Key Points on the Position of the Christian Churches in the United States on the War
Just War Theory is a doctrine in military ethics studied by theologians, ethicists, policy makers, and military leaders. It originated in the writings of ancient philosophers and Christian theologians like Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas. The theory outlines a series of criteria that must be met for a war to be considered just or morally defensible.
There are two primary parts to Just War Theory: ‘Jus ad bellum’ (the right to go to war) and ‘Jus in bello’ (right conduct within war).
- Jus ad bellum: This refers to the conditions under which it is morally acceptable to start a war. They generally include:
- Just cause: War is permissible to confront a real and certain danger, such as to protect innocent life, to preserve conditions necessary for decent human existence, and to secure basic human rights.
- Competent authority: War must be declared by those with responsibility for public order, not by private groups or individuals.
- Right intention: The primary objective of war must be a just cause, rather than, for example, the pursuit of power or wealth.
- Probability of success: Arms may not be used in a futile cause or in a case where disproportionate measures are required to achieve success.
- Last resort: War is permissible only if all peaceful alternatives have been seriously tried and exhausted or are clearly not practical.
- Proportionality: The destruction expected from the use of force must be outweighed by the good to be achieved.
- Jus in bello: This refers to what is morally acceptable during warfare. These principles generally include:
- Distinction: The acts of war should be directed towards enemy combatants, and not non-combatants caught in circumstances they did not create.
- Proportionality: The force used must be proportional to the wrong endured, and the harm caused by warfare must not outweigh the good achieved.
- Military necessity: This involves the methods used in warfare. It implies an obligation to use only that degree of force necessary for success, and to avoid unnecessary harm.
- Fair treatment of prisoners of war: POWs should be treated humanely, and not subjected to physical or psychological harm.
- No means mala in se: This prohibits the use of weapons or methods that are “evil in themselves”, such as those which cause unnecessary harm or suffering.
Remember that these principles are intended to provide a framework for ethical decision-making in warfare, but the application and interpretation of these principles can vary greatly depending on circumstances and perspectives.