Just War

Scripture:

- Matthew 5:9, 38-42
- Matthew 26:47-52
- 1 Samuel 15

Articles:
- Excerpt from Glen Stassen and David Gushee's book Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context
- Stanley Hauerwas on Patriotism Pacifism and Just Warriors
- If you want a more detailed exploration of Stanley Hauerwas' view of war (and don't mind his colorful language): "I'm a pacifist because I'm a violent Son-of-a-bitch" - A profile of Stanley Hauerwas
-Associated Baptist Press - Analysis: Do Baptist leaders regret justifying Iraq war?

We began by looking at the positions outlined by Glen Stassen and David Gushee in their book Kingdom Ethics. According to Stassen & Gushee, the three approaches a Christian can take towards war are Just War Theory, Pacifism, and Just Peacemaking. They advocate the latter, but just peacemaking does not exclude the possibility of just war or pacifism. Rather, they advocate a commitment to just peacemaking and one of the other positions. All Christians can agree that Jesus taught peace. The question is what means should be used for peace to be accomplished.

The question was raised whether there has ever truly been a just war that follows all eight qualifications of just war theory. The trickiest qualifier is "last resort." Who can truly determine that all other possible measures have been taken in order to avoid war? That is what just peacemaking seeks to do, but the question still often remains whether or not every possible other option has been explored. The group discussed various wars in history, sharing their personal experiences and views.

The ties between Americanism, Patriotism, and Christianity were then raised. Why is it that being Christian is so complicit in being an American. Is being patriotic in conflict with being a Christian? How can nationalism be a form of idolatry? Jesus challenged the governmental authority of his day, and many of his teachings are in conflict with the American way of life. Stanley Hauerwas notes a trend in Christianity in which Christians "bend" the teachings of Jesus to be in line with American ideals.

In looking at pacifism, one must ask how we can sit back and let innocents die. Dietrich Bonhoeffer faced this dilemma when he decided that to commit the sin of killing Hitler was justifiable for the greater good. His writings demonstrate his anguish over this decision and his need for confession. It is a tough thing for pacifists to watch innocent people suffer if they suspect that war might cease their suffering. However, as Hauerwas argues, just warriors must face this problem as well. "Collateral damage" is a given in war, especially with modern warfare. How is this instance of letting innocents die any different from innocents dying because of the decision not to go to war?

We then discussed briefly how Christian servicemen and women should understand their role in war. Shane Claiborne argues that one cannot be a soldier and be a Christian. However, the only group member who has seen combat explained there is no philosophy in combat. When someone is firing at you, you don't have time to muse whether or not war is ethical. A great deal of this comes down to rearing. People do what they're told is right, so if you live in a society where war is accepted (and even applauded) you will have a different view of war than if you grew up with a group of peaceniks.

The role of relationships is of prime importance in issues of war. It is harder to kill one's enemy when that enemy has a face. This is where churches can have a major role in promoting peace. By building relationships, it is easier to seek other methods of peace before even contemplating the option of war. It is through these relationships that there is hope for a peaceful future.

Questions for further reflection:
- Can there be a set of qualifications that determine what should be considered to be the "greater good?"
- What are the ramifications of modern warfare for just war theory?
- Is war primarily an extension of politics or morality?