Is it ever appropriate for a nation to strike first?

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Overview

As this study was being prepared, President Bush was trying to muster support at home and abroad for a preemptive attack on Iraq. Many people were rightly debating, “Is it right for the U.S. to invade Iraq?” Whether the Iraqi situation is ongoing or long past, the central issues raised in this debate will continue to be discussed until the Prince of Peace returns. In this study, we’ll explore the concept of just war, and particularly, whether it is ever appropriate for a nation to strike first in a war.

Table of Contents

SCRIPTURE: Romans 13:1-5; Matthew 5:38-42

LEADER'S GUIDE

    • Identify the Current Issue

    • Discover the Eternal Principles

—Teaching point one: Most Christians throughout history have believed that some wars are just.

—Teaching point two: Just war theory can justify a pre-emptive strike, some Christian leaders believe. Whether it does in any given instance is a matter of prudential judgment.

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