Just War

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that a major issue facing society has particular currency at the present time, and that is the problem of war and how to justify a given war as a just action. Indeed, from a theological point of view, the writer relates that the first issue is whether war is allowed at all and then whether a given war can be justified and on what basis. The writer points out that scriptural evidence on the issue is often contradictory and may be based on the historical factors prevailing at the time a particular passage was written. However, the writer maintains that there can also be seen a progression in thought as the needs of one era give way to a broader and more comprehensive view of the question.

Outline:
Introduction
Background
Old Testament Support
Conclusion

From the Paper:

" In his writings from this time, pacifism would remain a central motif, an idea that he pioneered and for which he was proud to have been the instrument for bringing the idea into the open. The idea had first appeared in the western world among the teachings of the early Christians, and they had drawn the same conclusions from the teachings of Christ as did Erasmus. As the Roman world became Christianized, however, a different attitude toward the bearing of arms was developed in service of the Christian state, an idea that would be bolstered by St. Augustine, who developed a theory that a war to resist aggression or to enforce justice was not only permissible but was a Christian duty. The way enforcing justice was defined, though, nearly any war could be supported. St. Thomas Aquinas followed Augustine in promulgating rules for the just war and created guidelines as to what was just and unjust .."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Faludy, George. Erasmus. New York: Stein and Day, 1970.
• Johnson, James Turner. The Quest for Peace. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1987.
• Phillips, Margaret Mann. The "Adages" of Erasmus. Cambridge at the University Press, 1964.
• Sowards, J. Kelley. Desiderius Erasmus. Boston: Twayne, 1975.

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