what ways can you be a peacemaker in your daily interactions, while still standing up for justice and protection of the innocent? [18:48]
6. How do you respond to situations where you feel your personal or family safety is threatened? What steps can you take to ensure you are prepared to act justly?
7. Reflect on the historical examples discussed in the sermon. How do they influence your understanding of the potential necessity of conflict in certain situations? [21:30]

Devotional

Day 1: The Role of Government in Warfare
The legitimacy of warfare is deeply intertwined with the original purpose of civil government, which includes the protection of its citizens. This responsibility sometimes necessitates the use of force to defend against aggressors, reflecting the broader principle of self-defense. The just war theory provides a framework for understanding when such actions are justified. It acknowledges that while war is inherently evil, there are circumstances where it becomes a necessary response to protect the innocent and maintain peace. This principle extends from the personal right to self-defense to the national level, where civil magistrates have the responsibility to protect their citizens from harm. [02:39]

"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, 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 13:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How do you view the role of government in protecting its citizens? In what ways can you pray for wisdom and discernment for those in authority, especially in times of conflict?


Day 2: Just War Theory and Moral Framework
The just war theory, rooted in Christian tradition, acknowledges that while all wars are evil, not all participation in war is necessarily immoral. It provides a moral framework for determining when warfare may be justified, particularly in defense against aggression. This theory, developed by theologians like Augustine and Aquinas, seeks to reconcile the harsh realities of war with moral and ethical principles. It emphasizes that while war does not end evil, it can stop aggressors from committing further violence and destruction. [16:28]

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a situation where you have had to make a difficult moral decision. How did you balance your personal beliefs with the need to take action? How can you apply the principles of just war theory to your own life decisions?


Day 3: Understanding Jesus' Teachings on Self-Defense
Jesus' teachings, such as turning the other cheek, are often misunderstood as prohibiting all forms of self-defense. However, these teachings address personal insults rather than physical threats, allowing for the defense of oneself and one's family when necessary. This nuanced understanding allows Christians to reconcile the call to peace with the responsibility to protect themselves and others from harm. The Sermon on the Mount provides guidance on how to respond to personal offenses with grace, while still acknowledging the right to self-defense in the face of genuine threats. [13:02]

"Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you." (Proverbs 20:22, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt wronged or insulted. How did you respond? How can you apply Jesus' teachings to respond with grace while still standing up for yourself when necessary?


Day 4: Historical Context and Moral Outcomes of War
Historical examples, like World War II, demonstrate that while war is tragic, it can prevent greater evils, such as genocide and oppression. The defeat of aggressive regimes can lead to significant moral and humanitarian outcomes, challenging the notion that wars never solve problems. While war does not eradicate evil, it can achieve significant moral and humanitarian outcomes, such as the liberation of oppressed peoples and the halting of aggressive regimes. This perspective underscores the moral responsibility to protect the innocent and maintain peace through necessary and just actions. [21:30]

"Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter." (Proverbs 24:11, ESV)

Reflection: Think about a situation where you witnessed injustice or oppression. How did you respond, and what actions can you take to stand against such evils in your community today?


Day 5: Balancing Peace and Protection
The just war theory emphasizes that while war does not end evil, it can stop aggressors from committing further violence and destruction. This perspective underscores the moral responsibility to protect the innocent and maintain peace through necessary and just actions. It acknowledges the inherent evil of war while recognizing that, in certain circumstances, engaging in warfare may be a necessary and just action. This balance between peace and protection is a crucial aspect of the Christian response to conflict and aggression. [22:38]

"Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute." (Psalm 82:3, ESV)

Reflection: How do you balance the call to be a peacemaker with the responsibility to protect those who are vulnerable? What steps can you take to advocate for justice and peace in your daily life?

Quotes


The whole question of the legitimacy of warfare is rooted in some other questions. First of all, the original function and purpose of civil government. That’s one aspect in which the question has to be addressed. Also we have to raise the question of the legitimacy or illegitimacy of capital punishment because in the final analysis what warfare involves is capital punishment on a grand scale. [00:02:25]

And the third moral issue that we have to consider in discussing the question of whether warfare is ever just is the whole principle of the right of self-defense. I remember when I began my teaching career thirty some years ago, we had a young daughter, who was only at the time four or five years old. [00:03:07]

And we lived next door to a family that had a son the same age, and this son used to come over and play in the back yard in the sand box with our daughter, but he was a little bit belligerent and something of a bully. And several days in succession, our daughter came in crying and sniffling and sobbing because the little boy next door had punched her. [00:03:32]

And we had tried to instruct our daughter not to retaliate in kind and not to return evil for evil, but this was becoming such a problem that it was getting out of hand. Even when we talked to the parents who sought to restrain their child from this act of bullying other children, it was to no avail. [00:04:00]

And so I had a conversation with my daughter, and I said, “Honey, the next time he hits you try to think of something that might stop him from doing it again.” I didn’t have… I didn’t want to come right out and say, “Hit him back.” But I said, “You try to think of something.” [00:04:38]

So the very next day, I hear my daughter wailing and crying and coming in the back door, and I said, “What’s the matter, honey?” And she said, “He hit me again.” I said, “Well, did… what did you do?” And she said, “I couldn’t think of anything to do.” So I said, “Well, let me give you a suggestion.” [00:04:59]

I said, “The next time he begins to attack you and starts to hit you, hit him back.” And so the very next day, I was in the kitchen, and all of a sudden I heard this ungodly scream, this wailing coming from the back yard, like… sounding like the squealing of a stuck pig. [00:05:20]

And I rushed to the back door and opened it, and I looked out and I saw my daughter, four or five year old daughter, on top of this guy with her fists clenched, and she looks up at me, and she said, “Should I hit him again, Daddy?” She learned the principle of self-defense in this little encounter, and actually it was the end of the bullying. [00:05:30]

And of course, in this kind of act of self-defense there was the use of violence, there was the use of force. But the question is, was it justified? When we began Ligonier Ministries in 1971 in western Pennsylvania, we were still deeply involved in the Vietnamese war, and there were many young people that would come to our campus who were objecting to the United States involvement in that war. [00:06:00]

And you will remember if you were alive at that time, that there’s never been a conflict in which our country has been engaged in which there was so much dissent as there was during that time. And the nation was divided between two groups who were defined as the hawks and the doves. [00:06:34]

And I would listen to some of the slogans and some of the arguments that came from both sides on that occasion, where the hawks were favoring increased military engagement in Vietnam, where the doves were calling for our withdrawing from Vietnam and not continuing our involvement in this conflict. [00:06:58]

Now, against this backdrop of questions and controversy, I want to mention first of all that historically the majority position within Christianity has been the position endorsing the so-called just war theory—the just war theory. Now, there have been those who have rejected the just war theory and who have adopted a position of pacifism, saying that since the gospel does not operate with the sword, and the particular ethic that is given to us in the New Testament, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount we are told not to return evil with evil, and if someone smites thee on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. [00:08:14]

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Transcript
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