Christopher Lynch ends a review of several books on just war ( Weekly Standard , Nov 3), with the comment that “popular punditry’s now-routine use of the theory and the flood of recent books on the topic suggest that a change in the nation’s thinking has taken place.” Just in time: Since the demands on American power will only increase as the years go by, it’s essential that we have SOME kind of moral framework to deal with those challenges, and the just war theory is the best and most Christian thing we have. Perhaps this is another sign/symptom that the Lord has delivered mastery to America for this period of history, just as He delivered power to Nebuchadnezzar.
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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