I talk Augustine and Just War with Piers Morgan

Summary

In this conversation, biblical scholar and historian Wesley Huff discusses the complex intersection of religion, morality, and war, particularly focusing on the Middle East. Huff explains the concept of 'just war' from a Christian perspective, contrasting it with 'holy war' and emphasizing that war should only be waged defensively to protect innocent lives. He also touches on historical events like the Crusades and modern conflicts, discussing how religious ideologies influence violence. The debate delves into the nuances of moral justification for war and the challenges of discerning right from wrong in complicated geopolitical scenarios.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wesley Hub emphasizes that his expertise is in biblical scholarship and not geopolitics, so he can't speak definitively on recent geopolitical events.
• 😀 The Bible and Christian heritage offer perspectives on war, focusing on persuasion rather than violence, as seen in passages like Ephesians 6 and 2 Corinthians 10.
• 😀 The concept of just war is explored, particularly how it differs from holy war or jihad. Just war is based on state security and defense of the innocent.
• 😀 According to St. Augustine, war, while sometimes necessary in a fallen world, should never be celebrated. It is always associated with sorrow, even in victory.
• 😀 Just war theory originated in the late third and early fourth centuries, when Roman soldiers sought advice on how to defend state security in a Christian way.
• 😀 The conversation briefly touches on World War II, where the war against Nazi Germany was seen as morally justified due to the existential threat posed.
• 😀 The Middle East conflict is noted as more complex and nuanced, with historical and political factors influencing current events.
• 😀 Just war theory is distinct from jihad, which Wesley suggests is a more politically motivated religious movement.
• 😀 The Crusades are critiqued from a Christian perspective, showing the irony of fighting under the banner of the cross, as Jesus taught love for enemies.
• 😀 Wesley acknowledges that political and religious factors are deeply intertwined in conflicts such as the one involving Hamas and Israel, making it difficult to define as purely religious or political.

Q & A

What is Wesley Hub's main area of expertise, and how does it relate to the topic discussed?

Wesley Hub's expertise lies in biblical scholarship and history, which he uses to analyze the religious component of conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. While not an expert in geopolitics, he explores how Christian heritage and biblical principles inform perspectives on war.

What is the distinction between just war theory and holy war, as explained by Wesley Hub?

Just war theory is a concept that seeks to justify war under certain moral conditions, whereas holy war is framed as a religiously sanctioned conflict. Wesley Hub emphasizes that just war is not holy war and draws a clear line between the two, with just war being defensive and not driven by religious conquest.

According to Wesley Hub, why is it important to distinguish between ideal and real-world scenarios in the context of war?

Wesley Hub highlights that while theories about ideal moral outcomes are important, they often become complicated when applied to real-world conflicts. The realities of human imperfection mean that not all conflicts can be resolved through persuasion, and sometimes war may be seen as necessary to defend against evil.

What does Wesley Hub say about the concept of victory in a just war?

Hub suggests that in a just war, victory should never be celebrated with joy. Even when defending innocent lives, war should bring sorrow, as it always involves loss and suffering, and should not be glorified.

How does Wesley Hub explain the historical roots of just war theory?

Just war theory originated in the late third and early fourth centuries, with soldiers seeking guidance from Christian clergy on how to balance state security with Christian values. The works of intellectuals like St. Augustine, especially after the sacking of Rome in 410 AD, helped shape this theory.

How does Augustine's 'City of God' contribute to the understanding of just war?

In 'City of God,' Augustine argues that no earthly city, including a Christian empire like Rome, can be eternal. He explains that in this fallen world, there is a necessity for the state to enforce justice and restrain evil, sometimes through force, in defense of the common good.

What is the moral justification for war in the just war theory, according to Wesley Hub?

In just war theory, war is morally justified only to defend innocent people and to prevent evil. It is never intended to wipe out a people or further private interests. The justification lies in the defense of the vulnerable and the greater good.

How does Wesley Hub distinguish between the Crusades and wars conducted in the name of Muhammad?

Hub points out that while the Crusades, fought under the banner of Christianity, were problematic from a Christian perspective, wars conducted under the banner of Muhammad were viewed differently. He notes that Muhammad was a warlord, so fighting in his name was seen as business as usual, but invoking Christianity in such contexts seems ironic.

What does Wesley Hub think about the claim that Hamas' actions are politically motivated rather than religiously driven?

Hub acknowledges the complexity of the situation, noting that Islam has both political and religious elements. While the motivations behind Hamas' actions may involve opposition to occupation, the religious component cannot be ignored, especially given the historical context of Islam and its role in motivating conflicts.

How does Wesley Hub view the broader impact of religion in the Middle East conflicts?

Wesley Hub suggests that religion, particularly Islam and Christianity, plays a significant but complex role in conflicts in the Middle East. While religion may not always be the sole driving force, it often intersects with political, historical, and cultural factors, making conflicts difficult to analyze through a single lens.