Just War Theory (JWT) was established when Roman Empire became Christian under Constantine (342 CE). At that time the Church followed Jesus’ teaching of non-retaliation; it was absolute pacifist (against all violence and war). This weakened the Empire’s defence from rebellion within and attack from outside, e.g. the Visigoths. So, the Church turned away from total pacifism and accepted armed force is sometimes necessary. Augustine provided the first two rules, and Aquinas the third. The early rules have been added to over time; today there are 10 principles. The JWT is based on the belief that, while life is sacred, it may at times be taken in order to defend justice and the lives of others.
Jus ad bellum rules are consulted before engaging in war to determine if war is permissible, i.e. ‘Is it a just war?’. The seven rules are: just cause (e.g. defence), declared by a competent authority (today this is the UN), for a just intention (Aquinas: ‘… advancement of good … avoidance of evil’), a comparison of justice on both sides (both have a just reason), it must be the last resort (after negotiation, arbitration and non-military sanctions fail), a reasonable likelihood of success (peace and justice must be restored) and proportionality (ADD).
Jus in bello rules are concerned with conduct in a war, i.e. ‘Is it fought in a just way?’. The three rules are: a reasonable proportion between the injustice being fought and the suffering inflicted (must not be fought in an unjust way), proportionality must be exercised (minimum force – no WOMD’s) and warfare must be discriminate (civilians not targeted)
Pacifists oppose war and violence , believing it is wrong to harm/kill humans – so war is wrong. They are not cowards – in wartime they may be conscientious objectors (refuse conscription risking imprisonment) or they may be emergency workers (in frontline of battle). In peacetime many campaign against warfare, and work to remove causes of war, e.g. injustice, oppression and exploitation.
There are four forms of pacifism. Absolute pacifists believe it is never right to participate in war because killing cannot be justified. Quakers are absolute pacifists believing war is against the teachings of Jesus and the sanctity of life. Relative pacifists believe war is wrong, but is sometimes the lesser of two evils. They accept the principles of the Just war Theory. Selective/nuclear pacifists oppose wars involving weapons of mass destruction. This is the position of CND. Active pacifists engage in political activity and campaigns to promote peace. They will hold one of the other three pacifist stances. Both Gandhi and Martin Luther King jnr were active pacifists, engaging in peaceful demonstrations, civil disobedience, fasting, hunger strikes, sit-ins and vigils. These four stances can be found throughout the Church today.
Christian absolute pacifists believe war is incompatible with Jesus’ teaching to ‘love your neighbour’ and ‘your enemies.’ Jesus refused to rebel against Roman rule (didn’t advocate tax avoidance/civil disobedience). He rebuked his disciple for cutting off the ear of an arresting soldier (‘all who live by the sword will die by the sword’). Despite committing no crime against Rome, he forgave his executioners (“Father, forgive them , they do not know what they are doing”). In the Sermon on the Mount he promised blessings to peace seekers. He told Christians to give up the right to ‘Lex talionis’ (‘eye for an eye …’) for non-retaliation. St Paul taught Christians to ‘obey’ their rulers (disobedience is a sin), and should show kindness to enemies. Christians who accept violent struggle for justice as legitimate may adopt selective, relative or nuclear pacifism. Arguing the Bible emphasises avoiding the ‘shedding of innocent blood’. They too use St Paul’s teaching to ‘obey’ their leaders, believing God’s given them legitimate to protect civilians and bring about a just end by just means.
1 Explore the key concepts of Just War and pacifism. (8)
1 Explore different ideas about absolute, relative/selective and nuclear pacifism. (8)
1 Explore the role of pacifist movements and pressure groups. (8)
1 Explore the arguments in favour of pacifism. (8)
1 Explore Aquinas’ contribution to the issues of war and peace. (8)