The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 302: War (2025)
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Oct 29, 2025 Explore the Church's guidance on war and peace as Fr. Mike delves into just war theory. Learn about the criteria for legitimate defense and the moral considerations for engaging in conflict. He emphasizes the importance of exhausting all peaceful means before resorting to arms. Discover how moral law applies even in battle, and the need to resist unjust orders. Fr. Mike also highlights the causes of war, urging actions to promote peace, and offers a hopeful vision of transforming conflict into compassion.
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War Requires Strict Moral Conditions
- The Church insists on prayer and action to avoid the evils and injustices of war.
- Just war theory permits lawful self-defense only under strict moral conditions.
Authorities Must Provide Alternatives
- Public authorities must weigh moral legitimacy prudently when deciding on war and must impose obligations for defense.
- Make equitable provisions for conscientious objectors and assign them alternative service roles.
Moral Law Continues In War
- Moral law remains binding in war: non-combatants, wounded, and prisoners must be treated humanely.
- Orders that command crimes do not excuse the perpetrators through blind obedience.
