Is War Biblically Justifiable?

When asked by the Pharisees (hoping to catch Jesus in a trap) what the most important commandment is, Jesus responded by saying that the most important commandment is to love God and that the second is to love one's fellow man. In further teachings, Jesus explains that this is not limited to other Jews or even to allies. Indeed, Jesus tells his followers that even one's enemies must be loved. The problem in this is that all nations inevitably go to war. So how does this human dynamic relate to Jesus' teachings of love and compassion? Logically, when someone attacks you, the you have a right to defend yourself and if this attacker cannot be deterred by any injury or defense, then you must kill them. On the other hand, Jesus also tells us to be set apart from the world and worldly thoughts. Could this logical path be an example of worldly thought?

The answer lies in Romans12:18, which read "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." The use of the word "possible" and the phrase "as far as it depends on you" both indicate that there are exceptions. Specifically, these exceptions would appear to be when you are attacked and there is no escape except to fight back. However, the simple fact that one has been attacked is not enough to justify retaliation as Paul writes in the very next verse "do not take revenge." On a national scale, this indicates that grudges don't belong in foreign affairs and as soon as any threat to national security has been neutralized, all hostilities must cease as was proved by the Treaty of Versailles.

On an individual level, in which case lives are probably not at risk, one should not even fight in self-defense but instead "if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" as put by Jesus in Matthew 5:39. However, this does not mean one should make a habit of taking abuse, but rather that when someone is acting angry, the right thing to do is not to just see how unfair they are being to you. Everyone complains about how unfairly they are being treated ,but it is truly unusual to find someone who stops to think about how unfairly they are behaving. This person who is being so abusive has probably had an even worse day than they are trying to give you. In striking you, they are trying to get back at the world and if you react angrily then you have made yourself a representation of all that has wronged them, therefore justifying their actions. When someone goes out looking for a fight, the last thing they want someone to do is refuse to retaliate. a person in this state of mind does not want to act rationally, just express a bit of rage. By refusing to fight back or accuse them of anything, you have just shattered their ability to behave aggressively in good conscience.

In contrast, when a person shows a pattern of angry, confrontational behavior, they must be opposed. If you love someone, you don't simply want them to not be hurt, but also to be a good person. Therefore, loving someone can also mean stepping in and making them accept that they are not the most important person in the world, an action supported by Proverbs 5:26 which states that "wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."

Of course, this understanding of the Bible's stance on war is still incomplete. While the previous passages justify self-defense, what about an offensive war. Can one enter or start a war without provocation? Deuteronomy 10:19 and Psalm 82:3,4 suggest so. The former reads "and you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt" and the latter reads "defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." The first of the two passages suggests that to go to war on behalf of a foreign people is justifiable and the second reinforces this concept to a far greater degree, suggesting that when a foreign people is under attack or in a state of extreme oppression it is the responsibility of any nation capable of intervention to put their foot down.

In the end, one must conclude that "love your enemy" does not translate as "war is forbidden" and "love your neighbor as yourself" can also mean "go and crush the wicked." As an act of love toward one's fellow man, the most morally sound path can at times lead toward the battlefield. Love. Not revenge, not greed, not ambition, not even justice. Love.