# St Augustine’s just war reservations

> St Augustine’s historical and philosophical objections to just war.
- Title: St Augustine’s just war reservations · Vaticannews | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: st augustine, just war, theology, peace, war, city of god, simone weil, gen 4:7, letters 229, religion, world, Augustine
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-10/st-augustine-just-war-reservations-luigi-franco-pizzolato.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-10-06T15:39:20.618+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: st augustine, just war, theology, peace, war, city of god, simone weil, gen 4:7, letters 229, religion, world
## 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.
## Key takeaway

St Augustine argued just war is impossible due to its role in sin and the need for dialogue over violence.