Christians have responded to war and violence in very different ways. Some believe war can sometimes be justified. Others believe all violence is always wrong. In this lesson, you'll explore Just War Theory, Christian pacifism, and the real people who put these ideas into action.
Think: Recall Previous Learning
Recall what you learned about religion and violence
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Try to answer each question from memory first. Then click the button to check.
Question 1: What is the difference between religion being a cause of violence and religion being used to justify violence?
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Answer: If religion is the cause, religious teachings directly motivate people to be violent. If religion is used as justification, people commit violence for other reasons (power, land, resources) and use religion to make it seem acceptable.
Question 2: Name one example of a conflict often described as "religious" that was actually driven by politics.
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Answer: Northern Ireland — described as Protestant vs Catholic, but actually driven by political power, national identity (British vs Irish), and control of land and resources. Religion was the identity marker, not the root cause.
Question 3: What does the term "pacifism" mean?
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Answer: Pacifism is the belief that violence and war are always morally wrong. Pacifists refuse to fight or participate in warfare, even in self-defence.
Question 4: Give one example of a religious group that has been a force for peace.
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Answer: The Quakers (Society of Friends) — Christian pacifists who refuse to take up arms. They pioneered alternative ways of resolving disputes and were conscientious objectors in both World Wars.
Encounter: Christian Approaches to War
The Big Divide
Christians have never agreed on war. Some believe that fighting can be the right thing to do in certain situations. Others believe that following Jesus means never using violence. Both sides use the Bible to support their position.
Just War Theory
This is the most widely accepted Christian teaching about when war can be morally right. It was developed by St Augustine (354–430 CE) and later refined by St Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274 CE). It sets out strict conditions that must all be met before a war can be considered "just."
Just Cause
The war must be fought for a good reason — usually self-defence or protecting innocent people from attack.
Last Resort
Every peaceful option must have been tried first. War should only happen when nothing else has worked.
Legitimate Authority
Only a proper government or ruler can declare war — not private groups or individuals.
Right Intention
The real reason for fighting must be the just cause — not hidden motives like greed, revenge, or power.
Chance of Success
There must be a reasonable chance of winning. It is wrong to send people to die in a hopeless war.
Proportionality
The good achieved by the war must outweigh the harm caused. Civilians must not be deliberately targeted.
Key point: Just War Theory influenced the modern Geneva Conventions — the international rules about how wars should be fought, including protecting civilians and treating prisoners humanely.
Christian Pacifism
Some Christians — especially Quakers, Mennonites, and some Methodists — believe that war is always wrong. They take Jesus's teachings about non-violence literally and absolutely.
"Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you." — Matthew 5:44
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." — Matthew 5:9
Christian pacifists argue that if Jesus told his followers to love their enemies and turn the other cheek, then killing — even in war — goes against his teaching. Many pacifists have chosen to suffer and even die rather than use violence.
Situation Ethics
A third position, developed by Joseph Fletcher, says that moral decisions depend on the situation. A Christian might conclude that violence could be justified if it protects vulnerable people — even though killing is generally wrong. The most loving action in each situation is what matters.
Explore: Sorting Christian Responses to Conflict
Below are statements, examples, and teachings connected to Christian views on war and peace. Sort each one into the correct category: Just War (war can be right under strict conditions), Pacifism (war is always wrong), or Situation Ethics (it depends on the circumstances).
Statements to Sort:
Self-defence against invasion is morally rightJesus said "turn the other cheek"Bonhoeffer plotted to kill Hitler to save millionsOnly a government can declare war, not individualsQuakers refused to fight in both World WarsSometimes violence prevents greater sufferingCivilians must never be deliberately targeted"Love your enemies" — Matthew 5:44The most loving action depends on the contextWar must always be a last resortAll human life is sacred — killing is always wrongProtecting the weak might require force
Just War Theory
Pacifism
Situation Ethics
Christian Peacemakers in Action
Desmond Tutu
Anglican bishop who fought apartheid in South Africa through non-violence. Led reconciliation efforts after apartheid ended, showing that forgiveness could heal a divided nation.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Baptist minister who led the American Civil Rights movement through non-violent protest. Inspired by Jesus and Gandhi, he showed that peaceful resistance could change unjust laws.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
German pastor who believed in pacifism but concluded that plotting to assassinate Hitler was the moral choice. He was executed by the Nazis. His story shows how hard these decisions can be.
Apply: What Would a Christian Do?
The Scenario:
A neighbouring country invades your homeland and begins attacking civilians. Your government asks citizens to join the army. You are a Christian. Using what you have learned about Just War Theory, Pacifism, and Situation Ethics, explain what you would do and why. Consider how different Christians might respond differently to the same situation.
Write a response of 150–200 words. Your answer should refer to at least two of the three Christian positions and explain why Christians disagree on this issue.
0 words
Target: 150–200 words
Extension:
How might Dietrich Bonhoeffer's experience help you think about this scenario? Is there ever a time when a pacifist might have to act?
Evaluate: Which Position Is Strongest?
The Core Disagreement
Christians who support Just War Theory and Christians who are pacifists both claim to follow Jesus. They use the same Bible but reach opposite conclusions. Which position is more convincing?
Just War Theory is the strongest position
It recognises that the world is imperfect and sometimes force is needed to protect the innocent. It sets moral limits on warfare. It has influenced international law and the Geneva Conventions. Even Jesus used force when he drove money-changers from the temple.
Pacifism is the strongest position
Jesus clearly taught non-violence — "love your enemies," "turn the other cheek," "blessed are the peacemakers." Governments often claim their wars are "just" when they're really about power. Pacifists like MLK and Desmond Tutu proved that non-violence can achieve real change.
Situation Ethics offers the most realistic approach
Real life is complicated. Bonhoeffer was a pacifist who concluded that killing Hitler was the moral choice. Rigid rules — whether "always fight" or "never fight" — don't work in every situation. The most loving action depends on the circumstances.
Your evaluation:
Which argument do you find most convincing and why? Is it possible that all three positions contain some truth?
Review: Check Your Understanding
Test yourself on the key ideas from this lesson. Try to answer from memory before revealing.
Question 1: Name three of the six conditions for Just War Theory.
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Answer: Any three from: just cause, last resort, legitimate authority, right intention, chance of success, proportionality.
Question 2: Why do Quakers refuse to fight in wars?
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Answer: Quakers are Christian pacifists who believe that all violence is wrong. They take Jesus's teaching about loving enemies and non-violence literally. They believe there is "that of God" in every person, so killing is always wrong.
Question 3: What did Dietrich Bonhoeffer do, and why is his story important?
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Answer: Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and pacifist who concluded that plotting to assassinate Hitler was the right thing to do to prevent greater evil. He was executed. His story matters because it shows that even committed pacifists can face situations where violence seems like the most moral choice.
Question 4: How does Situation Ethics differ from both Just War and Pacifism?
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Answer: Just War sets fixed rules for when war is acceptable. Pacifism says war is never acceptable. Situation Ethics says it depends on the circumstances — the most loving action in each situation is what matters, rather than following rigid rules.
Key Terms
Just War Theory
Christian teaching that war can be morally right if strict conditions are met, developed by Augustine and Aquinas.
Pacifism
The belief that all violence and war are morally wrong. Christian pacifists base this on Jesus's teaching about loving enemies.
Situation Ethics
The idea that moral decisions depend on the situation. The most loving action is always the right one, even if it breaks general rules.
Proportionality
A Just War condition: the good achieved by war must outweigh the harm caused. Force must not be excessive.
Conscientious Objector
Someone who refuses to fight in a war because of their moral or religious beliefs. Many Quakers were conscientious objectors.
Geneva Conventions
International rules about how wars should be fought, including protecting civilians and treating prisoners humanely. Influenced by Just War thinking.
Reconciliation
The process of restoring friendly relations after conflict. Desmond Tutu led reconciliation in South Africa after apartheid.
Non-violent Resistance
Opposing injustice through peaceful methods like protests, boycotts, and civil disobedience rather than violence.