A ‘just war’

TBy HE rhetoric often finds traction among a societal culture of “peace” embellished by some academicians, re-echoed by people, with church bells tolling similarly, all bordering on brotherly pacifism, if not dangerous appeasement. Often quoted are:

1) “There are no victors in war.” 2) “In war, civilians are always the victims.” 3) “If there are no soldiers in my community, there would be no war.” 4) “Dialogue is better than war.”

Abhorrent or otherwise, war and diplomacy have always been the twin forces that have moved and shaken human civilization. Where would religions be if not for “holy wars”? What would have been the complexity of the world if there were no “Allied Forces” against the blitzkrieg of Panzer divisions conquering most of Europe, with the samurai culture on the necks of Asian countries? Is “surrender” for peace, the alternative? Must humanity always be ready to pay the sad price versus aggression, violence, and evil? The victimization is not limited to civilian lives, but includes those directly tasked to enroll life as a duty, to protect and safeguard a higher calling – freedom, democracy, territory, civilian life, law and order, and restoration of peace. Dialogue for dialogue’s sake is empty. Pressure, with the specter of force, must always be applied.

Two doctors of the Church, St. Agustine and St. Aquinas, speak of a “just war.” They take cover under the Bible, Romans 13:4, speaking of governments being chosen by God and provided a sword for evil-doers, “For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrong doer.”

“War while terrible is not the worse option.” A just war may be enforced because of 1) important responsibilities, 2) to stop undesirable outcomes, 3) preventable atrocities are justification for war” – Jus Bellum Iustrium. He breaks this into “right to go to war and it’s morality” – “Jus Ad Bellum” and the “Right to conduct war and the morality in the conduct with-in war” – “Jus In Bello.” For St. Aquinas, a just war must: 1) be waged by properly instituted authority; 2) occur for a good and just purpose rather than self-gain, ex. restoring some good, territory, etc.; 3) Attaining peace is the central motive amidst the violence. ***

PERSONAL: Natal day greetings to a colleague and author Erick San Juan who hosts the Kapihan sa Rembrandt every Friday. “Live long and prosper.”