Objects in Mirror: August 10, 2008 Archive

Can there be a "just" war?

Posted at 7:29 PM on August 10, 2008 by Julia Schrenkler

This week's Word for Word speech focuses on the just war theory. Is that possible? The online discussion wonders:

Is there such a thing as a "just" war? How do politics at home or abroad constrain the waging of a just war? Who has the moral authority to wage a just war?

Gather contributor Bill's Spirit responds:

"Just War" sounds like saying "Just Death" or Just Destruction" or "Just Cancer".

Some folks like the sound of "War". It sounds all macho and tough and kick-ass.

Sadly, War makes some folks lots of money, and some of those folks don't give a wit about spreading or causing death and destruction on others in order to get rich(er).

Does that ring true to you? Or are there situations when we must wage war?