Theology 1.0: What is a just war?

Battle of Keppel

Just war? Aren't all wars evil?
We have often been told of evils of war. Yet even with the formation of the United Nations (UN) in 1945 to promote global peace, there has been more than 200 wars fought across the world. In addition, the UN has participate actively in some of these wars, such as the Korean War and the 1991 Gulf War.

As being members "in the world", Christians are also not immune to war, either as masterminds, soldiers or victims. Genuine Christians in the militant role have to ponder about their duties especially since the Sixth Commandment is "Thou shalt not murder".

In this post, I want to explore the idea of a "Just War", focusing mainly on the ideas of the Christian theologian Thomas Aquinas.

What did Aquinas say?
Thomas Aquinas summarised his stand on a justified war based on three conditions

1) Authority of the sovereign. The authority that is going to war has to be divinely appointed and sanctioned. (In other words, the government.)

2) Rightful cause. The action for war must be for a greater good, rather than for selfish gain. For instance, to punish a rouge nation or the restore stolen property.

3) Rightful intention. There must be an aim to end the war from the start. In other words, peace must be a central outcome after the war.

Examples of a Just War?
Let's explore these examples of war, using the ideas of a Just War.

1) 1991 Gulf War.
Reason for war: In 1990, Iraq unilaterally invaded Kuwait to control its oil fields. The United States led a coalition of nations to liberate Kuwait.

Participants: USA (and its allies) VS Iraq

Just War: Probably
The aims of restoring Kuwait sovereignty and lost property was fulfilled.

2) 2003 Iraq War.
Reason for war: To rid Iraq of an unjust ruler and weapons of mass destruction.

Participants: USA (and its allies) VS Iraq

Just War: Unlikely
While the purpose of ridding of a dictator (Saddam Hussein) was fulfilled in this war, but the evidence of weapons of mass destruction proved to be false.

3) 1967 Six Days War
Reason for War: Due to constant aggression from its Arab neighbours, Israel launched a pre-emptive strike to reduce the military capabilities of its enemies.

Participants: Israel VS Egypt, Syria and Jordan

Just War: Maybe
It can be argued that the three nations were deserving punished by Israel. Israel's capture of West Bank, Golan Heights, the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip ensured reduced attacks from its neighbours.

Conclusion
The fact that we live in such an imperfect world should force all of us to think about our stance on war, or even if we think a "Just War" is possible. To pretend we are immune or above such world arrogance does no good.