Just War

 

In these days of multifarious military conflicts across the world, it seems appropriate to reflect on the historic Christian teaching on what constitutes a just war, the significant concepts of which were examined by S. Augustine in the fourth century and by S. Thomas Aquinas in the thirteenth. Despite being over a thousand years old, the basic theology of a just war is as relevant today as in past centuries and devolves into two concepts, the first concerning the conditions necessary to render a war justifiable in the light of Christian tradition, while the second relates to the conduct of warring parties during military engagement.

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In order to justify war, such action must be fought for a morally-just cause and may only be undertaken as a last resort after all reasonable attempts at diplomacy and negotiation have failed: a just war must be declared by a competent authority such as a state government and not a terrorist organisation. There should be a reasonable prospect of success and there should be a reasonable balance between the injustice to be fought and the suffering likely to be inflicted by war.

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If war breaks out, morally acceptable conduct implies proportionality: weapons and means should be proportional to the threat and minimum force should be used. War must be discriminating and civilian populations should be protected and not directly targeted. 

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As ordinary citizens, we have little control over the manipulations of politicians but, in a democratic society, we can choose whom we wish to represent us. Meanwhile, we should work and pray for peace and for those afflicted by war. I am reminded of S. Francis of Assisi’s prayer ‘make me an instrument of thy peace’.

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May the peace of God which passeth all understanding dwell in our hearts this day and into eternity.

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Deacon Douglas MacMillan

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The Collect

 

O God the King of glory,

you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ

with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:

we beseech you, leave us not comfortless,

but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us

and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before,

who is alive and reigns with you,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.