Just War Theory (ePub)

Seminar paper from the year 2013 in the subject Sociology - War and Peace, Military, grade: A, The University of Liverpool, language: English, abstract: The ethical and moral justifications of the "Just War Theory" have been discussed continuously for several years. The ethical issue has created two sides of opposing views, those who view "Just War" as ethical and those who view it as unethical. Even today, the "Just War" theory still creates passionate debates among philosophers and religious leaders as well as throughout the public. Some proponents of Just War theory argue that it brings peace and justice, while those opposing just war theory note the damages and even instability are created by wars. However, both sides agree that war is necessary where peace can not be achieved by peaceful means. In the recent past, the war in Iraq that was started by the U.S and its allies has ignited a passionate debate over if this war is a just war. To further investigate these opposing viewpoints, this position paper will attempt to explain the issue by looking at both sides of the issue. Various positions on both sides will be highlighted, and then a position will arrived at basing on the findings of both sides. Lastly, this paper will conclude in favor of just war.
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In any debate over war, it's impossible for the church or the mass to voice one view point on the issue. This is because even the Bible itself has two opposing aspects on the issue. On one side, the Bible teaches Christians that rulers who pursue their own individual goals against the people wish sin against the will of God, and in such a situation other world rulers are supposed to at times enforce peace even through force, though under Gods guidelines. But, on the side, God wishes man to live peaceful without fighting and killing each other. Thus all Christians exonerate some level of coercion, however, they basically they are peaceful.