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Aquinas Criteria For A Just War Analysis

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Per St. Thomas Aquinas’ criteria for a “just war”, the Allies declaration of war against the Axis Powers, during World War II, is considered just because it fought against the actions of one tyrant’s decisions, sought to avenge the wrongful doings of the Axis powers, and held the rightful intentions of bringing about good. The primary Allied Powers of World War II consisted of the United States, Britain, China and the Soviet Union, while the Axis powers consisted primarily of Germany, Italy, and Japan (Dorn, Mandel, Cross 272). In St. Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica, Aquinas states that for a war to be considered just, three things are necessary. First, Aquinas addresses whether the sovereign has the authority to wage war. Second, Aquinas …show more content…

Thomas Aquinas’ criteria for a “just war”, the Allies declaration of war against the Axis Powers, during World War II, is considered just because it fought against the actions of one tyrant’s decisions, sought to avenge the wrongful doings of the Axis powers, and held the rightful intentions of bringing about good. Neibuhr’s theme of the “prophetic” showed his perception of the threat of fascism, both through his concern over the religious liberty of Christian and Jewish voices to bring prophetic judgments against totalitarian governments, and through his predictions of the threat that fascist regimes posed to the international order (Inboden 70). Niebuhr’s concern about Germany’s expansion was one that was felt world-wide, and prompted the people to act against the oppressor. If there is one thing that will unite people across the globe, no matter their differences, it is justice. People will fight for equality and for what is right. “People need to believe in a just world in which everyone gets what they deserve and deserves what they get…it is what helps people feel that their world has order” (Kim, Nagata, Akiyama 346). The belief in a just world is one that is universally understood, and is a belief that has been carried out throughout time and space. The advancement of good and the abolishment of evil is what will keep humanity morally right. “He beareth not the sword in vain: for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that doth evil"; so too, it is their business to have recourse to the sword of war in defending the common weal against external enemies. Hence it is said to those who are in authority (Ps. 81:4): "Rescue the poor: and deliver the needy out of the hand of the sinner" (St. Aquinas

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