Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "Just War" is a doctrine of military ethics that has been discussed and developed throughout Christian history. It seeks to reconcile the necessity of warfare with Christian moral principles. The idea is not explicitly outlined in the Bible, but it has been inferred from various scriptural passages and theological interpretations.Biblical Foundations 1. Old Testament Context: The Old Testament contains numerous accounts of warfare, often involving the Israelites. God sometimes commands His people to engage in battle, as seen in the conquest of Canaan (Joshua 6). The wars in the Old Testament are often depicted as divine judgments against sin and idolatry. For instance, in 1 Samuel 15:3, God commands Saul to "attack the Amalekites and totally destroy all that belongs to them." 2. New Testament Teachings: The New Testament shifts focus towards peace and reconciliation. Jesus teaches, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). However, the New Testament does not entirely dismiss the concept of warfare. Romans 13:4 speaks of governing authorities as "God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer," suggesting a role for state-sanctioned force. Theological Development The doctrine of Just War was significantly developed by early Christian theologians such as Augustine of Hippo and later by Thomas Aquinas. They sought to establish criteria under which war could be morally justified. These criteria generally fall into two categories: jus ad bellum (the right to go to war) and jus in bello (the right conduct within war). Jus ad Bellum Criteria 1. Just Cause: War must confront a real and certain danger, such as protecting innocent life or preserving conditions necessary for decent human existence. This aligns with the biblical principle of justice, as seen in Proverbs 21:15, "Justice executed is a joy to the righteous but a terror to evildoers." 2. Legitimate Authority: Only duly constituted public authorities may wage war. Romans 13:1-2 emphasizes submission to governing authorities, which are instituted by God. 3. Right Intention: The intention behind the war must be to promote good or avoid evil. This reflects the biblical call to love one's neighbor (Mark 12:31). 4. Probability of Success: There must be a reasonable chance of success to avoid unnecessary loss of life. This principle is not directly found in Scripture but is inferred from the stewardship of life and resources. 5. Last Resort: All peaceful alternatives must have been exhausted. This is consistent with the biblical emphasis on peace and reconciliation (Matthew 5:9). Jus in Bello Criteria 1. Discrimination: Combatants must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. The protection of innocent life is a biblical principle, as seen in Exodus 23:7, "Do not kill the innocent and righteous." 2. Proportionality: The violence used in the war must be proportional to the injury suffered. This reflects the biblical principle of justice and fairness (Leviticus 24:19-20). Historical and Modern Considerations Throughout history, the Just War doctrine has been applied to various conflicts, with Christian leaders and thinkers debating its application. In modern times, the doctrine continues to be relevant as nations grapple with issues of war, peace, and justice. The development of international law and organizations like the United Nations reflects an ongoing effort to address these concerns within a global framework. The Just War doctrine remains a significant topic within Christian ethics, providing a framework for evaluating the morality of warfare in light of biblical teachings and the complexities of the modern world. Topical Bible Verses Ecclesiastes 3:8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Topicalbible.org 1 Timothy 2:1-2 James 4:1-2 Romans 13:1-7 1 Peter 2:13-14 Matthew 5:9 John 18:36 Isaiah 2:4 Matthew 5:21-22 Exodus 20:13 Library How, among Innumerable Other Miracles of Healing Wrought by the ... How Agreeable all virtues are to God. That it is not Lawful for the Well Affected Subjects to Concur in ... That Divine Love Makes the virtues Immeasurably More Agreeable to ... What Cestius did against the Jews; and How, Upon his Besieging ... The Thirty Years' War. AD 1618-1650. The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ... Peace in the Soul To his Praise! "If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our ... Resources How was the flood in the time of Noah just? | GotQuestions.orgHow is an eternity in hell a just punishment for only a human lifetime of sin? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the rain falls on the just and the unjust? | GotQuestions.org Just: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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