Conditions of a Just War

[Nicholas Weeks]

Bishop Fulton Sheen said it well - war yes, but without hatred.

Since the God of justice is the God of charity it follows that although a war may be justified, one may not enter into it in a spirit of hate. We too often identify what is really a sin against charity with a love of justice. It is precisely against this divorce of justice and charity that the Church cautions us, even in times of war.

https://theimaginativeconservative.org/2023/10/conditions-just-war-and-guilt-fulton-sheen.html

 

[EricPH]

I truthfully wonder how going to war can be justified. Once war has been declared against you, then you have the right to self defence.

I have been struggling to think of a war, that I would consider is justified. Can you think of a war were the aggressor was justified, to start the war, and why?

 

[RJM]

23 min

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www.youtube.com

 

[juantoo3]

I truthfully wonder how going to war can be justified. Once war has been declared against you, then you have the right to self defence.

I have been struggling to think of a war, that I would consider is justified. Can you think of a war were the aggressor was justified, to start the war, and why?

Look up Thomas Aquinas

 

[Nicholas Weeks]

Look up Thomas Aquinas

Or study Bishop Sheen on the subject linked in my OP.

 

[juantoo3]

Or study Bishop Sheen on the subject linked in my OP.

Thank you, no.

Charles Lindbergh became a politician after his famous trans-Atlantic flight. Prior to WWII, he fought tooth and nail to keep the US out of the hostilities in Europe. But once Japan bombed Pearl, he jumped in with both feet saying you cannot be half hearted in a war.

It is the politicians who drag these things on. In Viet Nam I've heard of soldiers being issued one bullet, and expected to return from their rounds with that bullet. Wars cannot be fought conclusively in that manner.

You are either all in, or stay the hell out. Aquinas doesn't put it that way, but the essence is there. Go in and get it over with, and be done with it and go home...precisely to minimize "collateral damage."

I think Sun Tzu would agree. Likewise the Mahabharata. As well as Augustine of Hippo.

 

[Nicholas Weeks]

Thank you, no.

Sorry - my reply was meant for EricPH