Christianity and War
The Bible is full of references to peace and Christians aim to bring peace and reconciliation to the world. The Christian Churches have all made statements against war. Many often recognise that it is not always possible to avoid war.
There are two main Christian attitudes to war.
1. Christian pacifism
Pacifism means refusing to fight in wars and for the first 300 years all Christians were opposed to war. This changed when Christianity became the religion of the Roman Empire.
In the twentieth century many Christians have become pacifists because modern warfare techniques often harm more civilians than soldiers.
The Quakers, Plymouth Brethren and Christadelphians are completely pacifist Churches. There are many other Christian organisations which work for peace.
The reasons why some Christians are pacifists are:
• Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies and turn their cheeks when they were hit.
• Peace will only come if people refuse to fight.
• The horrible things that have happened to civilians in wartime e.g. the bomb on Hiroshima.
• One of the Ten Commandments bans killing - 'Thou shall not kill'
• Jesus said “…all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
In the twentieth century many Christians have become pacifists because modern warfare techniques often harm more civilians than soldiers.
The Quakers, Plymouth Brethren and Christadelphians are completely pacifist Churches. There are many other Christian organisations which work for peace.
The reasons why some Christians are pacifists are:
• Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies and turn their cheeks when they were hit.
• Peace will only come if people refuse to fight.
• The horrible things that have happened to civilians in wartime e.g. the bomb on Hiroshima.
• One of the Ten Commandments bans killing - 'Thou shall not kill'
• Jesus said “…all who draw the sword will die by the sword.”
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
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“Love your enemies.”
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2. Christianity and just war
Thomas Aquinas came up with a set of ideas for when a war might be considered justified (or a just war).
Conditions for a Just War
1. The cause of the war is just (e.g. resisting an attack).
2. The war is fought by the authority of a government.
3. It is fought with the intention to restore peace.
4. It is a last resort (other ways have been tried of settling the dispute).
5. There is a reasonable chance of success.
6. Methods used avoid killing civilians.
7. An appropriate amount of force is used.
Why might some Christians accept Just War?
Many Christians would argue that war is justified if it meets the criteria for a just war above. They believe this because:
• Paul told Christians to obey the orders of the government (e.g. in Romans 13).
• Jesus never condemned soldiers he met.
• Jesus said “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s”. He was talking about taxes but it could include being obedient to a government that instructs a Christian to go and fight in a war.
• An army could be seen as a police force that protects innocent countries from criminal ones.
• Paul told Christians to obey the orders of the government (e.g. in Romans 13).
• Jesus never condemned soldiers he met.
• Jesus said “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s”. He was talking about taxes but it could include being obedient to a government that instructs a Christian to go and fight in a war.
• An army could be seen as a police force that protects innocent countries from criminal ones.