“A JUST WAR”
I’m taking a risk here. The risk being that I may offend some people. That’s not my intention or desire. My reasoning for this reflection is to hopefully educate and offer some food for thought.
Let me begin by saying I am as patriotic as they come. Some of our national songs move me to tears when I hear them and/or sing them. Furthermore I support and admire our troops and service personnel who take the highest risk and face the greatest sacrifice in their service to our nation. I pray for them and their families and our country all the time.
I think the situation in Iraq is a mess and no matter how it is “cleaned up,” it’s going to remain a messy situation for a long time. War is hell. Always has been. Always will be.
For the Christian, we have the church’s seventeen hundred year old Just War Theory to offer us guidance and direction. This is what the theory states:
For a war to be just, the church, throughout history, has stated that all of the following conditions must be met:
1. A just war has to be a last resort.
2. A just war must have a just cause, such as self-defense. Wars fought for vengeance, conquest, or to accumulate wealth, resources, riches, etc. are unjustified.
3. A just war must have a reasonable hope of success, which means both military victory and attainment of the just cause for which it is fought.
4. In a just war the prospective good clearly outweighs the suffering that war inflicts.
5. A just war requires a right attitude. It is not based on hatred, vengeance or retaliation but the desire to protect and defend the innocent.
6. A just war must be declared by legitimate authority and the enemy informed of the conditions to be met to avoid conflict.
7. A just war requires just conduct. Civilians and prisoners of war are to be protected to the fullest extent possible. Oppression and humiliation of the defeated after the war are forbidden.
I find this theory directive and helpful. It gives us a basis as people of God to ponder this war and all wars. I close with a question for which I cannot offer a cogent answer: What is best for the vast majority of Iraqis and the United States given the current circumstances and situation?
Pr. Shively
Pastor Shively - 8.13.2008 08:36 AM
Past Weekly Reflections
“A JUST WAR” - Pastor Shively - 8.13.2008 08:36 AM
"Time Passages" - Pastor Shively - 7.18.2008 09:20 AM
"FREEDOM'S COST" - Pastor Shively - 7.1.2008 08:02 AM
“Meet the Press” - Pastor Shively - 6.24.2008 11:41 AM
"Do You Have A Will" - Pastor Shively - 6.18.2008 07:16 AM
"Let's Get Going!" - Pastor Shively - 6.9.2008 02:07 PM
"Promises, Promises" - Pastor Shively - 6.2.2008 09:48 AM
"Don't Worry, Be Happy." - Pastor Shively - 5.28.2008 12:36 AM
"A G.P.S. That Never Fails." - Pastor Shively - 4.23.2008 03:21 PM
"You Ready?" - Pastor Shively - 3.26.2008 08:52 AM
Focus FocUS - Pastor Shively - 3.7.2008 01:26 PM
To Tell the Truth, Really! - Pastor Shively - 2.29.2008 10:57 AM
Everything? - Pastor Shively - 2.22.2008 06:28 PM
Daily Conversation Needed - Pastor Shively - 2.11.2008 08:25 AM
A Real Rebate - Pastor Shively - 1.25.2008 01:09 PM