2008 Woodie Awards
Students Examine the Place of War in Faith
Phillip Brooks
Issue date: 4/28/06 Section: News
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In the midst of the wars being waged overseas and leaders on both sides proclaiming divine guidance, students at Hendrix examine the place of war in their own spiritual journey. On Thursday April 17 at 8:00pm RLC sponsored a special religious forum in the Burrow entitled "Religion and War". Speakers included three professors and two students. Doctors Vernon, King, and Farthing all gave their own analysis of war in faith. Students Shlok Vaidya and Sid McMath also gave their interpretations of the subject. McMath is active in ROTC while Vaidya maintains a website on the latest military developments in Asia.
Most of the discussion centered on the Christian views and Western though on war. The forum began with the panelists discussing the different interpretations of war in the Bible.
"The Hebrew Bible clearly celebrates warfare. The early Christians also believed in a difference between war and murder and that "Thou shall not kill" only referred to the later. When Jesus was confronted with military officers he never told them to abandon their career. On the other hand the phrase "He who lives by the sword dies by the sword" led many religious figures to believe that if you fight fire with fire the whole world will be ablaze." said Religion Professor Dr. Farthing.
Most of the discussion focused on the Just War Theory and its implication in Western society and religion. The panelists questioned whether this theory is valid enough to determine if or how wars should be waged.
"The Just War Theory states that the war must be in a just cause, used as a last resort with only enough force to solve the problem, and have a just outcome. Going to war for ethical or moral reasons is a long tradition. Many humanitarians believe war can be justified. The Just War Theory isn't perfect, but that doesn't make it useless." said Politics Professor Dr. King.
"The criteria for the Just War Theory, is still used today in agencies such as NATO and the United Nations." said Student Sid McMath (2007).
Most of the discussion centered on the Christian views and Western though on war. The forum began with the panelists discussing the different interpretations of war in the Bible.
"The Hebrew Bible clearly celebrates warfare. The early Christians also believed in a difference between war and murder and that "Thou shall not kill" only referred to the later. When Jesus was confronted with military officers he never told them to abandon their career. On the other hand the phrase "He who lives by the sword dies by the sword" led many religious figures to believe that if you fight fire with fire the whole world will be ablaze." said Religion Professor Dr. Farthing.
Most of the discussion focused on the Just War Theory and its implication in Western society and religion. The panelists questioned whether this theory is valid enough to determine if or how wars should be waged.
"The Just War Theory states that the war must be in a just cause, used as a last resort with only enough force to solve the problem, and have a just outcome. Going to war for ethical or moral reasons is a long tradition. Many humanitarians believe war can be justified. The Just War Theory isn't perfect, but that doesn't make it useless." said Politics Professor Dr. King.
"The criteria for the Just War Theory, is still used today in agencies such as NATO and the United Nations." said Student Sid McMath (2007).
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