Christian Ethics. How Should We Live? 10. Applied Ethics: War and the Quest for Peace Sunday, July...

Christian Ethics. How Christian Ethics. How Should We Live?Should We Live?

10. 10. Applied Ethics:Applied Ethics: War and the Quest War and the Quest for Peacefor Peace

Sunday, July 31, 20059 to 9:50 am, in the Parlor.

Everyone is welcome!

O God, the Father of all, whose O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth: deliver them and prejudice to truth: deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled enable us all to stand reconciled before you, through Jesus Christ before you, through Jesus Christ our Lord.our Lord.

- Book of Common Prayer, p. 816- Book of Common Prayer, p. 816

An Introduction to An Introduction to Christian Ethics (4th Christian Ethics (4th Edition),Edition), Roger H. Roger H. Crook. Prentice Hall, Crook. Prentice Hall, 2001. ISBN: 0-130-2001. ISBN: 0-130-34149-5 Chapter 13: 34149-5 Chapter 13: “War and the Quest for “War and the Quest for Peace”Peace”

Dr. Crook is Emeritus Dr. Crook is Emeritus professor and former professor and former chair of the chair of the Department of Department of Religion and Religion and Philosophy at Meredith Philosophy at Meredith CollegeCollege

““Peace, violence and war”Peace, violence and war” by Richard G Jones,by Richard G Jones, in:in: Christian Ethics: An Christian Ethics: An Introduction.Introduction. Edited by Edited by Bernard Hoose, A Bernard Hoose, A Michael Glazier Book, Michael Glazier Book, Liturgical Press, Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN, 1998. Collegeville, MN, 1998. ISBN: 0-8146-5929-2. ISBN: 0-8146-5929-2.

Richard G Jones taught Richard G Jones taught Christian ethics at Christian ethics at Manchester, England, is Manchester, England, is former President of the former President of the Methodist Conference, Methodist Conference, and is currently editor of and is currently editor of the the Epworth ReviewEpworth Review..

The Bible and WarThe Bible and War

The Bible and WarThe Bible and WarIntroductionIntroduction

Christians have struggled over the morality of Christians have struggled over the morality of war since the beginning of the church.war since the beginning of the church.

Looking at Scripture for guidance, we can find Looking at Scripture for guidance, we can find support for several different ethical approaches support for several different ethical approaches to war.to war.

The Bible and WarThe Bible and WarThe Old TestamentThe Old Testament

In the struggle of God’s chosen people, the Hebrews, In the struggle of God’s chosen people, the Hebrews, for the promised land, the rightness of war as a means for the promised land, the rightness of war as a means to fulfill the promise seems to be presumed.to fulfill the promise seems to be presumed. They had to conquer a land already occupied by others and They had to conquer a land already occupied by others and

establish in that land a new nation.establish in that land a new nation. They often felt that their faithfulness to God was They often felt that their faithfulness to God was

reflected in their success or failure.reflected in their success or failure. When the people were faithful, God rewarded them with When the people were faithful, God rewarded them with

victory over their enemiesvictory over their enemies When the people were unfaithful, God allowed their When the people were unfaithful, God allowed their

enemies to win in order to punish the people.enemies to win in order to punish the people.


War was seen as a tool of God (“mighty in battle”) War was seen as a tool of God (“mighty in battle”) working in human history.working in human history. Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah spoke of God’s punishing the Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah spoke of God’s punishing the

Hebrews for their unfaithfulness by letting foreign powers Hebrews for their unfaithfulness by letting foreign powers oppress them.oppress them.

Obadiah gloated over the destruction of Edom, calling it Obadiah gloated over the destruction of Edom, calling it God’s vengeance against a nation who had warred against God’s vengeance against a nation who had warred against God’s chosen people.God’s chosen people.

Nahum gloated over the destruction of Ninevah (capital of Nahum gloated over the destruction of Ninevah (capital of the Assyrian empire) after their long oppression of the the Assyrian empire) after their long oppression of the Hebrews.Hebrews.


Yet one also finds in the Prophets profound Yet one also finds in the Prophets profound and poetic passages emphasizing:and poetic passages emphasizing: God’s love for all people.God’s love for all people. The hope and expectation of a time of universal The hope and expectation of a time of universal

peace.peace.


“… “… they shall beat their swords into they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more”learn war any more” (identical passage in (identical passage in Isaiah 2:4 Isaiah 2:4 andand Micah 4:3, NRSV) Micah 4:3, NRSV)


Isaiah 11:6-9 NRSV, “The Peaceable Kingdom:”Isaiah 11:6-9 NRSV, “The Peaceable Kingdom:”

The wolf shall live with the lamb,The wolf shall live with the lamb,the leopard shall lie down with the kid,the leopard shall lie down with the kid,the calf and the lion and the fatling together,the calf and the lion and the fatling together,and a little child shall lead them.and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall graze,The cow and the bear shall graze,their young shall lie down together;their young shall lie down together;and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.

They will not hurt or destroyThey will not hurt or destroyon all my holy mountain;on all my holy mountain;for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD.for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD.

The Bible and WarThe Bible and WarThe GospelsThe Gospels

The New Testament says very little directly about The New Testament says very little directly about war.war.

Many of Jesus’ teachings about love of others have Many of Jesus’ teachings about love of others have been cited as being incompatible with war.been cited as being incompatible with war.

Mark 12:29-31 NRSV (Jesus telling the scribes the Mark 12:29-31 NRSV (Jesus telling the scribes the Greatest Commandment) Greatest Commandment) “The first is ‘Hear, O “The first is ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”greater than these.”


Matthew 5:43-45 NRSV: Matthew 5:43-45 NRSV: “You have heard “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”unrighteous.”


Beatitude on peacemakers, Matthew 5:9 Beatitude on peacemakers, Matthew 5:9 NRSV: NRSV: “Blessed are the peacemakers, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”for they will be called children of God.”


Jesus on non-retaliation, Matthew 5:38-42, NRSV: Jesus on non-retaliation, Matthew 5:38-42, NRSV: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”wants to borrow from you.”


Jesus teaching the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12, Jesus teaching the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12, NRSV NRSV “In everything do to others as you “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the law would have them do to you, for this is the law and the prophets.”and the prophets.”

In addition to these passages,In addition to these passages, Jesus’ non-violent self sacrifice on the cross, andJesus’ non-violent self sacrifice on the cross, and his love for the tax collectors and sinners and others his love for the tax collectors and sinners and others

despised by society,despised by society,

are felt by some to build a strong case that no are felt by some to build a strong case that no follower and imitator of Jesus could morally follower and imitator of Jesus could morally participate in war.participate in war.


Other Christians find passages that suggest Other Christians find passages that suggest that Jesus was not completely non-violent.that Jesus was not completely non-violent.

Jesus used force to cleanse the temple of the Jesus used force to cleanse the temple of the money changers and merchants (Matthew money changers and merchants (Matthew 21:12-13; John 2:13-16)21:12-13; John 2:13-16)

Jesus in Matthew 10:34, NRSV reminds us: Jesus in Matthew 10:34, NRSV reminds us: “Do not think that I have come to bring “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”bring peace, but a sword.”


Jesus’ statement at his arrest in Luke 22:36-37 Jesus’ statement at his arrest in Luke 22:36-37 NRSV: NRSV: “But now, the one who has a “But now, the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag. purse must take it, and likewise a bag. And the one who has no sword must And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you, this scripture must be fulfilled in you, this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted among the me, ‘And he was counted among the lawless’; …”lawless’; …”


Jesus also seem to accept the reality of war Jesus also seem to accept the reality of war without being judgmentalwithout being judgmental He praised the faith of the Roman centurion He praised the faith of the Roman centurion

without lecturing him on his profession (Matthew without lecturing him on his profession (Matthew 8:5-10).8:5-10).

He frequently used military figures of speech.He frequently used military figures of speech.

The Bible and WarThe Bible and WarThe Letters of PaulThe Letters of Paul

Paul tried to summarize Jesus’ teachings about how Paul tried to summarize Jesus’ teachings about how to live with others in a passage in Romans 12:14-21, to live with others in a passage in Romans 12:14-21, NRSV:NRSV:““Bless those who persecute you; bless and Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be harmony with one another; do not be haughty, do not claim to be wiser than you haughty, do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. you, live peaceably with all.

The Bible and WarThe Bible and WarThe Letters of PaulThe Letters of Paul

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”good.”

Just War TheoryJust War Theory

Just War TheoryJust War TheoryOriginsOrigins

For the first three centuries of the church, there For the first three centuries of the church, there was a strong pacifist movement in was a strong pacifist movement in Christianity.Christianity. Many early Christians felt Jesus’ teachings Many early Christians felt Jesus’ teachings

prohibited participation in war, and refused to prohibited participation in war, and refused to serve in the Roman army.serve in the Roman army.

After Emperor Constantine made Christianity After Emperor Constantine made Christianity the state religion, and the empire faced the state religion, and the empire faced invasions from barbarian tribes in the north, invasions from barbarian tribes in the north, Christian theologians struggled over what Christian theologians struggled over what might constitute a “just” war.might constitute a “just” war.

Just War TheoryJust War TheoryOriginsOrigins

A “Just War Theory” was developed, A “Just War Theory” was developed, beginning with beginning with St. Ambrose of MilanSt. Ambrose of Milan (340 to (340 to 397) then 397) then St. AugustineSt. Augustine (354-430), and finally (354-430), and finally refined by refined by St. Thomas AquinasSt. Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274). (1224-1274).

The theory had two parts:The theory had two parts: The Decision to Commence War (The Decision to Commence War (jus ad bellumjus ad bellum)) The Appropriate Conduct of War (The Appropriate Conduct of War (jus in bellojus in bello))

Just War TheoryJust War TheoryRequirements for Commencement of WarRequirements for Commencement of War 1. There must be some just cause for the war.1. There must be some just cause for the war. 2. There must be just intent.2. There must be just intent.

The war must be intended for the advancement of good or The war must be intended for the advancement of good or the avoidance of evil.the avoidance of evil.

3. The war must a last resort.3. The war must a last resort. Every possibility for a peaceful settlement must first be Every possibility for a peaceful settlement must first be

exhausted.exhausted. 4. There must be good prospects for success in 4. There must be good prospects for success in

achieving the good intent.achieving the good intent. 5. It must be conducted by a legitimate governing 5. It must be conducted by a legitimate governing

authority, not a faction within a nation.authority, not a faction within a nation.

Just War TheoryJust War TheoryRequirements for the Conduct of WarRequirements for the Conduct of War

1. The innocent must not be directly attacked, 1. The innocent must not be directly attacked, but only the army of the enemy.but only the army of the enemy. Wanton destruction and atrocities against civilians Wanton destruction and atrocities against civilians

are prohibited.are prohibited. 2. The means must be proportional to the ends.2. The means must be proportional to the ends.

The harm caused by the war must not exceed the The harm caused by the war must not exceed the good it hopes to achieve.good it hopes to achieve.

Hugh destructive forces should not be deployed Hugh destructive forces should not be deployed against a small enemy. Unnecessary destruction, against a small enemy. Unnecessary destruction, looting, massacres are prohibited.looting, massacres are prohibited.

Just War TheoryJust War TheoryCriticismsCriticisms

War usually arises from a tangle of reasons; War usually arises from a tangle of reasons; specifying the “just cause” is often a moral fiction.specifying the “just cause” is often a moral fiction.

The “just intent” is also often a moral fiction, since The “just intent” is also often a moral fiction, since wars are usually motivated by a variety of national wars are usually motivated by a variety of national policy concerns.policy concerns.

A war’s outcome and probability of success cannot be A war’s outcome and probability of success cannot be calculated: wars have a terrible dynamic of own, and calculated: wars have a terrible dynamic of own, and unpredictable elements quickly dominate once a war unpredictable elements quickly dominate once a war has begun.has begun.

Just War TheoryJust War TheoryCriticismsCriticisms

A war’s conduct is not easily controlled:A war’s conduct is not easily controlled: In a crucible of life and death, combatants will use In a crucible of life and death, combatants will use

whatever strategy they can to stay alive and kill the whatever strategy they can to stay alive and kill the enemy.enemy.

Wars can quickly become “all out” affairs.Wars can quickly become “all out” affairs.

Christian Attitudes to Christian Attitudes to Participation in WarParticipation in War

Attitudes Toward ParticipationAttitudes Toward ParticipationThree AttitudesThree Attitudes

Three attitudes to Christian participation in Three attitudes to Christian participation in war:war: 1. It is a responsibility of citizenship1. It is a responsibility of citizenship 2. Participation in any war is immoral: pacifism2. Participation in any war is immoral: pacifism 3. Some wars are necessary as the lesser of two 3. Some wars are necessary as the lesser of two

evils, and require “agonized participation”evils, and require “agonized participation”

Attitudes Toward ParticipationAttitudes Toward ParticipationA Responsibility of CitizenshipA Responsibility of Citizenship

1. Participation in war is a responsibility of 1. Participation in war is a responsibility of citizenship.citizenship. Resistance to the state is justified only if the state claims Resistance to the state is justified only if the state claims

ultimate authority and assumes the place of God.ultimate authority and assumes the place of God. Paul in Romans 13:1-2 NRSV said Paul in Romans 13:1-2 NRSV said “Let every person “Let every person

be subject to the governing authorities; for there be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.”incur judgment.”

Attitudes Toward ParticipationAttitudes Toward ParticipationPacifismPacifism

2. Pacifism. Commitment to Jesus prohibits 2. Pacifism. Commitment to Jesus prohibits participation in war.participation in war. God intends people to live in peace, and we must God intends people to live in peace, and we must

therefore live in peace with others in grateful therefore live in peace with others in grateful obedience to the God of love.obedience to the God of love.

Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor, and war Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor, and war can never be an expression of love.can never be an expression of love.

Attitudes Toward ParticipationAttitudes Toward ParticipationAgonized ParticipationAgonized Participation

3. “Agonized Participation”3. “Agonized Participation” War is horrible, but is sometimes the lesser of two War is horrible, but is sometimes the lesser of two

evils.evils. Christians must not give unconditional support to Christians must not give unconditional support to

any government, but must individually evaluate any government, but must individually evaluate the situation, and support their government in the situation, and support their government in those wars that are necessary.those wars that are necessary.


3. “Agonized Participation.” Edward LeRoy Long 3. “Agonized Participation.” Edward LeRoy Long described this view in described this view in War and Conscience in War and Conscience in AmericaAmerica as: as: This position believes that while war can never be This position believes that while war can never be

an act of justice it may sometimes be necessary an act of justice it may sometimes be necessary for the prevention of a greater evil that would for the prevention of a greater evil that would result from permitting morally perverse power to result from permitting morally perverse power to gain political dominance.gain political dominance. (p. 41) (p. 41)

The agonized participant insists that war must be The agonized participant insists that war must be conducted with contrition and kept free of conducted with contrition and kept free of vindictive hatred for the enemy.vindictive hatred for the enemy. (p. 44) (p. 44)


3. “Agonized Participation.” Edward LeRoy Long 3. “Agonized Participation.” Edward LeRoy Long described this view in described this view in War and Conscience in War and Conscience in AmericaAmerica as: as: Military victory, while necessary, is but a negative Military victory, while necessary, is but a negative

attainment that clears the way for subsequent attainment that clears the way for subsequent political and social programs designed to political and social programs designed to establish justice and order.establish justice and order. (p. 45) (p. 45)

Lastly, the agonized participant acknowledges the Lastly, the agonized participant acknowledges the right and privilege of conscientious objection to right and privilege of conscientious objection to war even though he disagrees with those war even though he disagrees with those Christians who consider themselves called to this Christians who consider themselves called to this witness.witness. (p. 46) (p. 46)

Issues Raised by Issues Raised by Modern WarfareModern Warfare

Modern WarfareModern WarfareThe Consummation of Human HistoryThe Consummation of Human History

The traditional Christian view of the end time is that The traditional Christian view of the end time is that the consummation of human history will be God’s the consummation of human history will be God’s climactic act, to be anticipated in hope.climactic act, to be anticipated in hope.

But in the last century, with the development of But in the last century, with the development of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, it has nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, it has become feasible for the consummation of human become feasible for the consummation of human history to be our own act, which will not inaugurate history to be our own act, which will not inaugurate the new heaven and new earth, but simply the new heaven and new earth, but simply exterminate human life in the creation.exterminate human life in the creation.

How should this reality change our views on the How should this reality change our views on the morality of war, of what is a “just” war?morality of war, of what is a “just” war?

Modern WarfareModern WarfarePolitical Approaches to Nuclear WeaponsPolitical Approaches to Nuclear Weapons

There have been two political approaches to the use There have been two political approaches to the use of nuclear weapons in the West.of nuclear weapons in the West. 1. “Mutual Assured Destruction”1. “Mutual Assured Destruction”

We had to keep our nuclear arsenal equal to the Soviet Union’s, so We had to keep our nuclear arsenal equal to the Soviet Union’s, so that any nuclear attack would evoke such a massive retaliatory that any nuclear attack would evoke such a massive retaliatory strike that no nuclear attack could be rationally contemplated.strike that no nuclear attack could be rationally contemplated.

2. Limited Tactical Use of Nuclear Weapons2. Limited Tactical Use of Nuclear Weapons Since a surprise conventional Soviet attack against West Germany Since a surprise conventional Soviet attack against West Germany

could overwhelm the conventional forces of that nation, NATO could overwhelm the conventional forces of that nation, NATO maintained intermediate range nuclear weapons throughout Europe maintained intermediate range nuclear weapons throughout Europe that were to be used to counter such a Soviet conventional attack.that were to be used to counter such a Soviet conventional attack.

Modern WarfareModern WarfarePolitical Approaches to Nuclear WeaponsPolitical Approaches to Nuclear Weapons

With the reunification of Germany and the With the reunification of Germany and the “end” of the Cold War, the dynamics driving “end” of the Cold War, the dynamics driving these policies have eased but not disappeared.these policies have eased but not disappeared.

Modern WarfareModern WarfareMorality of Using Nuclear WeaponsMorality of Using Nuclear Weapons

Christians have been divided over the Christians have been divided over the questions:questions: Is it moral to keep nuclear weapons as a deterrent Is it moral to keep nuclear weapons as a deterrent

to opponents?to opponents? Is it ever right to use them in a first strike?Is it ever right to use them in a first strike? Is it ever right to use them in a counterattack?Is it ever right to use them in a counterattack?


The Anglican Synod of 1982 was presented a report The Anglican Synod of 1982 was presented a report The Church and the BombThe Church and the Bomb which said: which said: Nuclear warfare is immoralNuclear warfare is immoral Negotiation from the strength of a big nuclear arsenal is an Negotiation from the strength of a big nuclear arsenal is an

“unsatisfactory philosophy” because it leads to an arms “unsatisfactory philosophy” because it leads to an arms race of leapfrogging capacity for destruction.race of leapfrogging capacity for destruction.

Urged Britain to give up nuclear weapons in phased Urged Britain to give up nuclear weapons in phased manner and work for multi-lateral disarmament.manner and work for multi-lateral disarmament.

Report led to huge debates and was never accepted.Report led to huge debates and was never accepted. A resolution that nuclear warfare was immoral did pass, A resolution that nuclear warfare was immoral did pass,

although a minority strongly opposed even that resolution.although a minority strongly opposed even that resolution.


US Catholic Bishops issued a Pastoral Letter in 1983 US Catholic Bishops issued a Pastoral Letter in 1983 The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and our The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and our ResponseResponse which said: which said: A “deterrence” based on balance, no more than sufficient A “deterrence” based on balance, no more than sufficient

to deter, and intended as a step on the way to disarmament to deter, and intended as a step on the way to disarmament was morally acceptablewas morally acceptable

Not all “deterrence” was moral: targeting civilian centers Not all “deterrence” was moral: targeting civilian centers with missiles for example was immoral.with missiles for example was immoral.

Any first-strike use of nuclear weapons was immoral.Any first-strike use of nuclear weapons was immoral. Urged immense energies be devoted to arms reduction and Urged immense energies be devoted to arms reduction and

the strengthening of peace-keeping organizations like the the strengthening of peace-keeping organizations like the UN.UN.

Report annoyed the Reagan administration.Report annoyed the Reagan administration.


United Methodist Council of Bishops in 1984 United Methodist Council of Bishops in 1984 issued a Pastoral Letter issued a Pastoral Letter In Defense of In Defense of CreationCreation:: Declared the deterrence policy was an “idolatry” Declared the deterrence policy was an “idolatry”

that put our pride and faith in nuclear weapons that put our pride and faith in nuclear weapons rather than God, that perpetuated “the most rather than God, that perpetuated “the most distorted and more inhuman images of our distorted and more inhuman images of our ‘enemy.’”‘enemy.’”

Modern WarfareModern WarfarePeacekeeping EffortsPeacekeeping Efforts

The immense destructive power of modern The immense destructive power of modern nuclear, chemical and biological weapons nuclear, chemical and biological weapons make Christian efforts for peacekeeping an make Christian efforts for peacekeeping an even deeper responsibility:even deeper responsibility: Peacekeeping must be more than deciding whether Peacekeeping must be more than deciding whether

or not to go to war when a conflict has boiled over.or not to go to war when a conflict has boiled over. Peacekeeping must include nurturing all those Peacekeeping must include nurturing all those

things that make for peace in world and prevent things that make for peace in world and prevent conflicts from growing.conflicts from growing.

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