‘Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security’ (UN Dec. Human Rites) - Does Christianity accept the need for countries to have nuclear weapons?
'Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security' (UN Dec. Human Rites)
Does Christianity accept the need for countries to have nuclear weapons?
Nuclear warfare is the use of nuclear weapons, which kill not only by the immediate impact and heat from the nuclear explosion, but also through long-term effects of radiation sickness. However, this is a complex subject and Christian views do disagree.
There are Christians in favour of nuclear weapons these believe that they are an excellent deterrent and prevent nations attacking nuclear powers. As it is known that wars will be won using nuclear weapons and that the other side cannot win. Some also believe that nuclear weapons have prevented a third world war. So therefore in having this evil 'the greater one is being prevented'. Another greater evil being prevented that is if a country had no nuclear weapons then other countries would hold it to ransom. So therefore having nuclear weapons is protection in a different sense. Christians who support this notion notice that this approach has kept peace in Europe for a longer period of time than ever before. This is an example of self-defence.
If the Arms trade were to cease, then a lot of people would lose their jobs and therefore would not be able to provide for themselves and their families. This may even cause more poverty and homelessness in the world. Since World War Two
In the Old Testament there is teaching 'an eye for an eye'. So therefore is one country were to start nuclear warfare then it is only right that the opposition has the right to retaliate.
On the other hand, there are Christians who oppose nuclear weapons, they believe that they are an unproductive use or the world's resources and could be put to better use, for example feeding the starving and sheltering the homeless.
They believe that the commandment 'do not murder' is broken when nuclear weapon are used. This is because they are killing millions and millions. This is evil because humans and animals will die, the environment will be in a mess. They believe that the use of nuclear weapons can never be justified and therefore a war with nuclear weapons can never be just.
At the forefront of Nuclear Disarmament, nuclear weapons drove some Christians to pacifism because they so totally disagreed with the use of them. Christians who oppose nuclear war oppose nuclear war, but they believe that the use of conventional weapons is needed in the modern world, these are called 'Nuclear Pacifists'
In a Roman Catholic Statement it said 'The monstrous power of nuclear weapons will have fatal consequences for life on earth, justice, right reason and humanity therefore urgently demand that the Arms Race should cease... nuclear weapons should be banned.' This is saying how that Roman Catholics do not agree with the use of nuclear weapons or the way in that the Arms Race works.
So therefore there are Christians who believe in the use of nuclear weapons and others who disagree. I think that nuclear weapons are good as a threat and can be prevent against war in that way, but there are chances when they may go wrong and cause fatal damage. There would also be more money to spend on the starving and homeless people. On the whole it cannot be said whether Christians agree or disagree on this matter because their views very immensely.
What are the attitudes and teachings of Christianity towards (i) the necessity in certain situations for violent action (ii) pacifism.
This is a complex topic and Christian views vary. Most Christians believe that war should be avoided if at all possible. Some Christians argue that it could be the lesser of two evils, the worse one, which only a war can overcome.
St Thomas Aquinas was a thirteenth century monk and philosopher. He started the theory that war is always a tragedy, but in this theory that it is needed to pursue justice. This theory helps to not only justify certain wars, but to limit war. The theory he set up, was a list of conditions that a war needed to be to be just. These are the summaries for the conditions of a war:
) It must be a last result and peaceful methods have been tried beforehand.
2) There must be a legitimate ruling authority in ...
This is a preview of the whole essay
St Thomas Aquinas was a thirteenth century monk and philosopher. He started the theory that war is always a tragedy, but in this theory that it is needed to pursue justice. This theory helps to not only justify certain wars, but to limit war. The theory he set up, was a list of conditions that a war needed to be to be just. These are the summaries for the conditions of a war:
) It must be a last result and peaceful methods have been tried beforehand.
2) There must be a legitimate ruling authority in charge of the war. It cannot be just if there are several individuals or groups who do not have the support of the state.
3) Can only be fought for good over evil.
4) Can only be fought if there is a chance of winning.
5) Peace must be the goal of the war and established as soon as possible.
6) Innocent civilians should not be killed.
So most Christians believe that a war can be just if it is considered to be right and fair. For example World War one could be called a just war because:
) The war was controlled and started by the authority
2) Britain fought against Germany because they were being unfair.
3) The war was declared to prevent Hitler from entering other areas.
4) Britain had tried to previously appease Germany, but it had not worked.
5) Peace was re-established.
Most Christians also believe that wars are permitted if they are holy wars. Early Christians believed in non-violence and did not retaliate when persecuted. As Jesus said 'turn the other cheek' and later Mahatma Gandhi, a Christian who remained a pacifist throughout his life said 'an eye for an eye, only makes the whole world go blind'. Later Christians developed the idea that at times God's cause had to be defended. This is a holy war, a war fought on behalf of God and supported by God. An example of this type of war is the Crusades. Then the Christians believed that they were rescuing the holy places in Jerusalem on behalf of God. The soldiers wore a red cloth sewn onto their tunics to show that they were soldiers of Christ.
Christians have many different perspectives on war. Jesus said 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives, I give to you'. He did not believe in fighting, but in peace. So peace is at the heart of Christian's thoughts and on the whole they do believe war is wrong. But sometimes they believe that it is necessary to go to war, to defend against the greater evil.
Jesus also said 'You have heard that it said "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" but I tell you, do not repay evil with evil... love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you... blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God', Jesus was a pacifist. Another pacifist was Mahatma Gandhi, he said 'an eye for an eye only makes the whole world go blind', meaning that one is being narrow-minded. If they think that they can two wrongs make a right and that evil has to be paid back with violence and as will that evil has no need to be paid back at all.
Martin Luther King was also a pacifist. He changed the laws for the black people in America. He showed that violence does not always triumph over evil. Dietrich Bonheoffer changed his mind of pacifism when faced against the Nazi regime. He then turned his pacifism into violence. He plotted to assassinate Hitler, he was discovered and then later executed.
Christian pacifists are people believing that war is never the solution. The Society of Friends (Quakers) are Christians who oppose any form of violence. In history pacifists have been branded as cowards for opposing to fight in a war. But they are just dedicated to peace and against war, as it is the ultimate form of evil. They will therefore:
- not help in the production of weapons
- oppose to fighting in wars as they are forms of murder (one of the Ten Commandments was 'Do not murder'.
However pacifists are not cowards, many have:
- served in wars under dangerous non-combatant roles such as stretcher-bearers on the front line and ambulance drivers.
During wars pacifists are called conscientious objectors. They are people who during times of war refuse to fight for their nation.
Pacifists believe that Jesus taught that violence was wrong and therefore they abide by his teaching. There have been pacifists in the past who have achieved what they set out to do, with out bloodshed, such as Martin Luther King and Gandhi. Wars never settle disputes. It is only when people have had enough of war and sit down and talk that matters are resolved, so therefore is not it just better to talk in the first place and then one need not risk any loss of life. War demoralises people. During a war cruelty and brutality often come out, pacifism would avoid this.
During wars there are innocent civilians killed or suffer. And the proportions of people during wars have done nothing wrong. Since the invention of nuclear weapons, there is now the potential to wipe out the entire human race. Pacifism would ensure the continuation of the race.
There are non-violent ways in which disagreements can be won or sorted out. Many Christians find themselves in dispute with their nation against justice. Some think that the only was to improve a bad situation is through non-violence eg protest, marches, petitions, boycotts, sit-ins, and letters. These Christians believe tat non-violence actions is morally superior because it is voluntary, creative, dignifying and rewarding.
As Gandhi said 'In non -violence the masses have a weapon which enables a child, woman or even decrepit old man to resist the mightiest governments successfully'. Through non-violence everyone who wants a chance is given one. It is a very humane way to fight disagreements, it avoids killing. People's awareness is raised through non-violence and persistence through pressure onto the authority does achieve change in the situation without the pain.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said 'Love you enemies and pray for those who persecute you' Do not fight because you do not like someone, love them. He tried to demonstrate how to do more that the minimum to keep peace and avoid conflict. If people are to live in harmony then situations that lead to conflict should be avoided. 'If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also'. He taught how one should not retaliate and fight back.
In comparison to pacifism, violence seems wasteful; of human life and resources, wealth and intelligence. Indiscriminate, as in history it was only done by men, whereas everyone can take part. It is unjust and the innocent suffer. Violence is destructive, it sets up vicious cycles and spirals of violence.
ss
The Non-pacifists believe that an evil or corrupt ruler would ignore non-violent protests. War may be the only was to remove an evil dictatorship and liberate people. If a country has to defend itself against an enemy, then it is only right that all able-bodied members of the nation should support the war. Wars have brought out some of the best instincts in people; bravery, brotherly love and a willingness to co-operate with others. A pacifist nation would be vulnerable to harm form those nations who refuse to give up their weapons and therefore there would be more harm caused and more civilians would be caused. The commandment 'Do not kill' refers to murder, not to killing in a war.
In the Incident of the Cleansing of the Temple Jesus caused chaos by 'driving out those who were buying and selling there', he overturned the tables and 'would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts'. He said to them "My house is for prayer, not robbers". The chief priests and law teachers tried to kill him. However they feared him because they were amazed by his teachings. In this incident Jesus is protecting others. He may have been very angry that they priests, the very people who should have been helping them, were cheating the poor. He disapproved of such in a religious building. This is a circumstance where Jesus thinks that violence is best, well he has used violence, so therefore he has set the example that it is permitted for Christians to use it.
The teaching of St Paul also teaches that if you believe in something strongly enough for example a religion, then it is permitted to disobey to follow that belief. However he also taught that Christians must obey the ruling authority because God has put the authority there. 'He who rebels against the authority, is rebelling against what God has instituted'. It the ruler is disobeyed then God is disobeyed. 'For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because he does not bear the sword for nothing'. The authority is there for everyone's protection and so there is nothing to fear if one keeps the laws.
St Paul is suggesting that Christians must respect the laws and pay their taxes. If the laws are broken then it is only right that an individual is punished. However, no ruling authority is entitled to ask a Christian to go against their conscious.
Overall some Christians agree with war if it is just, others (Quakers) are completely opposed to all violence. But this greatly depends on the Christians belief and there are teachings in the Bible, which can be read or adapted or believed to mean both sides of the debate.
Do you think that war is ever justified? Explain your reason and be sure to include lots of arguments from Christianity
This is a very complex topic and Christian views vary. Most Christians believe that was should be avoided if at all possible. Some however believe that it can be the lesser of two evils, which only a war can defeat. Christians disagree on Jesus' teachings about war and violence and how they should be interpreted.
Some Christians believe that the way Jesus' teaching should be interpreted is that wars are allowed but only when certain circumstances exist. These wars are called 'just wars'.
Reasons for a just war:
) War started and controlled by the authority of the state.
2) Those attacked deserved it - just cause
3) War fought to promote good and avoid evil.
4) War is a last resort - other methods have been tried and failed
5) Innocent civilians should not be killed.
6) Peace must be resumed at the end.
Unless all of these conditions are abided by, then wars cannot be justified.
Some Christians believe that Holy Wars are allowed. They are wars, which are fought for God, supporting him, on behalf of God, and that God's cause has to be defended. An example of this war is the Crusades.
Some Christians believe that war is never the solution to any problem. Quakers (Society of Friends) are Christians who oppose any form of violence. These people and others who oppose violence are called pacifists. During wars these people are called conscientious objectors. In history, during wars these people have been shot and called cowards. However they have shown that they are anything but cowards. They have shown courage and bravery undertaking non-combatant roles. For example stretcher bearers on the front line and ambulance drivers.
Examples of these types of Christians are Martin Luther King, he remained and pacifist all his life and campaigned to change the laws in America for the blacks were at a disadvantage. He showed that through pacifism it is possible to achieve successful results.
King and other pacifists believe that Jesus taught that violence was wrong. He spoke about this on the Sermon the Mount. 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth. But I tell you...if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also...' This is saying how do not start a fight and how two wrongs do not make a right. Some Christians abide by this teaching. Gandhi led a life with pacifism, he said 'an eye for an eye makes the whole world go blind'
Wars never settle disputes, it is the talking afterwards that works. So therefore one might as well just do the talking in the first place and forget about all of the bloodshed. War demoralises people and the innocent suffer. Pacifism avoids the baser instincts of vice, cruelty and brutality, which often emerge during a war. The intention of nuclear weapons has resulted in the potential to wipe out the human race. Pacifism would ensure the continuation of the human race.
However other Christians believe that violence was needed and used by Jesus when he set an example of throwing the traders out of the temple. He did not want them to continue to use it 'as a den of robbers' The poor people who came into the church to worship were being cheated. Some Christians therefore believe that Jesus was not a pacifist.
An evil or corrupt ruler would ignore non-violent protests. War maybe the only way to remove an evil dictatorship and liberate people. Wars have brought out the best in people; bravery, brotherly love and willingness to co-operate with others.
A pacifist nation would be vulnerable to harm from those nations who refuse to give up their weapons and therefore that would cause greater problems. The commandment 'Do not kill' refers to murder, not killing in a war.
An Overall Christian perspective of war Jesus said, 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives, I give to you'. (John 14:27). Jesus also said: 'You have heard that it was said 'an eye for an eye, tooth for tooth' But I say to you do not repay evil with evil... love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you'. This is saying how one should love everyone and try to keep peace and two wrongs do not make a right. 'Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called Sons of God'. God is very special to Christians, so to be called his son is very special, so this shows that God would like peace kept.
Pacifism is very much at the heart if the teaching of Jesus, yet Christians have long been divided about whether it is ever right to go to war or use violence. They all believe that war is wrong, but some believe that there are times when a Christian just has to go to war. This is because the result of not going to war will be worse. However as this is a very complex topic, sometimes wars can be justified, however other Christians will disagree with that.
