TITLE:  WAR: A Biblical Perspective
TEXT:  Psalm 94:1-6
PROPOSITION:  War can be just.
QUESTION:  What?
KEY WORD:  Criteria
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. This nation is at war in Iraq.
2. 74% of US – right decision / 24% are opposed to us being in this war
3. In Japan – 80% oppose; India 86& oppose; Great Britain only 54% support war
4. Honest questions: What about innocent people who suffer? Hatred generated? What about loss of life? Maimed for life – loss of limbs, sight, etc.
5. I am not trying to settle the political debate about war. I am looking to God for some help here.

1. The Reality of Evil
   1. Psalm 94:3-6
   2. Romans 12:18 – If it is possible, live in peace with all men
   3. Psalm 94:16 – Who will rise up? Oppose the evildoer
2. God has given governments the responsibility for the restraint of evil in the world.
   1. Romans 13:1-4
   2. Habakkuk 1:2-3
   3. “It may be true that the government cannot make a man love me. But it can keep him from lynching me and I think that is pretty important.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
3. The Concept of a Just War
   1. Not all war is just or justifiable – Psalm 120:6-7
   2. 77% of USA believes that war is sometimes morally justified
   3. 12% said that war is NEVER justified
4. Seven Principles for a Just War – Augustine (lived in the 5^th century)
   1. Declared by a government – not personal, private revenge
   2. Right Intention – Is there a just cause?
   3. Proportionality – “Lesser of two evils” The evil we fight must justify the loss of life in the war itself.
   4. Discriminate – not looting, massacre, harm innocents
   5. Probability of Success – likelihood it will achieve its aims
   6. Last Resort – Diplomacy, reason, pleading, and other means fail first
   7. Redemptive – Reconcile after war is over – Germany, Japan
5. What can be done?
   1. Pray
   2. Trust God
   3. Refuse to live in fear

NOTE: This outline is adapted from a sermon from White House Church of Christ website

[ http://whitehouse.faithsite.com/ ]