8 historical examples of just war in Christian history

What does ‘just war’ mean for Christians?

The concept of a ‘just war’ has its roots deeply embedded in Christian theology. It refers to the idea that war, while generally undesirable, can sometimes be morally justifiable under specific conditions.

Saint Augustine of Hippo, a prominent figure in early Christian theology, was one of the first to elaborate on the concept of ‘just war’.

He argued that war could be justified if it was waged with a righteous intention, primarily to establish peace or prevent evil.

This notion was later expanded upon by Saint Thomas Aquinas in his Summa Theologica.

He set out specific conditions under which a war could be considered ‘just’, including a legitimate authority declaring the war, a just cause for war, and the right intention behind the war.

These principles have guided Christians through numerous historical conflicts.

They have provided a moral framework for evaluating the necessity and conduct of wars throughout Christian history.

1. The Crusades

Digging into the vaults of history, we first land in the medieval period, specifically, the Crusades.

Now brace yourself, this can be a bit of a touchy subject.

The Crusades, spanning from the 11th to the 15th century, were a series of religious wars sanctioned by various Popes with the aim of reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim rule.

Yes, they were bloody. Yes, they were brutal.

Yet, by the standards of the time and under the umbrella of Just War theory, they were considered justified.

The idea was simple:

Protect Christian pilgrims and defend Christian territories against perceived injustices.

Now, I’m not here to argue if this was right or wrong – that’s a debate for another day.

But it’s worth noting that these wars were deemed just by the leaders of that era based on their understanding and interpretation of Christian teachings.

However, many modern theologians and historians question the justification of the Crusades.

The violence and atrocities committed during these wars often contradict Christian teachings of love and peace.

The Crusades highlight the complexity and controversy surrounding ‘just war’ in Christian history, reminding us that historical interpretations can change over time and context.

2. The Spanish Reconquista

If you thought the Crusades were a rollercoaster, buckle up for the Spanish Reconquista.

The Reconquista was a series of campaigns from the 11th to the 15th centuries where Christian Kingdoms in the Iberian Peninsula aimed to reclaim their land from Muslim rule.

Just like the Crusades, this wasn’t a quick or clean process. There were periods of intense conflict, punctuated by periods of relative peace.

But again, it was deemed a ‘Just War’.

Why?

Because it was about defending and reclaiming what was seen as rightfully theirs. It was about preserving their religious and cultural identity in the face of external threats.

Now, here’s a personal anecdote:

I remember when I first learned about the Reconquista in my history class. As a teenager, it was hard to fathom how deep-seated these religious conflicts were, and how they could propel nations into centuries-long wars.

But as I grew older and delved deeper into historical studies, I began to understand that history isn’t just about dates and facts.

It’s about perspectives, values, beliefs – all of which can dramatically shape the course of events.

3. The Battle of Lepanto

The Battle of Lepanto, in 1571, stands out as a distinct example of ‘just war’ in Christian history.

The Catholic Holy League, consisting of several European maritime states, clashed with the Ottoman Empire in a naval battle that was seen as a defining moment for Christian Europe.

Pope Pius V called for this military alliance, fulfilling the ‘legitimate authority’ criterion.

The purpose – to halt Ottoman advancement into Europe and protect Christendom – was seen as a just cause.

The participants believed their fight was righteous, defending their faith against an invading force.

This battle is often cited as a turning point in the struggle between Christianity and Islam for control of the Mediterranean.

It’s a reminder that ‘just war’ isn’t just about the conflict itself but also the wider cultural and religious context.

4. The English Reformation

At first glance, the English Reformation in the 16th century might not appear as a typical ‘just war’.

However, if we broaden our perspective, we can see it as a theological and political conflict that reshaped the religious landscape of England.

King Henry VIII, as the reigning monarch, acted as the legitimate authority. His cause, though initially driven by personal motives, evolved into a larger quest for religious and political autonomy from the Catholic Church.

In the wake of this upheaval, England saw a series of religious wars and persecutions.

Although there was no traditional battlefield, the conflict bore all the hallmarks of war – struggle for power, casualties, and profound societal transformation.

Ironically, this conflict was between different branches of Christianity itself, rather than against an external ‘enemy’. It reminds us that ‘just war’ can also occur within a faith community over interpretations and practices.

I know this might seem counterintuitive but here’s the thing:

This provides a broader understanding of ‘just war’ in Christian history.

5. The American Revolution

Thomas Jefferson once said:

“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”

A chilling quote, right? But it’s one that encapsulates the essence of our next historical example – The American Revolution.

Now, you might be thinking: “Hold up! The American Revolution wasn’t a religious war.”

And you’d be right. But here’s the thing: it was a war that was heavily influenced by Christian values and principles.

In the late 18th century, the American colonies were under the thumb of British rule. But they yearned for their own sovereignty, their own freedom – principles deeply ingrained in Christian teachings.

The American Revolution, which led to the birth of a new nation, was a conflict that many Christians at the time saw as a ‘Just War’.

They believed they were fighting for their God-given rights against an oppressive regime.

Here are some key aspects of this war from a ‘just war’ perspective:

• Legitimate authority: The Continental Congress represented the colonies.
• Just cause: Freedom from political and religious oppression.
• Righteous intention: Establishing a new nation where they could freely practice their faith

Jefferson’s quote reminds us that freedom often comes at a cost. It’s a stark reminder of how deeply intertwined our history is with wars that were seen as ‘just’ in their time, fueled by a pursuit of liberty and justice.

This historical example isn’t about religion inciting war, but rather about Christian values providing moral and ethical groundwork for a fight against injustice.

6. The Thirty Years’ War

Let’s fast forward to the 17th century, to a conflict that engulfed most of Europe – The Thirty Years’ War.

This war was initially triggered by religious tensions between Protestants and Catholics within the Holy Roman Empire.

But it quickly expanded beyond that, involving several European powers and resulting in one of the most destructive conflicts in European history.

Though it might seem like a stretch to label this catastrophic war as ‘Just’, it’s crucial to understand the historical context.

The Protestant states were fighting for their right to religious freedom against a Catholic Empire that wanted to maintain a monopoly on faith.

Here’s a little-known fact:

The Peace of Westphalia, which ended the war in 1648, is considered a turning point in history because it established the concept of state sovereignty.

This meant that each state had the right to choose its own religion, a principle we take for granted today but was revolutionary back then.

While ‘just war’ may justify the reasons for going to war, the Thirty Years’ War underscores the devastating consequences that can ensue.

Eye-opening fact: The Thirty Years’ War is considered one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.

7. The Civil War

The American Civil War (1861-1865) was undoubtedly a defining moment in Christian history.

While the issue of states’ rights was a significant factor, at its heart, it was a moral battle over slavery.

Many Christian abolitionists in the North believed they were fighting a ‘just war’ to end the inhumane practice of slavery. They saw themselves as fulfilling the biblical mandate to “proclaim liberty to the captives” (Isaiah 61:1).

On the other hand, many in the South used religious arguments to justify and maintain the institution of slavery. This starkly highlights how different interpretations of Scripture can lead to conflicts even within a shared faith community.

In retrospect, we see how the Civil War reflected a broader struggle within Christianity over morality, justice, and human dignity.

It’s an important reminder that ‘just wars’ often involve not only physical battlefields but also ideological and theological ones.

8. World War II

Finally, we arrive at a war that is still fresh in the collective memory of the world – World War II.

This was a global conflict that saw some of the darkest moments in human history, including the Holocaust and the use of atomic bombs.

Yet, it’s also a war that many would argue was necessary to put an end to the destructive ideologies and actions of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan.

Many Christians across the Allied nations believed they were engaged in a ‘just war’ against this horrific tyranny. They saw their involvement as a moral duty to protect innocent lives and restore peace.

Churchill and Roosevelt, leaders of Britain and the US respectively, both expressed the sentiment that they were fighting not just for national interests, but for the preservation of Christian civilization.

World War II serves as a potent reminder that ‘just war’ can sometimes mean standing up against oppressive regimes to protect the sanctity of life and human dignity.

It’s a testament to the power of collective resistance in the face of evil.

The final reflections

Understanding ‘just war’ in Christian history is not just about revisiting historical events. It’s about gaining insights into how the Christian faith navigated the complex realities of human conflict.

These historical examples provide valuable lessons on the moral and ethical dimensions of warfare as seen through the Christian lens.

• They remind us of the constant struggle to reconcile the teachings of love and peace with the harsh realities of violence and conflict.
• They highlight how interpretations of Scripture can vary widely, leading to different conclusions about what constitutes a ‘just war’.

Reflecting on these examples, we can better comprehend our faith’s multifaceted relationship with warfare and conflict.

But does this justify war?

That’s a question that continues to be debated by scholars, historians, and theologians alike. And it’s a question that I invite you to ponder upon too.