Just War as Spiritual Practice

I read an article in The Christian Century a few weeks ago that I found really challenging. It was about how Just War theory is not simply something to be consulted right before a war is about to start, but in fact was developed as a practical way for the Christian church to oversee the conduct of war. But it's something that needs to be done on an ongoing basis, not just when we're making a decision about going to war.

Some basic principles and how they should be carried out on an ongoing basis:

1. The purpose of war is to bring about a just peace, i.e. a peace that benefits everyone. All wars are intended to bring about peace--but when it's a peace that only benefits the attacker, it's not a just peace. The choice to go to war justly means choosing to maintain the dignity and humanity of the enemy at all times.

Congregational practices for this principle include: disciplined prayer for our enemies, following Jesus' commandment, empathy, commitment to fairness in spite of mistreatment, and learning to put others' needs first.

More principles to follow.