Just War

[Ddavid from NC]

What are the determining factor for going to war against another sovereign nation. The USA & Britain have been the world's police in the modern age. Does it mean that every time we deploy to a foreign conflict or threat it is a just war. What are the questions to be asked to determine if it is indeed a just cause?

[David of Derby]

In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary. First, the authority of the sovereign. Secondly, a just cause. Thirdly, a rightful intention.

[Blien]

Well what does God say about war?

[Guest yod]

God raises kingdoms to judge other kingdoms whenever He pleases

A just war is one that preserves life. True, many die in this cause but those deaths are caused by the wicked.

Much like a cop shooting someone whose intent is to murder the innocent

[Guest Biblicist]

Well what does God say about war?

Good question Blein...

Deuteronomy 20

Going to War

1 When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. 2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say: "Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. 4 For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory."

5 The officers shall say to the army: "Has anyone built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may dedicate it. 6 Has anyone planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else enjoy it. 7 Has anyone become pledged to a woman and not married her? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else marry her." 8 Then the officers shall add, "Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his brothers will not become disheartened too." 9 When the officers have finished speaking to the army, they shall appoint commanders over it.

10 When you march up to attack a city, make its people an offer of peace. 11 If they accept and open their gates, all the people in it shall be subject to forced labor and shall work for you. 12 If they refuse to make peace and they engage you in battle, lay siege to that city. 13 When the LORD your God delivers it into your hand, put to the sword all the men in it. 14 As for the women, the children, the livestock and everything else in the city, you may take these as plunder for yourselves. And you may use the plunder the LORD your God gives you from your enemies. 15 This is how you are to treat all the cities that are at a distance from you and do not belong to the nations nearby.

16 However, in the cities of the nations the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, do not leave alive anything that breathes. 17 Completely destroy them

[Guest Biblicist]

Proverbs 24:6 for waging war you need guidance,

and for victory many advisers.

Proverbs 20:18 Make plans by seeking advice;

if you wage war, obtain guidance.

[WayneB]

God raises kingdoms to judge other kingdoms whenever He pleases

A just war is one that preserves life. True, many die in this cause but those deaths are caused by the wicked.

Much like a cop shooting someone whose intent is to murder the innocent

Excellent answer. Short and to the point. Very profound. Yod...you're pretty smart for a Texan / musician.

[Ddavid from NC]

[quote name='Conundrum' date

Some people have misquoted this passage to claim that all leaders are intended by God to be in power, due to verse 1, but that is not what is said. As we see in verse 3 and 4, Paul is refering to a GODLY ruler, not just any ruler.

[Guest LadyC]

i agree with you, ddavid.

[David of Derby]

Guess no one's interested in Thomas Aquinas' view then?

Conundrum, you raise good points about pacifism vs allowing the proliferation of evil, but how do you reconcile that view with the fairly straightforward Commandment, Thou shalt not kill? The earliest Christians refused to raise a hand to anyone, even when they were dragged away to be murdered by the Romans or other oppressors, largely because of this Commandment. Christ commands us to "resist not evil:"

But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:39

How do you reconcile this instruction with the idea that a Godly ruler should use force to deal with un-Godly nations?