International hostilities seem to be escalating more and more each day. As of this morning’s news, it is reported that North Korea will be sending troops to Russia so that they might fight against the Ukrainians. Then the White House issued a statement that if that happens, they will send American troops to fight with Ukrainians. What a mess this is! Also, we have Israel trying to defend itself against terrorists on three fronts. Some ask the question why America would be involved in any of these issues. Let us examine when it is legitimate for war to be occurring and when our military should be involved.
For war to be legitimate it must be waged with legitimate authority. There must be a legitimate cause. The intention of the war must be righteous. There must be a principle of justice involved. Maybe most of all, there must be a reasonable chance for success in the war. That means that the overall good that results from it would be greater than the harm that would be done as ancillary damage. Of course, it is hoped that there will be an alternate solution before harm can be done. As part of this plan, can peace be achieved between the opponents, or will they alternately remain hostile to each other?
A just war must be a defense against wrongful attacks. Included in this would be the retaking of what was wrongfully taken in the beginning. Part of the just war may involve the punishment for the evil done. Some people would take this concept to mean that wars are only acceptable when it is an exclusive just defense, not as a resource from hatred, for personal glory or for blood loss. The war with Japan is a good example of how it brought peace and reinstated that nation to a higher plane among other countries around the world. The difference between the Japanese attack and the 9/11 attack is that the Japanese used a military target while the terrorists cared not to kill mostly civilians. The attack was more than a criminal matter. It affected the entire nation.
If a just war is not conducted or is not challenged, there is likely to be a foreshadow of private wars and vengeance upon unreasonable causes. America cannot fully embrace the doctrine of isolationism. Not only must America be militarily strong, it must be morally vital. It must stand as a wall against those who would take away the freedoms that our citizens have enjoyed. It is within our borders that each person can strive for their own goals without interference from an outside source. For a country to be strong and vital it must be in allegiance with the Almighty God. Our population must strive to have a spiritual power before we can have international power. Freedom of religion is one of our most precious commodities in society. That freedom is imposed on the shoulders and hearts of every citizen. For war to be just, it must have an engagement by those who know the strength of the universe and the righteousness of he who made it.
Christian Writer 