Christians are called to be peacemakers.
However, the Church also teaches that in extreme circumstances – when diplomacy and all other peaceful means have been exhausted – war is not only necessary, but a moral obligation.
A thread on Just War Theory.
In his Summa Theologiae, St Thomas Aquinas presents a compelling argument concerning the three essential conditions that must be fulfilled in order for a war to be considered just.
These conditions form the foundation of the principles of jus ad bellum (justice to war).
The first condition St Thomas Aquinas stipulates is that war must be declared by a legitimate authority.
He explains that "the natural order conducive to peace among mortals demands that the power to declare and counsel war should be in the hands of those who hold the supreme authority".
This requirement ensures that private individuals or groups cannot initiate wars based on personal grievances, but rather that the decision to go to war rests with those entrusted with the care of the citizens and the common good.
Secondly, St Thomas Aquinas insists that a war can only be declared for a just cause.
He states, "a just cause is required, namely that those who are attacked, should be attacked because they deserve it on account of some fault".
This condition emphasises that war should not be waged for immoral or arbitrary reasons, but must be in response to a significant evil or injustice.
St Thomas Aquinas elaborates on the importance of a just cause, stating "a just war is wont to be described as one that avenges wrongs, when a nation or state has to be punished, for refusing to make amends for the wrongs inflicted by its subjects, or to restore what it has seized unjustly".
As a result, war is an extreme but necessary means to restore order and justice.
The third and final condition St Thomas Aquinas presents for a just war is right intention.
He asserts that combatants must always "intend the advancement of good, or the avoidance of evil" even during battle.
This condition excludes wars waged out of vengeance, personal hatred, the desire for financial gain, or other immoral motives as these render the war unjust.
St Thomas Aquinas emphasises the fact that "true religion looks upon as peaceful those wars that are waged not for motives of aggrandisement, or cruelty, but with the object of securing peace, of punishing evil-doers, and of uplifting the good".
This guides the principles of jus in bellum (justice in war), which stipulates that combatants are not permitted to attack civilians, plunder innocent targets, or mistreat prisoners of war.
It is important to note that St Thomas Aquinas' Just War Theory also incorporates elements of proportionality and emphasises that war must be a last resort, though these are not explicitly stated as separate conditions.
He suggests that one cannot wage war over slight causes and that there must be a reasonable hope of success on behalf of those fighting, and that the war can't generate greater injustices than those of the current state.
These considerations further refine the application of Just War Theory, ensuring that the decision to go to war is made with careful deliberation and with due consideration of its consequences.
St Thomas Aquinas' Just War Theory remains relevant in the modern world as a moral framework for evaluating the justification and conduct of warfare, providing principles such as just cause, right intention, and legitimate authority that can be applied to contemporary conflicts.
Ultimately, war is necessary in extreme circumstances as a means of restoring order, as the Philosopher states, "we make war that we may live in peace".
If you enjoyed this thread, follow and subscribe to @IMPERATORAUS for more content, and repost the link below:
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.