The Just War theory (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Notes
The Just War theory
What is the Just War theory?
The Just War theory is a significant Christian doctrine that helps believers determine when warfare might be morally acceptable. According to this theory, a 'just war' is one that Christians believe is fought for the right reasons, conducted in the right way, and can therefore be seen as justified before God.
This theory doesn't encourage war but rather provides a framework for those in authority to carefully consider whether military action is truly necessary and morally defensible. It serves as guidance for states and governments, not individuals, when making difficult decisions about conflict.
The Just War theory is not about promoting warfare, but about establishing moral boundaries and criteria for when conflict might be unavoidable and ethically defensible.
Criteria for a just war
Christian thinkers have developed six key criteria that must be met for a war to be considered just:
Reasonable chance of success - There must be a realistic possibility that the war can achieve its aims. Fighting a hopeless battle that will only lead to unnecessary death and suffering cannot be justified.
Peaceful aim - The ultimate goal of the war must be to bring about peace, not to gain power or territory for its own sake.
Last resort - All other non-violent methods of resolving the conflict must have been tried and failed before resorting to warfare.
Protection of innocent civilians - The war must be conducted in a way that avoids harming non-combatants as much as possible.
Just cause - There must be a morally valid reason for fighting, such as resisting aggression, defending the innocent, or opposing serious injustice.
Fair methods - The conduct of the war itself must follow moral principles, avoiding unnecessary cruelty or destruction.
All six criteria must be met simultaneously for a war to be considered truly just. Meeting only some of the criteria is insufficient according to traditional Just War theory.
Historical development of the theory
The concept of Just War has deep roots in Christian thinking. St Augustine was the first major Christian theologian to formulate ideas about when war might be acceptable to Christians. He grappled with the tension between Jesus's teachings about peace and love, and the need to protect the innocent from evil.
Centuries later, St Thomas Aquinas developed Augustine's ideas further, creating a more systematic set of criteria that forms the basis of the Just War theory we know today. This development shows how Christian thinking has evolved to address real-world moral dilemmas whilst staying true to core Christian values.
The evolution from Augustine to Aquinas demonstrates how Christian theology adapts to address practical moral questions while maintaining core theological principles.
Christian teachings supporting just war
Many Christian denominations have embraced aspects of the Just War theory. The Catholic Church formally included the Just War doctrine in the 1992 Catechism of the Catholic Church, showing its official acceptance of this approach.
Biblical support for the theory can be found in various passages. Romans 13:1 states:
"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
St Paul's words here suggest that Christians have a duty to obey legitimate authority, which some interpret as supporting the right of governments to wage war when necessary.
Many Christians also believe that having armed forces to protect a country is morally acceptable. They argue that sometimes violence becomes necessary to defend against greater evils - for example, if a country is being invaded, its people should be allowed to defend themselves.
Divergent Christian views
However, not all Christians agree with the Just War theory. The Christian community holds diverse views on this complex issue.
Those who accept Just War theory use similar arguments to Catholic teaching, believing that under specific circumstances, warfare can be the lesser of two evils and therefore morally justified.
Those who reject Just War theory focus more heavily on Jesus's teachings about peace, forgiveness, and loving one's enemies. They argue that both sides in any conflict may claim their cause is just, making the theory potentially dangerous. Some point to historical examples like the Second World War, where Hitler claimed the Nazis were right in their fight, raising serious questions about whether any war can truly be called just.
Many Christians who oppose the Just War theory instead embrace pacifist teachings, believing that Jesus's message calls followers to find peaceful solutions to all conflicts, even when this seems difficult or costly.
A key criticism of Just War theory is that opposing sides in conflicts often both claim their cause is just, potentially making the theory a tool for justifying any warfare rather than limiting it.
Situation ethics approach
Some Christians take a situation ethics approach to questions of war and peace. Rather than following rigid rules about when war is acceptable, they believe each situation must be judged individually, considering the specific circumstances and likely outcomes.
This approach recognises that moral decisions about war are complex and that what might be right in one situation could be wrong in another. Both religious and non-religious people may use this approach when deciding whether a particular war is justified.
Situation ethics emphasises context and consequences over absolute rules, allowing for more flexible moral reasoning in complex scenarios like warfare.
Key Points to Remember:
- The Just War theory provides Christian guidance on when warfare might be morally acceptable, focusing on right reasons and right conduct
- Six key criteria must be met: reasonable chance of success, peaceful aim, last resort, protection of civilians, just cause, and fair methods
- The theory was developed by St Augustine and later refined by St Thomas Aquinas
- Christians hold divergent views - some accept the theory while others emphasise Jesus's teachings on peace and non-violence
- Romans 13:1 suggests Christians should obey legitimate governing authorities, which some use to support just war thinking