Just Methods of Warfare

(Plain Text Version)

Fighting a Just War by Just methods

By its nature, wars involve injustice.  If everyone did what was right, we wouldn’t have any wars.  In many cases, one party wants to avoid war, but needs to defend itself from serious harm.  Through the “Just War” principles, the Church gives us guidance for these situations.  Today, I wish to highlight one of these principles: Even if a military action is justified, measures must be taken to minimize civilian casualties. 

The Cruelty of Modern Warfare

Modern weapons are so devastating that they must be used carefully.  Every attack must have a valid military objective and be planned to avoid striking civilians.  Merely sending a bomb or missile into “enemy territory” is a serious offence against the people who live there.

It is wrong to target civilian neighborhoods simply because some combatants are hiding there.

God Sees Everything

God has made His will known through natural and supernatural revelation.  God’s commandments apply in wartime as well as in peacetime.  Let us always obey God, even in times of crisis!  

Many thanks to:

Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J., Modern Catholic Dictionary, 2001, Eternal Life

Knights of Columbus covers Mosaics of Fr. Rupnik

Congratulations to the Knights of Columbus for covering the mosaics of Fr. Marko Rupnik in their facilities.  While we are waiting for the accusations against Fr. Rupnik to be resolved, it seems good not to display his works.  It would be encouraging if other organizations would take similar actions. 

“Keep the Art Separate from the Artist.”

We have heard that many great works of religious art were created by adulterers and murderers.  For this discussion, let us suppose that these claims are true.  The question is raised: “Since we still display these works, why do we want to hide Fr. Rupnik’s works?”

Each situation is different and has a different solution.  At one extreme, an artist stabs an enemy in a bar fight.  At the other extreme, the artist is accused of pressuring many consecrated religious women to break their vows of chastity.  It is despicable to run a sword through someone’s heart.  Isn’t it worse to run a sword through someone’s conscience?

It’s Not That Hard to Do the Right Thing

We pray that the Vatican investigation will give us clarity about the facts of this case.  Then, we may need to make some unpopular decisions.  But we wish to please God.  If we follow His will, we will have peace.  

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