Biblical Answer

To answer the question of whether our actions in war can ever be justified as morally right, we must first consider the biblical perspective on war. Scripture teaches that war is a reality of human existence, and that God is the ultimate Judge of all wars (Psalm 82:1-4). The Bible also acknowledges that war can be just, as seen in the case of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan (Joshua 10:40-42). However, this does not necessarily mean that human-initiated violence is always justifiable. The Bible teaches that God is a God of justice and righteousness, and that He will judge all nations according to their works (Psalm 96:13, 98:9).

The concept of just war theory, as developed by Christian thinkers such as Michael Ramsey, provides a framework for evaluating the morality of war. Just war theory posits that war can be justified if it meets certain criteria, including just intent, last resort, and proportionality. Just intent refers to the motivation behind the war, which must be to secure a just and fair peace for all parties involved. Last resort means that war should only be undertaken after all other means of resolving the conflict have been exhausted. Proportionality refers to the idea that the harm caused by the war should be proportionate to the good that it aims to achieve. If a war meets these criteria, it can be considered morally justifiable.

However, even if a war meets the criteria of just war theory, it is still possible that it may not be morally justifiable. This is because human beings are fallible and prone to error, and even the best intentions can be misguided. Additionally, the consequences of war can be devastating and long-lasting, causing harm to innocent civilians and perpetuating cycles of violence. Therefore, Christians must approach the question of war with caution and discernment, recognizing that war is a complex and multifaceted issue that cannot be reduced to simple moral categories. Ultimately, the morality of war depends on a variety of factors, including the motivations and actions of those involved, the consequences of the war, and the broader context in which it takes place.