medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Hi all.
This may be an oversimplification, but here goes.
In general, there have been three distinct Christian views concerning
participating in warfare:
a. Pacificism -- the complete refusal to take part in war.
b. The Just War Theory -- a huge misnomer if ever there was one!
The theory, in whatever form one wishes to accept it, does
not in fact justify a given war; at most it justifies the
participation of one side in a given war. (It is quite
possible for both sides in a war to participate unjustly
according to most forms of the theory.)
c. The Crusade -- generally a war where the organized church takes
a directing role in the conduct of the war.
Russell's book provides an excellent map through this often vexing
territory.
More specialized, as the title indicates is Joan Tooke's THE JUST WAR IN
AQUINAS AND GROTIUS. I found Tooke's discussion of Thomas on this subject
quite valuable.
For a readable introduction to this whole area, there is also Roland
Bainton's CHRISTIAN ATTITUDES TOWARD WAR AND PEACE.
I do hope this helps.
Regards to all!
Frank
Frank Morgret
15 Towering Hts -- #1206
St Catharines, Ontario
CANADA
L2T 3G7
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