John C. Wright's Journal

My father in law is one of the men whose life was saved by the use of the atomic bomb to end World War II. Hence, I am wary of making the argument showing that World War Two was a just war, and that aerial bombing during that war, atomic or conventional, was justified and right, lest I be accused of having my gratitude compromise my objectivity.

However, I do not mind pointing to the argument as made by others:

My comment: That my family was one of those saved by the use of the atomic bomb, on the other hand, does not negate the fact that many more live were saved, not just American but also Japanese, by the a-bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The fact that the only reason why anyone is discussing this matter at all is due to Soviet agitprop also does not negate the fact that there is a principled argument to be made against all aerial bombing. While I respectfully disagree with said argument, I do not regard it as facetious. Arguments that single out atomic bombs from conventional bombs and hold them to a different standard than the just war standard, those I do regard as facetious.

We hear a rumor that one comes forth, a mighty champion of logic and rhetoric, as have many before him, to claim that Christians going to war directly and clearly violate the teachings of Christ and the will of God thereby. The question before us is not the truth of Christian teaching, merely its validity, that is, even if false, does it or does it not contradict itself on this point?

The matter being too weighty for me, I lay my hand over my mouth and defer to wiser minds. Saint Thomas will speak for the Christians. Any man deeming himself equal in scholarly learning to Saint Thomas is invited to put forth, in term no less clear and congent, the antichrist position.

Question 40. War

There are four questions under this article:

1. Is some kind of war lawful?
2. Is it lawful for clerics to fight?
3. Is it lawful for belligerents to lay ambushes?
4. Is it lawful to fight on holy days?

***

Article 1. Whether it is always sinful to wage war?

Objection 1. It would seem that it is always sinful to wage war. Because punishment is not inflicted except for sin. Now those who wage war are threatened by Our Lord with punishment, according to Matthew 26:52: “All that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” Therefore all wars are unlawful.

Objection 2. Further, whatever is contrary to a Divine precept is a sin. But war is contrary to a Divine precept, for it is written (Matthew 5:39): “But I say to you not to resist evil”; and (Romans 12:19): “Not revenging yourselves, my dearly beloved, but give place unto wrath.” Therefore war is always sinful.

Objection 3. Further, nothing, except sin, is contrary to an act of virtue.

But war is contrary to peace. Therefore war is always a sin.

Objection 4. Further, the exercise of a lawful thing is itself lawful, as is evident in scientific exercises. But warlike exercises which take place in tournaments are forbidden by the Church, since those who are slain in these trials are deprived of ecclesiastical burial. Therefore it seems that war is a sin in itself.

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