Many Christians through the ages have agreed that rulers must sometimes go to war, as a terrible duty, for “the object of securing peace, of punishing evildoers, and of uplifting the good” (Augustine). The framework outlining this has come to be known as the ‘just war’ theory.
War results from human sin and is a venue for more and greater sin. Unfortunately, until God brings his new heavens and earth, we live in a world where there will be war. Just war theory attempts to limit, restrain and quickly finish the dismal task of war. God will demand an accounting for conduct in war at the final judgment.
