What is our stance

[Marc_Aupiais]

“I wish to emphasize that terrorism by the IRA in Northern Ireland has always been openly condemned by all Irish bishops and by the Pope. Furthermore, the Northern Irish terrorists have never justified their actions by invoking the Gospel - nor could they because the Gospel does not offer any pretext for violence. A religious aspect of the IRA’s acts of terrorism perhaps can be seen in the fact that the IRA sought to end the social discrimination of Catholics by Protestants. Islamic terrorists, on the contrary, consider their acts also as a war against infidels by invoking – unjustly so – the Koran. But all religious leaders should raise their voices to condemn terrorism.
Religion should lead mankind to love their fellow man as God, his creator, loves every man and woman. No religion can consider itself pleasing to God when it disseminates hatred. You ask what each lay individual can do. Each one can begin to be a builder of peace in his daily life. Jesus said: “Blessed are those who work for peace, for they shall be called children of God”. But before one can give peace to others, one must first have peace in his own heart because “wicked designs come from the deep recesses of the heart”, as the Gospel says.”

vaticanstate.va/EN/State_and_Government/Structure_Governorate/Presidency/President/2007/14_May_2007.htm

What is our stance on violence, when, or if acceptable, or unacceptable, add to this torture, or other things, does the law of dual effect (self defense) ever enter into it? what of Christians who are attacked? In any case, I’d like facts and views, this is of import. Also, where do we stand on just wars, or mediation, is it just to leave a dictator in charge, especially an illegal human rights abuser, and when is rebellion just? was the rebellion against the Nazi’s just, and what would make it just as compared with the IRA, who seem condemned by officials? this is confusing to me, please comment,

Pax
Marc Aupiais

 

[RobHom]

You have asked a complex set of questions, especially when you bring the Irish issue into the mix…

I was going to post an answer…but I will withhold comment for now.

Instead, here is a link to explanations of this issue for Catholics. Its not a short read, but it clarifies the issue for us:

usccb.org/comm/nationaltragedy/justwar.shtml

 

[jmcrae]

We are permitted to use sufficient force for self-defence (up to and including killing an attacker, if it turns out to be necessary) - both as individuals, and as nations. You are permitted and even in some cases duty-bound to serve as a soldier in your nation’s army if your nation is being threatened.

However, we do not have the right to strike pre-emptively, nor to commit more violence than necessary, on an attacker.