These notes helped me to achieve an A* and summarises the following:
- What war is
- Old and current views of war
- View of war in the Bible
- Just War theory criteria
- Strengths and weaknesses of the theory
- What pacifism is
- Why some Christians are pacifists
- Types of pacifism
- S...
Just War Theory and Pacifism
Essay link for 30 marker: Philosophy, Irenaeus’ theodicy- we need
evil and suffering to develop as humans into the likeness of God
so we can go to heaven. Just war gives us a fair way of proceeding
with evil when it is necessary.
Just War Theory
What is war?
‘War’ refers to armed conflict that takes place over a period of time and involves
violence, destruction and economic instability. Every war is unique, but we do know
that it can potentially affect millions of people, both military and civilian.
What is an old view of war?
The Roman poet Horace wrote in 13BCE: “ Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori”
meaning, it is a sweet and beautiful thing to die for your country.
What was the early Christian view on war?
They believed the Bible was unclear about war
All of them were pacifists due to the belief that Jesus was also a pacifist
What does the Old Testament say?
God engages with those who oppose him
“Joshua spared no one, everyone was put to death. This is what the Lord God of
Israel had commanded” Joshua 10:v40
War was seen as a necessary part of life
People of Israel were allowed to engage in warfare, but only when directed by God.
So war is moral if it arises from a divine command (link to religion vs morality)
What does the New Testament say?
War was seen more as a spiritual battle that tried to defeat evil
Jesus said “put your sword back in its place” Matthew 26:52
Just War Theory and Pacifism 1
, Jesus said “if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also”
Luke 6:27-29
What are the two main Christian views on war now?
Pacifist ideals- war is always wrong. The ‘Constantinian Shift’ was a disaster as it
led away from Jesus’ strict pacifist teachings.
Judicial thinking- war is sometimes needed. The ‘Constantinian Shift’ was a victory
for the Church as it put Christina ideals into practice in society.
Constantinian Shift- when Emperor Constantine the Great converted to Christianity
and took control of the Roman Empire, it needed to be defended so Christians had
to fight to protect it. Originally, Christianity was a persecuted religion, however that
changed after he took control of the Empire.
What is the Just War theory and what does it combine?
An attempt to provide a moral framework for war
Combined pacifism (no war is moral) with realism (war can be the lesser of two
evils)
What would be considered a just war?
A war where the alternatives are ethically worse than the war itself
Who introduced the theory and why?
Augustine (although ideas were originally associated with his teacher Ambrose of
Milan)
He lived at a time when parts of the Roman Empire were under threat, which made
him consider the morality of war and whether there could be moral values
embedded in the pursuit and undertaking of war.
Explain Jus ad bellum
Criteria that decides when it is right to go to war
Just cause- a war can only be waged for a good reason, for example, to protect a
country's citizens and its land or to prevent attack
Last resort- war should only be considered after all other avenues have been
explored
Just War Theory and Pacifism 2
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