Augustine Just War Theory

Why does Augustine write the City of God?

After fall of Rome many blamed Christianity

Augustine defends christianity

What development with regard to sacred spaces does Augustine say Christianity brought to warfare? Name one example he uses to illustrate this point?

Christianity brought civility to society. Augustine says that Christianity brought the sparing of those who sought refuge in churches and sacred spaces.

Does Augustine think it is ever possible to kill someone justly?

Yes if the kiling justfied by law or cause during a battle for peace or through divine commission from God.

What does Augustine mean by indifferent acts and what three factors are important for considering their morality?

Indifferent acts depend on

1. the purpose or intention of the act

2. The circumstances

3. The authority under which the act is done

What is the point Augustine trying to illustrate in his Letter to Faustus when he uses the examples of Abraham and Moses?

Abraham was willing to kill his son for God

Moses led the Israelites out of Egypts and had to allow the death of the Egyptian Pharoah and soldiers

Faustus was a pacifist - Augustine argues that war + killing can be just when by divine command

What does Augustine say are the real evils of war?

Love of violence, injustice, and pride

According to Augustine, should a soldier follow the command of the king to wage war even if the king’s command is unrighteous?

Yes, because the solider is obligated to obey — moral fault lies on the king not soldier