Just War and Pacifism

Or, Josh gets serious for once

Posted Wednesday, December 20, 2006 by Josh Michael
Categories: Theology
I have been working this semester on a project on one of the topics that piques my interest the most: the question of Christianity and warfare. The project was an inductive study of subject literature to derive principles by which one might evaluate the quality of the holdings of a theological library in that area. I mention that only to show that the paper itself would not be entirely of interest in toto, but I hope to excerpt some of it and offer some other thoughts on the question of Christianity and warfare through a series of posts (just in time for the holidays). In this first part, we will cover the background to the discussion – who cares and why is it important? IntroductionLuke 22:36 – He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” (NIV) Matthew 26:52 – “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (NIV) These two verses record some the last words of Jesus in the hours prior to his trial and death. Juxtaposed with one another, they capture some of the tension that Christians have encountered in attempting to frame a coherent, Biblically-informed response to war[1]. This response or attitude also engages all the many adjuncts of war: military service, civic obligation, the potential for taking life, nationalism, compassion, violence, love, and a whole host of other concomitants. Throughout the centuries, believers have arrived at a multiplicity of conclusions – conclusions often at odds with one another. Rarely, if ever, has a firm and unanimous position held sway throughout Christendom. Instead, voices tolerating, advocating, or decrying war and military service have waxed and waned in influence. Especially in our present time, no one Christian position with respect to war has succeeding in attracting the hearts and minds of all. Conflict in general, and warfare in particular, has been part of the historical record as long as there has been a historical record. Nor, despite all attempts to eradicate it, does warfare show any sign of abating. Warfare confronts us today around the globe. It has been a part of the world in which Christians have lived, and gives every indication that it will be a part of the world in which Christians live until God resolves all conflict with His rule. In view of the apparent ubiquity, both spatial and temporal, of war, a believer must establish some understanding with respect to war. This understanding, like all ethical questions, is grounded in interpretation, in theology, and in convictions. Further, this understanding (we might also call it a conclusion or position) will likely be formed on the individual level, given the lack of clear Christian consensus and the personalized theology of Western Christianity. Indeed, in recent years religious traditions have often held a certain position with respect to warfare that has been decried by members within those traditions. For example, the Second Gulf War has occasioned discussion within Roman Catholicism, which holds the position of classic just-war theory, between those who believe the war does meet the criteria of just war and those who do not. Other church groups or theological movements have recognized the lack of unanimity and chosen not to determine an official position. In light of the above, it is evident that the question of warfare and Christian witness is a complicated one which is not easily resolved. This suggests that it is necessary to apply the full weight of Biblical interpretation and theological formulation to the question. In addition, the extensive discussion that this question has engendered in the Christian traditions necessitates some degree of familiarity with the writings and thought on this topic. The questions generated by the current war on terror and the conflict in Iraq make this endeavor particularly timely for theological libraries in North America.

[1] Though it may be common to describe this field as peace studies, such a title seems to gloss over the central, unpleasant question of war. Throughout this paper, the terms war/warfare will serve as the main reference points in relation to theology/Christianity.

Series: Just War and Pacifism
Just War and Pacifism	We talk about the background to understanding the relationship between warfare and theology.
Just War and Pacifism: Two Categories	We take a brief survey of the two major options.
Just War and Pacifism: Issues	Wherein we discern some of the key issues affecting the debate.
Just War and Pacifism: The Problems	This post describes some of the key problems with pacifist and just-war approaches.

Follow-up Posts
Upon the Altar of the Nation

Wednesday, December 20, 2006 4:27 PM

Charlie wrote: I'm looking forward to this! Maybe we can start a war over it!

Wednesday, January 03, 2007 2:20 PM

Jonathan wrote: Interesting topic

I grew up as a Mennonite, and I was always taught that one of the reasons that pacifists believe that one should not participate in war is the New Testament teaching as a whole on peace.

The fact that Jesus brings on the scene a new way, a way that unlike the Old Testament of an "eye of an eye", in the New Testament Jesus says to "turn the other cheek".

I wonder what your thoughts are on formulating a concise theology from the whole of Scripture and not just the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

Jon

Wednesday, January 03, 2007 4:34 PM

Josh wrote: Ask again if I don't answer this one...

Jon,

I think the next posts in the series may address this issue more directly.

Of course, everyone is trying to frame a response that reflects all of Scripture - I think this is challenging because of the apparent ambiguity of the Bible toward warfare.

If later posts don't give a better answer, let me know and I will try and clarify things as much as I can.

Josh

Monday, March 19, 2007 11:53 AM

Anonymous wrote: Defense vs Aggression

You are taking these two passages out of context and then trying to make your case.

Luke 22:36 – He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” In this quote, Jesus is telling them to defend themselves.

Matthew 26:52 – “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (NIV) In this quote, Jesus is telling them not to initiate violence.

Jesus is very consistent in what he is saying. It is just to defend oneself; it is unjust to initiate or provoke violence.