When is War Justified? A Catholic Perspective | Prof. Joseph Capizzi
Feb 17, 2021
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Prof. Joseph Capizzi discusses Catholic perspectives on war, emphasizing force for peacemaking and just war theory. They explore St. Augustine's two cities and reflections on sin, justice, and moral dilemmas. The conversation touches on the morality of political actions, the authority of the state in war, and the role of international authorities in overseeing conflicts.
War should be viewed as an instrument of peacemaking, challenging the concept of just acts.
Different Christian approaches to force exist, from renouncing the sword to a dualistic persona.
St. Augustine's concept of two cities based on love and self-love, coexisting with diverse communities.
Deep dives
Broadening the Catholic Perspective on War: Governance in Catholic Ethics
Addressing the traditional approach to the ethics of wartime action in the Catholic tradition, the speaker advocates for a comprehensive viewpoint that delves into broader questions of governance. Instead of relying solely on the conventional just war theory checklist, the speaker emphasizes a more political understanding of war as an embodiment of peacemaking rather than as an exception to moral guidelines. By reframing war as an instrument of peacemaking, the Catholic perspective challenges the notion of war as a righteous or just act, advocating for a more nuanced evaluation of conflicts for the common good.
Christian Tradition and the Role of Force: Two Approaches to Using Force
Explored in the podcast are differing Christian approaches to the use of force, referencing historical perspectives from the Reformation era. The Schleitheim Confession in 1527, adopted by Anabaptist traditions, renounces the use of the sword while acknowledging its role in civil authority. Contrastingly, a more contemporary model illustrates a separation between church and state, advocating for a dualistic persona where individuals may oscillate between church-based and state-centered actions, demonstrating a distinct approach to the Christian relationship with force and governance.
St. Augustine's Concept of Two Cities: Love as a Unifying Factor in Christian Communities
Drawing from St. Augustine's 'City of God,' the podcast reflects on the concept of two cities forming around love: the city of God based on love of God, and the earthly city grounded in self-love. Augustine portrays these communities as exclusive yet coexisting entities, where individuals transition to the city of God while retaining cultural identities. The discussion highlights Augustine's views on judgment, sin's impact on society, and the moral responsibility of Christians in worldly affairs, emphasizing the coexistence of diverse communities.
Differentiating Just and Unjust Actions in Conflict: Moral Frameworks in Warfare
Examining the distinctions between just and unjust actions during conflicts, the podcast navigates the morality of engaging in warfare. It delves into the ethical considerations of self-defense and just war theory, contemplating scenarios where force may be permissible in defense of oneself or others. By evaluating the moral implications of killing in warfare, the discussion underscores the complex interplay between intent, action, and the common good in determining the ethical validity of armed engagements.
Contemplating Historical Contexts of Conflict: Revisiting the Crusades and Moral Evaluations
Revisiting the historical context of the Crusades, the podcast explores varying perspectives on the justifiability of these conflicts. Delving beyond traditional narratives, the discussion navigates the complexities of medieval warfare and ethical considerations surrounding the Crusades. By shedding light on nuanced historical interpretations, the podcast encourages critical reflections on the legitimacy and justice of military interventions in the name of religion and territorial claims.
This lecture was given on November 4, 2020 to University College Dublin. The slides for this lecture are available here: tinyurl.com/ydf93234
For more information on upcoming events, visit our website at www.thomisticinstitute.org
About the Speaker:
Joseph E. Capizzi is Ordinary Professor of Moral Theology at the Catholic University of America. He teaches in the areas of social and political theology, with special interests in issues in peace and war, citizenship, political authority, and Augustinian theology. He has written, lectured, and published widely on just war theory, bioethics, the history of moral theology, and political liberalism. Dr. Capizzi is the Executive Director of the Institute for Human Ecology at Catholic University. He received his B.A. from the University of Virginia, his Masters in Theological Studies from Emory University, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Notre Dame. He lives in Maryland with his wife and six children.
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