In Defence of War

Abstract

Just war theory has always been a matter of controversy in the Christian tradition. How could war possibly be just according to a belief based on the teaching of ‘the Prince of Peace’? In the history of Christianity, one finds on the one side radical Christians arguing for pacifism, and on the other Church Fathers, bishops and theologians who elaborate a doctrine of just war. Oxford theologian Nigel Biggar's book In Defence of War is as the title indicates a vigorous argumentation in support of the doctrine of just war. A main target is ‘wishful thinking’. Biggar is very critical of idealists who believe that tyranny could be reasoned away. Integrated in the Christian version of the doctrine is the idea that human beings are sinful creatures and as a consequence force and war are sometimes necessary means to combat evil: war in the service of love. Biggar refers to the ideas of Augustine, Aquinas, Grotius and Vitoria, and he applies their doctrines to some recent and controversial wars; the NATO attack on Serbia in 1999 to protect Kosovo, and the United States’ and Britain's invasion of Iraq in 2003. Chapters are also devoted to critique of Christian pacifism and critique of liberal individualism.