Just War

[gilliam]

Originally Posted by gilliam

By the way, I can’t remember when a Pope actually endorsed a war in modern times.

Matt25:

Why do you think that might be?

Probably many reasons, some political. For example, if a Pope endorsed a war and there were Catholics in the opposing country, they would be in danger.

 

[gilliam]

Can we keep this to an objective discussion on the Just War Doctrine, and not discuss any particular war?

If you want to discuss Iraq, there are plenty of threads in the ‘In the News’ forum for that discussion.

 

[roymckenzie]

gilliam:

Can we keep this to an objective discussion on the Just War Doctrine, and not discuss any particular war?

If you want to discuss Iraq, there are plenty of threads in the ‘In the News’ forum for that discussion.

Sorry my friend I am just trying to answer some of the posts. The idea that knows what the Pope is thinking when he has not said what he is thinking frustrates me. Again our Holly Father is not shy.

I don’t think it is in the Popes purview to say what is a just war. I do believe it is his purview and potentially responsibility to say what is an unjust war.

 

[Steven_Merten]

The Pope distorts reality when he only speaking against war, rather than discussing the difference between a just war and an unjust war. Pope John Paul II states that “violence” is never the answer, yet he himslef has two hundred Swiss guard armed with machine guns to protect himself and Vatican property. Obviously, if he is an obedient to Jesus Pope, “violence” is the answer at times when his life is at stake. If armed Vatican Guards is papal evil wicked defiance to the will of Jesus then it is our Catholic duty to begin massive protests at St. Peter’s square to get the Pope to obey God. Can you see how the Pope distorts reality when he only speaks of protective force as uneeded “violence”.

If one soul goes to hell more life (spiritual eternal life) is lost than the combine years of physical life cut short from all the wars in human history. So what is a more important job for the Pope and clergy, teaching individuals how to make an obedient to Jesus decision in regard to killing to protect the innocent or for him to develope a glorious pacifist image to try to effect world events pertaining to war?

Jesus does say things like “turn the other cheek” and “those who live by the sword sooner or later die by the sword”. Young people reaching the age of Vatican Guard service, police service or military service need to know how to make an obedient to Jesus decision on when to kill to protect the innocent. Is Pope John Paul II fulfilling this need? Is he adding unjust burden upon these people who must make this decision? I cannot think of a more difficult decision than to kill someone to protect others. Where would all the worlds people be with out those willing to put their lives on the line and kill to protect us.

We need armed Vatican Guards, police and military to protect people in the world. We have a duty to protect these protectors from anyone who puts unjust burden on them. We have a duty as Catholics to insure that they know how to remain faithful and obedient to Jesus in their gift of sacrifice and loving protection. Teaching young people Jesus will on when to kill to protect the innocent, which can effect their eternal life, is far more important than the world knowing the political opinions of a Pope.

Peace in Christ,
Steven Merten
www.ILOVEYOUGOD.com