I think you could argue the U.S. rarely engages in a Just War...

@crevis05 - 

I would say very rarely

History decides if a war was just.

It would certainly help their cause on the international stage if the wars the US partook in were just. And yes, I do believe one of the criteria for the US to use is whether or not the wars they participate in are just.

I'll go with Clauswitz who said, there abouts, that war was poilitics by other means.

I agree with

@dirtbubble - 

I think the States is sometimes seen as a   "Big Brother"  to lots of places that need help.  The world may view them as bullies sticking their nose into something they shouldn't but - in the long run, -- the United States has been friends and allies to many counties. Period. 

I think the whole concept of a "just" war is misconceived. I'm a war realist and so the application of morals to war seems mildly absurd to me.

The United State's induction into WWII is often thought of as a "just" attack since we were hit first. If you followed the Just War Theory, then you would also have argue that it was no longer justified after a certain point. That's the curiosity of the Just War Theory. What may at the outset be justified rarely maintains that title.

Earthly peace is the image and fruit of the peace of Christ, the messianic "Prince of Peace." By the blood of his Cross, "in his own person he killed the hostility," he reconciled men with God and made his Church the sacrament of the unity of the human race and of its union with God. "He is our peace." He has declared: "Blessed are the peacemakers." - CCC 2305. The Just War Doctrine, which you correctly described, is at 2309. You're turning into some sort of crazy Catholic liberal, Paige :-p.

@scrambledmegsntoast - 

Ronald Reagan was a big fan of it as well. And yes i know where it came from. Most of Christian history is Roman Catholic history.

@dirtbubble - 

Agreed.

@striemmy - 

I would disagree. I think history generally calls WW1 just but it was far from it

@trunthepaige - 

Under what standard are you measuring it?

A lot of people say the Just War rules need to be reconsidered because they were designed for war between two parties who both recognized the Just War rules. Dealing with people who deliberately take advantage of the weaknesses in the Just War system requires rethinking. It's like the redcoats standing in a line to shoot people hiding behind rocks and trees in the woods. In doing so, the redcoats could say they were honorable by European rules of combat tactics and ethics, but really they were mostly outdated, outmoded, and foolish.

At this point in history, Western infighting is out, and the Just War theory is useless outside of that setting. Now the U.S. and the rest of the west primarily fights enemies who do not follow any of these western conventions. I think that's significant. Time for a new Geneva: how do we ethically respond to opponents who deliberately exploit the weaknesses of Just War theory?

Hey, just wanted to thank you for your comments about on the "The Religion Of Peace" blog entry by Dan. They were simple but to the point. Especially the "And atheism far more." one--so true.

-Bekah

Are you taking into account the deaths suffered that don't include military personnel, and the people that have been killed at the hands of their own country? Religious persecution? Theft and rape? The infliction the United States is responsible for is still no where near the evils at the hands of Saddam Hussein or the Taliban.

@gabrielpeter - 

That all needs to be taken into account.

"A just war can only be fought to redress a wrong suffered"

That wrong need not be your own. A just war can be fought to protect others

@BeKa28 - 

Some had taken that opportunity to bash all faiths or make cutting references to Christianity. I thought a little of the other side was needed

The only wars that should be fought should also be just wars. Unfortunately, that is a rare occurrence.

I don't the U.S. has ever engaged in Just War but I absolutely wish they would adopt it. I wish all nations would adopt Just War Theory. I don't think it is the ideal but I think it's far better than where we are and on the way to where we should be going. Just War Theorists and Pacifists need to work together more to make steps towards a more peaceful world. For pacifists that means making some compromises.

I don't think you could get a war to match those criteria.

I am sympathetic to those who support just wars. In fact, I am pretty sure I am one (a person who supports just wars, not a just war itself).

Sadly, just wars seem to stand more as ideals while the reality of it is war is messy and carried out by thousands of people, not all of whom recognize the principles laid out.

And very often, the information people have to act on is hard to find or discern.

And much applause must go to Saint Augustine for formulating the Just War theory- a theory that has sadly been ignored through much of history!

You are absolutely correct!

Rabbit trail: By the way since your reformed. We need some reformed people like you and J to go over to revelife and straighten the theology out on these brain dead idiot's!

Or they need Benny Hinn to perform a miracle on the failed electric circuits within there synaptic patterns that are obviously WAY OUT OF WACK!

They are over there preaching socialism and the redistribution of wealth. Either that or I need to sign up for welfare immediately.