Publication Date

1-1-1989

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Glenn, Gary Dean, 1941-

Legacy Department

Department of Political Science

Abstract

Christians are faced with a difficult decision when required to engage in war. By studying the ideas of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, as well as more recent scholars, the logic of the just war tradition is examined. In opposition to this, the arguments of John Yoder, a proponent of Christian pacifism, are also analyzed. The key differences between these viewpoints is the level of responsibility Christians should assume in directing historic events. The pacifist argument is that humility and suffering in faith by Christians wins the ultimate victory for good. The just war advocates state that military service is sometimes an obligation, as a way of better loving others i.e. through ending injustice. By comparing strictly controlled warfare to an extended, international police protective act, it can be seen that it can be a Christian’s duty to fight, out of love, for others.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.

Extent

19 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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