Christians-what is your opinion regarding war?

Question

Are you:

Pacifist?

A believer in Augustine's Just War theory?

Something else?

I am interested in the numbers of people in each group.

Answer 1

THats a tough question...killing another is not quite "loving your neighbor as yourself" ...however defending oneself from evil is a neccessity as well. I think war is one of those things you just have to let the Lord handle because we can not comprehend its purpose or why he would allow its ongoing

Answer 2

Dear Serena,

First let me say i'm not sure what Augustine's 'Just War Theory' is although i've read some of his writings and enjoy them.

i think the Scriptures tell us that wars will happen. In James we are told that Wars often comes from men's evil desires. The Scriptures also remind us that we are to be subject to the government, to pray for our leaders, and to also trust that God can move the hearts of kings and rulers. So i think in cases such as the war in the middle-East there are those who agree and disagree and we are blessed to live in a country where we have a way to let the government know how we feel about things- and elect new leaders if we are not happy with the way that things are.

War is always sad- because there are innocent people who are affected.

i am for avoiding war whenever possible- but realize that it takes two to make peace- and there will be times when countries will enter into conflict unwillingly but necessarily.

Not sure if that fits me into any distinct category for your survey but hope it makes sense and these thoughts were clearly expressed.

Bless Ya.

Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 3

100% in St. Augustine's (and St. Thomas Aquinas') Just War Theory.

For those who do not know what this is:

The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time:


the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;

all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;

there must be serious prospects of success;

the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated.

The power of modern means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition.

These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the "just war" doctrine. The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good.

Answer 4

The war I regard and not afraid to fight is the battle between good and evil in the spiritual sense, and always be prepared to fight for what I believe on the inside with what I have learned through Christ Jesus. With His teachings I keep my battle within side myself, and to never take up my hand towards another human being. War in this world is bad period. Taking another human beings life for the sake of anything in this life is considered wickedness according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

I am God's side.

Answer 5

I'm a pacifist, but I'm also realistic. Not everyone else is a pacifist, and sometimes a country has to defend itself. There is such a thing as a just war.

Answer 6

We need to find reasons to not fight instead of reasons to fight.
Fight to defend not to instigate.
Augustine's theory has a lot of Catholic over tones, I'm Catholic but have not read it enough to be an expert what I've read makes sense though.
Kind crazy to fight for peace.

Answer 7

In the bible it says not to fight or go to war, so as a Jehovah's Witness we do not go to war. In fact many of us have been put in jail and even killed because of it.

Isaiah 2:4- And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and there spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.

Answer 8

i am a Christian and there's nothing we can do about war but to pray.Because war of this world was already told on the bible by Jesus .. we Christians have also a war on this world but i'm talking about the world of sin. because the world makes us sinner.

Answer 9

God said there would be war,s and rumor,s of war,s
but let not your heart be troubled,for all these thing,s must come to past,

Answer 10

I'm in the military and i stand for God and His word. God speaks of war, killing and self defense. I'm not going to sit back and just let people "beat up" my country.