Is There Any Such Thing as a Just War?

In a time of war, it may be helpful to be reminded of a little of the thinking of Christians on the subject of war over the centuries.

In the Mennonite tradition of Christianity, the principle that peace is the will of God is decisive. It dictates a policy of "non-resistance” - not physically resisting evil or violence. We can find many steers in this direction in the New Testament – perhaps especially Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount: (Matthew 5: 38-41)

‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.’

But the dominant Christian view over the centuries has been to acknowledge the possibility that war can be just. It holds that the Mennonite view is premised on a re-set between the Old Testament and the New, but that continuity across the Old and New Testaments reveals the possibility of war being just. But to qualify as a just war, a number of strict conditions have been recognised in Christian thought:

1. A just cause – the only permitted cause is defence against    

   
   

2. aggression. War cannot be an instrument of national policy, retaliatory or in pursuit of religious or ideological aims.

   
   

3. A just intent – the restoration of a just peace must be the aim.

   
   

4. The last resort – all peaceful means must have been exhausted.

   
   

5. There must be an official declaration of war by the relevant state authority.

   
   

6. Limited objectives – the imperative of a just peace means that the destruction of the economy or unconditional surrender cannot be legitimate objectives.

   
   

7. The civilian population cannot be the object of direct attack.

   
   

8. The means used must be proportionate to what is required to achieve a just peace.

   
   

9. Hopeless force is not justified – there must be a reasonable hope that the contemplated force will achieve a just peace.

These are very challenging issues and Christians do not agree with each other on all of these requirements. And when we try to apply these principles to any given conflict, there is even more scope for disagreement. But we are united in our belief that God’s will is that humankind should live in peace, and we pray that the time will come when our swords are turned into plough shares and our spears into pruning hooks:

O God of all hope and peace, we bring to you the needs of our broken and hurting world.

Our hearts are breaking with images of lives lost and torn apart by grief in the middle east.

We pray for an end to violence and warfare so that the work of rebuilding may begin.

Help us, O Lord, to affirm our common humanity so that in our differences we may build together for justice and peace.

In Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.