AUGUSTINE’S THEORY OF THE JUST WAR: ITS LEGACY IN THE CHURCH’S TEACHING TODAY
Keywords:
Augustine, Just War Theory, Legacy, Church, Teaching
Abstract
The name of Augustine is closely tied to the “Theory of the Just War”. Although Augustine is the chief exponent of the theory, it would seem that discussion about the evaluation of war as just or not predates him. However, given the complication related to the vast panorama in which Augustine expresses his mind to address the question of just war or the use of violence to curb insurgency, we shall limit our focus to a few of his writings. In addition, we will try to note the influence that Augustine’s ideas have impacted on the doctrine of the Church as evident in the magisterial teaching especially in recent time. Before taking on our discussion, I will refer to some of the scriptural texts on wars.
