Discussion: Just War Theory and Pacifism

Discussion: Just War Theory and Pacifism

Both just war theory and pacifism are accepted and valued as substantial moral responses to the problem of violence and war, which are based on the Christian tradition. I am convinced that both the tradition of just war and pacifism remain genuinely Christian, but focusing on the different elements of Jesus’ teachings. The just war tradition is based on the principle that peace is to be sought at all times, but in certain situations, force may be used to save innocent lives or to restore justice (Hoye, 1983). Philosophers such as Augustine and Aquinas established principles, including just cause, right intention, and proportionality, to prevent arbitrary violence. This can be heard in the challenge of the peace and how war should always be a last resort, and Christians should seek to restrain its destructive nature.

The pacifist tradition demands that one should follow Christ and abandon any use of violence. This is grounded in Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount—particularly the call to “love your enemies” (New International Version, 2011, Matt. 5:44) and “turn the other cheek” (Matthew 5:39). Alternatively, the introduction of Christianity in the first centuries refuted the idea of enlistment in warfare, something the early Christians and even the Church Fathers such as Tertullian and Origen considered incompatible with their discipleship. The case of Jesus, who never defended Himself even when unfairly crucified, is the ideal of Christian pacifism (Allman, 2008). Inarguably, one cannot say that one tradition is more Christian than the other. The two are the result of genuine efforts to follow Jesus in a world of violence. Just war theory puts more focus on justice and responsibility as opposed to love, forgiveness, and extremism in trusting God, which is applied by pacifists.

References

Allman, M. (2008). Who would Jesus kill?: War, peace, and the Christian tradition. Saint Mary’s Press.

Hoye, D. F. (1983). The challenge of peace: God’s promise and our response: A pastoral letter on war and peace by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Inc.

The Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV). (2011). Biblica, Inc. (Original work published 1973).

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Discussion: Just War Theory and Pacifism

In this discussion, you have the opportunity to think about the principles and commitments that motivate both the just war and pacifist traditions. These are the most common in the contemporary world, have the longest routes in the Christian tradition, and draw on the same core sources and methods. Does one of them better represent the Christian tradition than the other? Why or why not?

Discussion – Just War Theory and Pacifism

In your reading from The Challenge of Peace in this module, you see serious consideration about the relationship between the just war and pacifist traditions in Christianity. Do you think one of these two traditions is more authentically Christian than the other? Why or why not? In your initial post, defend why you think one of these traditions is more authentic than the other, or defend why you think they are both authentic. Be sure to refer to this module’s texts when doing so, but you are also welcome to use other sources from previous modules as well.

In a reply to two student’s initial posts, Do you find their argument convincing? Why or why not? In your reply, make sure you reference at least one of the texts from this module.