Just-War Theory
Since the dawn of Christianity, thoughts of war, and the Christian conscience have often been at odds. This was a major dilemma in the early Church and continues to plague the Church today. The Just-War theory, originated by St. Augustine, has developed throughout the ages in order to justify Christian war, in the defence of peace and charity. The basis of the Just-War Theory lies in the Principle of Double Effect, which allows an evil attendant to occur, as it is inseparable from the good, which is intended. Much in the same way, the Just War Theory justifies the murder of the enemy in order to bring peace to the situation, and resist the evil of the enemy. The Just-War is important on a number of different levels. It tells the people of the Roman Catholic Church of the evil in the world, which man is morally obligated to express haste toward. However, although it holds great importance, many see the Just-War Theory as a useless doctrine. Pacifists around the world have written about the inadequacies of the theory, primarily the theory's inconsistency with Christ's message of loving one's neighbour. The Just-War Theory encapsulates all of the measures necessary to ensure peace, however, in circumstances w
Secondly, pacifists also argue that at all times man must avoid committing evil acts. The final argument for a just war comes from natural law. The greatest discrepancy is brought forth through biblical interpretation, which in many instances, like all scripture, can be interpreted in countless ways. However when the danger of war continues to exist, and there is not an international authority, which can resolve the issue, "governments cannot be denied the right of lawful self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed" (Catechism, paragraph 2308). The arguments for a just-war stress the necessity of peace and the moral obligation of the Christian community to maintain it. 8Finally the Church's position concerning the war is of primary importance. A major topic, which has been of considerable contention, is teachings of the Church concerning the Just-War Theory and the use of modern atomic warfare. Many pacifists argue that there is not just means in war as they preach that all murder is sin, however, in the pursuit of world peace and order, unfortunately death is an unavoidable evil attendant. Both the individual and the state deserve justice when injured, and can force the enemy to pay reparation for such grievance. The final basic argument of pacifism is that, peace is a virtue, and war being opposed to peace, is therefore opposed to virtue and the good as well. Langan's first pacifist group base the majority of their arguments against the existence of a just-war on scriptural interpretation. It is never acceptable to kill the people of another country, who do not directly cause harm or injury to the defensive nation. As the Church began to grow, Christians began to take active service in wars during the fourth century, "but their numbers were small, their service peaceful, and their testimony one of peace and not of violence" (Musto, 44). Hence, war is a means toward peace, and is never an end. Following the principle of a just cause is the necessity of war to be waged by a lawful authority.
Common topics in this essay:
Just-War Theory,
St Augustine,
Roman Catholic,
Aquinas Aquinas,
War II,
Catholic Church's,
Pacem Terris,
Theory Church's,
Situation Ethics,
St Thomas,
just-war theory,
modern just-war,
modern just-war theory,
roman catholic,
seven principles,
pacifists argue,
world war ii,
st augustine,
world war,
principle modern just-war,
principle modern,
war ii,
spaeth 99,
evident theory designed,
seven principles modern,
|
Acceptance Essays
