Christianity: Attitudes to War

This section explains Christian Attitudes to War, focusing on: Reasons for War in Christian Teachings, The Just War Theory, Christianity’s views on Terrorism, Christian Teachings on Justice and Holy war.

War is an organised conflict, typically involving intense violence between nations, states, or groups. It is often motivated by a combination of political, economic, religious, or territorial disputes. The reasons for war are usually complex and interlinked.

Christian teachings identify several potential causes of war, but they also warn against its dangers and emphasise the importance of peace and reconciliation.

Reasons for War in Christian Teachings

Many Christians believe that war should be a last resort, only undertaken if all peaceful means of resolution have failed. The Bible warns against motivations such as greed and revenge, while also recognising that war may sometimes be necessary for self-defence.

• Greed

Christianity teaches that greed is a corrupting force that leads to conflict. Wars driven by the desire for power, wealth, or resources are seen as immoral.

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
1 Timothy 6:10

• Self-Defence

Some Christians accept that war may be necessary if a nation or community is acting in self-defence, especially if all efforts for peaceful reconciliation have failed. Protecting the innocent and standing against oppression is seen as a moral duty.

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”
Psalm 82:3

• Retaliation

Many Christians believe that revenge only fuels further violence and does not lead to true justice or peace. Instead, the Bible teaches forgiveness and reconciliation.

“Do not repay evil for evil … if it is possible … live at peace with everyone.”
Romans 12:17-19

While Christianity generally encourages non-violence, some believers argue that war is sometimes inevitable in an imperfect world. However, the ultimate goal should always be peace:

“Scatter the nations who delight in war.”
Psalm 68:30

“A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.”
Ecclesiastes 3:8

The Just War Theory

The Just War Theory provides ethical guidelines for determining whether a war can be justified and how it should be conducted.

Origins of the Just War Theory

The theory was first developed by St Augustine (354–430 CE) and later expanded by St Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274 CE). It remains influential today, providing a framework for assessing the morality of war.

Principles of a Just War

A war is considered just if it meets the following conditions:

• Just Cause – War must be fought for a morally acceptable reason, such as self-defence or protecting innocent lives.
• Legitimate Authority – War should be declared by a properly recognised authority, such as a government, not by individuals or small groups.
• Right Intention – The main purpose of the war should be to establish justice and peace, not to seek revenge or gain power.
• Last Resort – War should only be undertaken if all other peaceful solutions have failed.
• Proportionality – The force used must be proportionate to the threat faced. Unnecessary destruction or excessive violence is unacceptable.
• Probability of Success – There should be a reasonable chance of success; wars that will only result in unnecessary suffering should be avoided.
• Discrimination – Innocent civilians should not be targeted. Attacks must be directed only at combatants.

Many Christians believe that the Just War Theory is a useful guide for political and religious leaders. However, some Christians, particularly pacifists, reject it entirely, believing that all war is immoral.

Christianity and Non-Violence

Christianity generally promotes peace and non-violence. Many teachings from Jesus Christ emphasise love, forgiveness, and reconciliation rather than conflict.

For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught:

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

Some Christian groups, such as Quakers, are absolute pacifists and believe that violence can never be justified, even in self-defence.

However, others argue that since God gave humans free will, they may sometimes have to use force as a last resort.

Christianity and Terrorism

The Christian Church strongly opposes terrorism and condemns the use of violence against innocent civilians.

“Terrorism threatens, wounds, and kills indiscriminately; it is gravely against justice and charity.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraph 2297

UK Legal Definition of Terrorism

According to the UK Terrorism Act 2000, terrorism involves:

“The use or threat of serious violence against a person or serious damage to property where that action is: designed to influence the government or an international governmental organisation or to intimidate the public or a section of the public; and for the purpose of advancing a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.”

Examples of Modern Terror Attacks

• 11 September 2001 – Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked US passenger planes, crashing them into New York’s Twin Towers, killing 2,977 people.
• 22 July 2011 – Anders Breivik killed 77 people in Norway through bombing and mass shooting.
• 14 October 2017 – A truck bombing in Mogadishu, Somalia, killed 587 people.

Christians reject terrorism, believing that violence only leads to further suffering and instability:

“Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.”
Proverbs 22:8

Christian Teachings on Justice

Christianity teaches that God is the ultimate judge and that all people will face divine judgement.

“For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:10

Many Christians believe in working towards justice and peace, trusting that one day, God will bring an end to conflict:

“Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
Isaiah 2:4

Until then, Christians are encouraged to live righteously, help those in need, and work towards justice in society.

Religion as a Cause of War: Holy War

In Christian history, the term holy war refers to wars fought in the name of God. However, all mainstream Christian denominations today reject the concept of holy war.

The Crusades

The most well-known example of a Christian holy war was the Crusades (11th–13th centuries), where European Christians launched military campaigns to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control.

Pope Urban II encouraged the Crusaders by promising spiritual rewards:

“If you are killed, your sins will be pardoned.”

Today, most Christians believe that faith should never be a justification for war. Instead, they emphasise Jesus’ teachings on peace, love, and reconciliation.

Conclusion

Christianity generally teaches that war should be avoided whenever possible. While some Christians accept the Just War Theory, others follow pacifist beliefs.

The Bible promotes justice, peace, and reconciliation, with many teachings warning against violence, greed, and revenge. Ultimately, Christians are called to work towards peace and fairness in society, trusting in God’s ultimate plan for justice.