Revision notes for RS ethics - WAR

WAR

WHAT IS WAR?

• A large scale violent conflict
• In human history, these conflicts have been between tribes, city-states, nations and empires.
• Wars can occur between both international communities and individual governments 

WHAT CAUSES WAR?

Here are some reasons why people may go to war:

• To defend their country against attack
• To defend their beliefs, religion, freedom and way of life
• To defend an ally or protect a weaker country under unfair attack
• To remove their own leader or government (civil war)
• To gain wealth, power and important resources such as oil
• To stop atrocities such as mass murder happening in other countries

EFFECTS OF WAR

• Has both individual and community effects
• Wars in 20th century took the lives of 1 billion people
• Damage to the economy is done by the loss workers killed and damaged infrastructure
• Huge numbers are displaced, forcing them to fled their country

CHRISTIAN BELIEFS ABOUT WAR

• Christians should be peacemakers, not war makers
• Human life is sacred and not something to be disposed of
• The commandments teach 'do not kill' and 'love your neighbour' 
• Jesus rejected the use of violence

THE JUST WAR THEORY

War is often justified on political grounds but can it be justified on a Christian basis? For Christians to justify war seems difficult because the bible teaches that life is sacred, killing is wrong and that people should be peacemakers.

THE JUST WAR THEORY was outlined in 1225-74 and states both when it might be just to go to war and how the war must be fought. The main aim of the theory is to limit warfare and the effects of war so it only occurs when absolutely necessary.

WHEN IS IT JUST TO GO TO WAR?

The following list shows the different aspects of the just war theory:

• War must be the last result
• There must be a serious threat
• There must be some chance of success
• Weapons must be used proportionately 
• The ultimate goal must be the restoration of peace

HOW SHOULD WAR BE JUSTLY FOUGHT?

• Those not fighting, wounded soldiers and prisoners must be respected and treated humanely 
• Weapons which cause large-scale destruction to civilians are not permissible 
• Torture is wrong