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Just War Theory

War, so costly and awful. People dying, maiming, becoming scarred physically and emotionally. The smoke of battle lingers on well after soldier’s bodies are buried and peace treaties signed. There are many unacceptable reasons for war: imperialism, financial gain, and religion to name a few. Conversely, there are acceptable reasons for war: when governing authorities have both just cause and rightful intent in taking violent action. Just cause and rightful intent are the premise of the Just War theory, which is a 1600-year attempt to answer the question of when it is permissible to wage war.

The Just War theory was introduced as Christian doctrine by Augustine (A.D. 354-430) with the fundamental idea that human sin makes necessary the use of force. War is a fruit and consequence of the sinful, selfish nature of humans. As long as there is sin, there will be war. Classic just war doctrine does not view all use of force as evil; rather it declares that war can actually be a...

Posted by: Margaret Rowden

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