Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary Chapter II JUST WAR THEORY OF AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO 2.1 Introduction As viewed in the society’s status today, it is fitting to look on the reasons why conflicts exist. In evaluating these problems, one should trace the roots of the problem and should come up with a new solution on how this can be resolved. The society’s solution to these problems as observed in our time is to use arms against it. This is the role of the researcher in this particular research, to see whether these wars are waged justly or unjustly. Territorial greediness is also one of its contributing factors to the existence of conflicts. In the history of man’s existence in the world, war has always been part of it. Undeniably, man’s greediness to territorial governance has a big part in weighing to that of his ordinary wants. But in the Old Testament, it can be observed, that God was also the reason why wars existed. At various times in the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites to defend their nation by force of arms yet it was always with the recognition that peace is the goal to be worked for. 1 War in its goal is to bring about the presence of peace and not just destroy the aggressors. This is the task of Christians and to all those who are concerned for propagating peace. Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” 2 Elsewhere he also echoed to His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount that “ if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” 3 On these verses in the Bible, others have concluded that Christians are to be pacifists who avoid violence. But it is confusing that Jesus also acknowledges the legitimate use of force by telling his apostles, “let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one.” 4 The question now is how can these passages be reconciled? 1 Catholic Answer “Just War Doctrine,” (February 2016), http://www.catholic.com/document/just-war-doctrine.html. 2 Matt. 5:9 (New American Bible) 3 Matt. 5:39 (New American Bible) 4 Lk. 22:36 (New American Bile) 1