War and Just War Theory

Causes of War

Factors leading to conflict:

-land disputes

-political power struggles

-religious conflicts

-oppression

-revenge

-resource scarcity

-poverty

-alliances

Effects of War

Consequences of warfare including

-death

-poverty

-destruction of infrastructure

- environmental damage

-low morale

-weapon industry growth

-injuries

-diseases

-supply loss

-ongoing divisions

Ways Christians can help victims of war

Activities such as

-donating supplies

-praying

-raising awareness

-campaigning

-volunteering

-donating to charities like CAFOD or Christian Aid

-welcoming refugees

Just War Theory

A doctrine that outlines conditions under which Christians can justify going to war, focusing on

-a just cause

-last resort

-proportionality

-right intentions

-reasonable success

-weighing good against damage

Jus ad Bellum

Criteria that determine the just cause for going to war in Christian ethics.

Jus in Bello

Principles that govern the conduct in warfare, emphasizing discrimination and proportionality.

Christian example for helping war victims

Inspired by Jesus' example

-the Beatitudes

-the Parable of the Sheep and Goats

-the notion that all humans are created in God's image

Criteria for a Just Cause

Includes

-having a good reason to engage in war

-being a last resort

-responding proportionately

-having right intentions

-ensuring reasonable chances of success

Proportionality in War

The principle that the force used in war must be proportional to the threat faced, avoiding excessive violence.

Discrimination in Warfare

Forces engaged in war must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, avoiding harm to civilians.

Christian Actions for Peace

Engagement in activities like prayer, volunteering, charity work, peaceful protests, teaching peace, and fostering community support.