Sunday, October 19, 2008
Theology of War
I'm not sure if you guys have listened to this or not, but I thought I'd share. I'm a newcomer to this idea of "just war" and find the ideas fascinating, but a little difficult to accept at first. This is a very complex topic that will require much study and thought on my part. However, I would much rather listen to the late great Greg Bahnsen (click here) than Ron Paul any day of the week. Enjoy.
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3 comments:
http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/politics/pg0029.html (Another good description of "Just War")
I liked Bahnsen's argument, as always he is clear and to the point. I think though that isolationism is a difficult thing. While I agree that imperialism (which I think is at the bottom of the current war) is reprehensible. An international effort to halt genocide when it occurs is, I think, imperative. I was recently struck when watching Lord of The Rings by this. The Ents are isolationists...but they are part of the world in which they exist and must eventually act in its defense. Foreign exterminations are not happening on Mars. They are happening on earth, and if we can stop such things we must try. We cannot save everyone...but it does not follow that we should save no one.
Also, we can bash the UN all we want (and I frequently do) but we haven't had a third world war yet largely because of the UN's ability to impose economic sanctions and reprimand offending countries without warfare.
Just War: I liked Bahnsen's point that war stems from sin, but is not itself evil. In fact, it is an appropriate response to restrain evil. I also like his distinction of interpersonal and international relationships.
Good stuff, on a hard topic.
Got a chance to listen to the rest of the audio and it fleshed out my objection more.
Its an interesting idea that we should demand citizenship from countries we help because it is our treasure and lives we are spending. Governments are to protect their citizens, not everyone elses. Loved the point about humanitarian aid as well (Church/individuals not Government)I am undecided but like the idea.
It was also an interesting point, though, that the just war concept began in the 4th century after Constantine united the state and the church. Bahnsen's appeal to the OT as proof of a Biblical basis for the just war theory(Deut. 7 and 20 specifically) is incorrect I think because (as he pointed out) Israel's wars were a special case not to be looked back to or emulated by us. We don't have God telling us to go to war anymore and all of the guidelines in the OT about war are given to Israel specifically for purifying, holy warfare. I am ok with saying that it is Church tradition that gives us this idea. Sola scriptura does not, however.
I've not studied enough to have an opinion if the argument can be made sola scriptura. Here is a link to a three part series that Bahnsen did on the theology of War. They're not free, but if you're interested. I'm going to listen to them and offer my opinion then. Enjoy.
http://www.cmfnow.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=414
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