Jus Ad Bellum (Part 3)

This is the third time i have addressed this subject this month I believe. But i have more information or scripture actually that i wish to put forward. You can find my first entry here and my second entry here.

One of the biggest objections I receive, and one of the most common misunderstandings of the doctrine of just war, is the idea of unjust dictators/regimes like Saddam Hussein or President Robert Mugabe or President Omar al-Bashir or Kim Jong-il and what moral responsibility we have as the United States (the most powerful nation on earth) to unseat them or cause regime change. (Notice, I didn't say the 'greatest' nation on earth, although there may be a case to make for this as a separate issue, but the most powerful, which is relatively undisputed).

I finally found some beneficial reading on this subject, not online, however, but on paper of all things, and from a great Bible teacher and scholar of the real sorts, the Rev. Dr. Ron Merryman.

The question about moral responsibility can really be brought back to the question of authority. The question would then be phrased, "Do we, the United States of America, have the authority to say who can govern other nations, what territory those nations can govern, and what system or style of government they can have? Can any nation dictate to any other nation these things?

The history of Israel in the Old Testament gives some background on this. First, we notice that in order for Israel to become a nation, God planned (not just allowed) for them to be subject in Egypt. He then also caused their own destruction by the King of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. One does not have to read too carefully to realize that neither of these rulers where just or righteous, yet God used them to accomplish His purposes. From this we see that unjust rulers have their place, not that they are to be desired or sought after, but rather, God, in His sovereignty, appoints them for certain times, places and peoples to accomplish His purposes (2 Chronicles 36:20-21).

Did Nebuchadnezzar have the authority to take over the nation of Israel? Was his conquering and war with Israel just? The answer is no, but God used him to bring Israel to justice for neglecting the ordinances of God. This is where the real difficulty lies. Was it a just war or not? It brought justice to Israel, but through an unjust ruler/nation.

I believe the solution is fairly simple and easily discernible in scripture. Jesus said in Matthew 28 that all authority had been given to Him. He then delegates certain authorities to certain social spheres. For example, the family has the responsibility/authority for procreation and the up-bringing of children, their social, educational, spiritual, and physical formation. These areas of responsibility are often times usurped or re-delegated but nonetheless, belong to the family. Other areas of where authority is given are the church (I Tim 5:17), the individual (II Peter 1:6), and also the state or civil government (Romans 13).

These social institutions are limited in their authority because Jesus alone has been given all authority. When a nation starts to restrict a family on the education of their children, that nation is over stepping the bounds of its authority and the family can justly disobey (and face the consequences). It is unjust of the one autonomous institution to exercise power over another autonomous institution because by doing so, they are overstepping the bounds of their authority, which was given to them by God and did not originate with them.

An example of this would be if my neighbor came into my home and started saying i had to buy this car, and plant this tree, and paint my house this color, and pray this way. That neighbor is clearly overstepping the bounds of the authority God has given him of his own home by trying to do the same over mine. (One could address the idea of civil codes and laws here but that is not the point of this post). The same principle in the example above can be applied amongst sovereign nations. We as the US can not dictate to other nations their system of government, their boundaries, nor their leaders. We have tried to do this with money, calling it foreign aid, and guns, calling it a peace keeping mission. This is an arrogant position and an attempt at playing the part of God. It is not in our jurisdiction to tell the Iranians what to do and what not to do. We can talk to them. We can encourage them. We can trade with them. But we cannot boss them around like some playground bully and not expect retaliation. {As an aside, this is known in the political world as blowback. (Here is an excellent video describing that idea)}.

i think thats all for now, if anyone reads this and has comments for discussion, please post em.