The Christian Perspective on War

Abstract: This paper offers a comprehensive and critical exploration of the Christian perspective on war through theological, biblical, historical, and ethical lenses. It examines the tension between the Old Testament's accounts of divinely sanctioned warfare and the New Testament’s radical ethic of peace and nonviolence. The study analyzes key ethical paradigms embraced by Christian thinkers—activism, pacifism, and selectivism—highlighting their theological justifications and implications. Central attention is given to the development of Just War Theory, from its foundational articulation by Augustine and Aquinas to its modern applications in addressing nuclear warfare, terrorism, and humanitarian interventions. Eastern Orthodoxy's approach is examined as a model of tragic necessity, emphasizing war’s toleration rather than glorification. Ultimately, the study affirms that Christian ethics perceive war as a result of human fallenness, only permissible under strict moral constraints, never as an ideal. It concludes that Christians are called to be peacemakers, actively pursuing justice while rejecting violence as a normative means for resolving conflict. Keywords: Christian Ethics, War, Pacifism, Just War Theory, Activism, Peace, Violence