Just War and Christian Traditions

This anthology provides historically informed insights and analysis about Christian just war thinking and its application to contemporary conflicts. It explores the historical development of just war thinking, the differences between it and pacifism, and the positions of major church traditions on the ethics of warfare. The contributors include philosophers, military strategists, political scientists, and historians from various Christian denominations. It is a valuable resource for students, pastors, and lay people interested in peace and security, military history, and military ethics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 346 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

This comprehensive anthology offers historically informed insights and analytical perspectives on Christian just war thinking and its application to contemporary conflicts.

In recent Christian reflection on war, questions regarding the possibility and parameters of a just war have largely been overlooked. The contributors to Just War and Christian Traditions provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the history and principles of just war thinking, as well as an innovative evaluation of how Christian traditions and denominations can employ this thinking in the modern context.

The introduction delves into the historical development of Christian just war thinking, exploring the distinctions between it and alternative ideologies such as pacifism and holy war. It also examines the various perspectives among Christian thinkers on issues such as the role of the state, the concept of "lesser evil" politics, and the theological commitments that have public policy implications. For instance, it highlights the priority of peace within Christian theological frameworks.

The subsequent chapters outline the positions of major church traditions on the ethics of warfare from Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, and Anabaptist denominational perspectives. The contributors, comprising philosophers, military strategists, political scientists, and historians, aim to engage with diverse denominational approaches to church and state, war, peace, diplomacy, statecraft, and security over a span of two thousand years of Christian history.

Just War and Christian Traditions serves as an indispensable resource for understanding the Judeo-Christian roots and denominational frameworks that underpin the moral framework for statesmanship and policy known as just war thinking. This practical guide will appeal to students, pastors, and lay individuals with an interest in issues of peace and security, military history, and military ethics.

Weight: 516g
Dimension: 230 x 151 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780268203825