By Neil Earle
As the United States makes preparation for Operation Universal Justice the question arises how Christians should react to this.
Some Christian groups are pacifists and have nothing to do with making war. However, even they allow a role for non-combatant status among their members.
While not advocating war or the use of military force, necessarily, it is interesting to note in passing that such theologians as Augustine and Martin Luther addressed these issues in their teachings. Luther had no qualms about states protecting themselves from aggression based on Romans 13. Both writers saw that in this world Christians have to live in a way which requires wisdom ruling out pat answers for every case. Even in the Sermon on the Mount, for example, Jesus referred to giving heed to the civil power: "If you are going to the judge, then make sure you agree with the judge quickly, for He has the power to punish" (Matthew 5:25-26).
Augustine was living in the 400s, just after a time when the Church had been called in to help stabilize the Roman Empire. He formulated the basic reasons that could allow for the possibility of a state waging a Just War. There were eight of them. First of all there has to be a just cause. There has to be a just intention. It must be done by just authority. There needs to be a reasonable assurance of success. There has to be an announced intention. There must be just means. Lethal force is used as a last resort. And the good done must outweigh the evil.
Yet as Christians we can still say that, even so, the "peace churches" provide a valuable function by asking the searching questions that come up when nations undertake war: Just how far do you intend to go? Can damage to civilians be limited? And be advised: Any war will surprise you. It is not an easy decision for any leaders to make, which is why they need our prayers.