Just War in a Nutshell
Clergy and laity alike please take note.
For the record, here is Thomas Aquinas in the topic of Just War, with my humble interpretation as to its application to the Iranian War (ongoing at the time of this writing). The words below are his.
In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary.
First, the authority of the sovereign by whose command the war is to be waged.
Secondly, a just cause is required, namely that those who are attacked, should be attacked because they deserve it on account of some fault.
Wherefore Augustine says: “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.”
Thirdly, it is necessary that the belligerents should have a rightful intention, so that they intend the advancement of good, or the avoidance of evil.
“True religion looks upon as peaceful those wars that are waged not for motives of aggrandizement, or cruelty, but with the object of securing peace, of punishing evil-doers, and of uplifting the good.”
–From Summa Theologica Secunda Secundae (Ques 40, Art 01)
My comment:
First, the lawfully elected Commander in Chief of the United States has been given authority, wisely or unwisely, by the Congress to wage war for up to 90 days without Congressional authorization, at his discretion.
Please note also that sponsors ointernational terrorism, because they target civilians without declaration of war, not in uniform, are in the same posture as pirates: hostis humani generis.
By the agreed laws and usages of War, such Terror Masters are enemies of all mankind. Hence any civilized republic may kill them with the zeal at their discretion.
Second, a just war need not be solely in self defense. Avenging the injuries of the Persians afflicted by their Islamic Invaders is sufficient, not to mention injuries done to allies via terrorist proxies.
Third, those who promote peace with Iran purely out of hatred of the Jews violate this principle, not those who wish a swift and peaceful surrender by the evildoers.
As to the motives of the current administration, it is frequently left out of press discussions that negotiators from Iran boasted to the Administration of their proximity to acquiring a nuclear weapon, and vaunted over an alleged America inability to stop them.
A prudent regard for world peace and regional stability, not to mention national honor and national self-interest, would have required war be the reply.
It would have been negligent, once all peaceful avenues had been exhausted, to allow a suicidal and genocidal regime of death cult fanatics to acquire such a weapon.
This was the proximate motive of war, not aggrandizement nor cruelty.
The Israeli intelligence of a gathering of Iranian leaders provided an opportunity to decapitate the regime. The prudence of striking at an opportune time is also part of the motive.
The cries of the Iranian people begging for salvation during a truly horrific mass slaughter by the regime provided additional urgency. The desire to alleviate suffering caused by lawless enemies of Christ is an urgent and noble motive, and should be blessed by all honest clergymen. The liberty to worship Christ will be returned to the region if the natives use this opportunity to rise up and overthrow their oppressors.
The pragmatic result of depriving China of their oil supply, and forestalling aggressive Chinese ambitions both regionally and globally is an additional valid motive (even if not, if it were by itself, a valid cause of war).
About John C Wright
John C. Wright is a practicing philosopher, a retired attorney, newspaperman, and newspaper editor, and a published author of science fiction. Once a Houyhnhnm, he was expelled from the august ranks of purely rational beings when he fell in love; but retains an honorary title.
