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A Study of Just-war Theory based on Reinhold Niebuhr’s Christian Realism

  • The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics
  • Abbr : 기사윤
  • 2022, (52), pp.177-203
  • DOI : 10.21050/CSE.2022.52.06
  • Publisher : The Society Of Korean Christian Social Ethics
  • Research Area : Humanities > Christian Theology
  • Received : February 27, 2022
  • Accepted : April 1, 2022
  • Published : April 30, 2022

Park, Dohyun 1

1숭실대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This paper examines the just-war theory through the lens of Christian realism in Reinhold Niebuhr. He stands mainstream in Christian social ethics, and he presents a thoroughly realism-based theory. It seems particularly useful in refuting pacifists' arguments. His Christian realism begins with his understanding of humans. It was considered that the ethics of perfectionism could not be implemented like Jesus due to sin. Among the various fields of social ethics, espe- cially the issue of war and peace begins here. Pacifists are in a position to follow the Bible, but Niebuhr saw it as impossible in nature. A nation made of sinful humans is even more impossible. Niebuhr criticizes pacifism for being justifiable but unrealistic. Thus, Niebuhr argues that in order to achieve justice, a just war as a last mean to resolve conflicts between countries.

Citation status

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