Potemkin wrote:Interesting. Where does nuking cities fit in with that ‘just war theory’? Asking for a friend.
Are you asking for my personal opinion , or for the prevailing legal opinion ? If the former , I shall say that I am of a mind that such whole scale slaughter of the surrounding population cannot rightly be given justification . This is also why I myself happen to be a
pacificist , as I feel that nearly no modern war could ever be considered to be just . Strictly on the subject of the ethical use of force , I am inclined to agree with the author of this article .
https://www.commonsenseethics.com/blog/what-everyone-ought-to-know-about-violence-and-self-defense More to what @late mentioned , and more to the topic of this thread , Islamic canon law likewise has an equivalent just war theory , and except for the likes of the
Khudai Khidmatgar , most Muslims accept the need for a just war , in accordance with
Islamic Military Jurisprudence . As to the historic Christian view of violence , there are a number of Christian sects , for example the
Amish , whom reside in the area surrounding my home , that teach that a follower of Christ Jesus , the Prince of Peace , must never take up arms , even in self defense . I feel that , in my opinion , the question comes down to whether or not a Christian may in accordance with the Bible participate in political affairs , or if that would be a worldly matter . If Christians are permitted by the dictates of their faith to hold such public office ,
Romans 13:1-6 would apply to them , in respects to not bearing the sword in vain . If however a true believer in Christ is not to be involved in what might be considered to be worldly matters , unbecoming of a follower of Christ , then they shall feel compelled to follow in the footsteps of Jesus , even unto death , as my one of my own ancestors ,
Hans Jacob Hess , did when he was martyred . He didn't put up a fight , even in the face of persecution . So yes , I am familiar first hand with the controversy surrounding the just use of force , especially as it pertains to the Christian religion . And various of my family at large , even while still professing a common Christian worldview , have differed on this point of what is the role of a Christian in relation to warfare . And even though I might be considered to be no more than a
cultural Christian , rather than one in the conventional sense of the term , my opinion is still to an extent informed by biblical principles , in which the value of peace must be balanced with the need for justice . Therefore , in conclusion , I feel that for me I will never initiate force , or even retaliate , and would only use no more than proportionate force in a
defensivist manner .