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Peace and Justice |
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Many Christians accept the need to fight to prevent a large number of deaths or to protect boundaries. However, they are greatly concerned about aggresive and excessive use of force. Were the allieds justified in dropping atomb bombs that killed hundreds of thousands instantly? The Bible has teachings for and against war, so is inconclusive here. Centuries after the Bible was written, but long before the atom bomb, St. Aquinas and Augustine developed the Just War Theory. Have a look at the Bitesize Just War theory page for more details. BBCi looks at each principle in much more detail.
How can you remember these in an exam? This is just a suggestion, and may not work for you, but I found this sentence (courtesy of Sue Cole) very easy to learn:
Poor Annie Just Couldn't Resist Ian's Latest Romantic Proposals Without Playing Jelly Marbles.
What this mnemonic gives you, if you take 5 minutes to remember it thoroughly, is the first letter of each separate condition:
Proper Authority - it must be fought by a legal recognised authority e.g. a government
Just Cause - the cause of the war must be just (retaliation rather than aggression)
Right Intention - the war must be fought with the intention to establish good or correct evil
Last Resort - the war must be the last resort (after all diplomatic negotiations etc. have been tried and have failed)
Proportionality - only sufficient force must be used (which rules out atom bombs)
Win Possible - there must be a reasonable chance of success
Just Method - civilians must not be involved
You may be asked [1998 Q5]:
(a) Describe and explain the Christian teachings which Christians might use when they are thinking about taking part in a war. [8]
A perfect question - allows you to use any Biblical teachings you can remember (both for and against). You can mention the Quakers who are pacifists. You can also bring in all of the Just War principles!
A more specific question was [1999 Q4]:
(a) Describe and explain what some Christians mean when they use the phrase 'a Just War'. [8]
Have a go at answering this. Remember that ALL of the conditions have to be met to justify a war.
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