From Vaticannews · Vatican News · · 1m 10s
St Augustine’s just war reservations
St Augustine’s historical and philosophical objections to just war.
In brief
St Augustine’s historical and philosophical objections to just war. St Augustine argued just war is impossible due to its role in sin and the need for dialogue over violence. Originally reported by Vaticannews.
St Augustine’s just war reservations
St Augustine’s positions on just war are complex and historically contextual.
Historical context of just war
Augustine observed just war does not exist in a sinful humanity as it causes and disguises sin.
Roman empire’s just war use
Rome expanded its empire using just war as a pretext for imperial expansion.
“The injustice of those against whom just wars have been waged has contributed to the increase in the power of those who waged them”
Just war’s futility
Augustine argued just war cannot secure lasting peace as it sows seeds of further conflict.
Philosophical contradiction
Augustine noted wise men avoid just war because it violates their role as wise individuals.
“the wise man is reluctant to wage just wars because precisely because they are just he feels obliged to fight them”
Just war as oxymoron
Augustine called just war an impossible oxymoron where justice overrides war.
True peace through dialogue
Augustine advocated achieving peace through dialogue rather than military force.
“it is more glorious to kill war with words than men with the sword”
Augustine’s final message
Augustine urged prioritizing peaceful dialogue over war to secure lasting peace.
The bottom line
St Augustine argued just war is impossible due to its role in sin and the need for dialogue over violence.
