The morality of war is subjective based on its intentions. It cannot be argued that all war is immoral or that all war is moral. Individuals are called to peace, but it is clear that the state has the responsibility and the divine calling to punish wickedness within the nation, but also against other nations, so long as they are doing it in accordance with the will and purpose of God.

Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness and kindness toward your enemies (Matt. 5.44) is for personal application, not for the state. The context of Matthew 5 is fulfillment of the law (vv.17-20). The purpose of the law was never to save people out of self-righteousness; rather it was to point out the sins of individual men so that they could see their need for salvation. What Jesus was suggesting was that his coming was to fulfill this purpose since it was lost on the Israelites. Therefore this passage is ultimately about an individuals need for a savior; it is not specific to the state.

The state has authority and the assignment of assigning punishment on wrongdoers (Rom. 13.4). This is something that is not granted to the individual, but specifically to the state. According to the greater context of Romans 13, we as individuals must submit to authority as part of our submission to Christ, but we are not of our own accord charged with the task of punishing sinners. The title of, “agent of wrath” is reserved specifically for governing authorities (Rom. 13.4). Paul even goes so far as to say that we should support our government in whatever they require of us in order that the state can fulfill its calling (Rom. 13.5-7).

Deceitful nations will not overcome righteous nations (Ps. 55). So long as there are righteous intentions, a nation can go to battle against another for purposes of restoring peace and God will bless it. This need was demonstrated much more often in the Old Testament. God had a plan for Israel. In order to fulfill this plan and to secure Israel’s position in the Promised Land, war was necessary. As long as that war was focused on fulfilling God’s plan, Israel was blessed with victory. Similarly, when they were not acting in accordance with God’s plan, they were disciplined with destruction. The principle is that if war is initiated by the state, in accordance with the will and purpose of God, then it is moral, but if it is initiated by any other means, for any other purpose, then it is immoral.

Image Credits: mzacha, sxc.hu

Subjective Morality: The Morality of War