Yesterday a friend asked me where I stood on the issue of a war on Iraq. I started to give an answer and then stopped myself. I knew what I wanted to say, but I had no basis for my decision. That evening I pulled out a "Christian Ethics" paper from seminary days and turned to the section on "War".

     Let me share with you some of what I discovered. It has helped me and I hope is of value to you.

A Christian can go to war, but only a "just war".

I Peter 2: 13-14 says, "Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or by governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good." In other words evil should be resisted and evildoers should be punished.

Romans 13:1-7 tells us to obey our government as long as it does not go against God's ordinances. It tells us to always be a respectful law-abiding citizen.

The criteria for a "just war" seem to follow these guidelines.

A war is a "just war" if it is to restore peace and obtain justice.

This war must be an official government action.

It must have a just cause such as restoring moral order, or responding to threats of destruction or injustice.

It must be a last resort. All other avenues have failed.

There needs to be a reasonable hope of success.

The good results need to exceed the horrible evils.

 

     It seems to me that at this time our President is leading us through the proper steps in evaluating the current situation. None of us want war but history has repeatedly told us that war is very much a part of life. Our President and leaders have an incredibility heavy weight on their shoulders. They need our prayers and our support. Please join me daily in prayer for them.

C.F. “Kim” Kimberling, Ph.D.

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