Here are some adult Sunday school ideas for your class that are salient for the world turmoil today. Talk with your adult Sunday school class about the Just War Theory. Do your students believe in the “Just War Theory?” What are their feelings toward the armed conflicts happening throughout the world today?
Adult Sunday School: Discussion on “The Just War Theory”
Matthew 5:43-45
You have heard that it was said, “˜Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. In another message to the crowds around Him, Jesus turns the accepted notion of action and consequence on its head. He tells His people that the rule cannot be “an eye for an eye,” but instead, a misdeed must be met with forgiveness and peace. He even goes so far as to tell the people to treat their enemies the way they would treat their friends and equates that behavior with peacefulness.
The Just War Theory
Is there such thing as a just war? Do some circumstances make war an acceptable action? Most people would say yes, including many Christians. The “Just War Theory” was developed to help people of faith determine whether or not a conflict is just or unjust. It consists of several tests to determine whether entrance into a war is justified and it also includes measurements to ensure that the conduct of the war is just.
Before entering a war, a Christian people must determine that there is just cause, such as punishing a group for a crime committed against one people or reclaiming something stolen. There must also be comparative justice, that is to say that one side must be grossly harmed by the other side, even if they themselves have done some harm as well. Only legitimately recognized public authorities may make the decision to go to war.
Another criterion a war must meet is “right intention.” The reason for going to war must be something grave, such as righting a wrong or helping a people, not expanding power or increasing wealth. Before a war can be just, the cause must have a significant probability of success. It is not just to enter a war that cannot be won. Finally, a war is only justifiable if it is the last means possible and that all other means of conflict resolution have been worn out.
Based on these criteria, few wars are truly justifiable, but it would be impossible to say that none are. Unfortunately, the Just War Theory is not Biblical truth or Scriptural teaching – it is a code, made by man, to determine when to go to war and when to avoid it. It is up to each Christian to decide whether they believe the severity of the crime can only be answered with war and how they believe God will react to that war. Regardless of one’s conscience, it is safe to say that war should be entered into sparingly, only as retaliation and never a preemptive move, and only if all other options for peaceful resolution have failed.
Be sure to check out our other Adult Sunday School Lessons for more great ideas and suggestions. You can also “Like” us on Facebook, and join our discussions on additional topics. And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter!
Leave a Reply