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"We are at War!"
By Fr. John Lathrop
Special to Virtueonline
www.virtueonline.org
November 19, 2015
Radical Islam (al-Qaeda, ISIS, or whatever name it goes by) has not only declared war but has waged war against United States, Western civilization and all Christians since September 11, 2001. This is more than terrorism, it is war, as witnessed by the recent attacks in Paris, the downing of the Russian airliner, the beheading of captives and the brutal war being waged by ISIS in Syria and Iraq. It is time for Congress to declare war against ISIS and all other radical Islamic groups. It is time for United States, its allies, and willing partners to use our considerable military power to destroy ISIS and all radical Islamic groups wherever they be in the world.
Is this a proper Christian response? Absolutely! St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and other Christian theologians over the past sixteen hundred years have developed a well thought out rationale for a Just War. This meets all the requirements of a Just War.
First, we have been attacked and we have the right of self-defense.
Secondly, we have a good and just purpose in waging war against radical Islam. Radical Islam is a brutal totalitarian movement that is dedicated to the conquest, death and enslavement of all Christians and all Western nations. It is time to destroy radical Islam.
Thirdly, our goal is a just peace at the end so that tens of millions of ordinary people may live in peace and safety in their own countries.
Fourthly, a Just War is waged by the authority of the State. That is why United States, its allies, and partners must declare war and wage unconditional war against radical Islam.
It is time to call what is happening a war, and for us as Christians and as a nation to wage Just War against radical Islam.
Fr. John Lathrop, Dean of Appalachia, Anglican Province of America. He is based in Brevard, NC
