Just War?

When is it good to be violent and kill people? When can violence be used in self-defence? Many of these questions have been summarised in Christian theology and ethical debate over the issue of 'The Just War'.

These interesting academic questions are being addressed daily in the struggles in the wider Middle East. My sympathies are usually with the underdogs and the weakest, and I am suspicious of the 'might is right' views of many. 

Because all the settings in the present conflicts are complex, there are no simple and easy answers. Understanding the history and background to each setting is itself difficult for outsiders like ourselves. Until last week, we had probably never heard of the Yazidis, nor were we aware of the long history of Christians in Iraq.

Behind many of my reflections is the dialogue between Jesus and the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate. 

'Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him. 

Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?” 

“Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?” 

Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18.33-36)

There have been many debates about whether these words mean Christians should be pacifists, and refuse to fight in any setting. But many serious Christian disciples have accepted that there is a place for taking up arms to fight the evil and wickedness of others, in a proportionate and limited way. It is that which makes for a Just War.

Sadly, in the present Middle East, whether in Gaza or from the Islamic State group, there is no sense of limitation or proportionality.

I continue to pray that the light and life of Jesus will break into these places of darkness and death.

Best wishes,

Richard