Preventing Unjust War A Catholic Argument for Selective Conscientious Objection
Preventing Unjust War: A Catholic Argument for Selective Conscientious Objection by Roger Bergman, published by Cascade Books in 2020, explores the complexities of the just war tradition within the Catholic Church. This 216-page book addresses the concerns of Catholic pacifists who argue that the just war tradition can be misused to justify any conflict. Bergman contends that the real issue lies not with the just war tradition itself, but with the unjust wars initiated by ambitious leaders, and the responsibility of warriors to critically assess the justice of the wars they are ordered to fight.
In this work, readers will find a thorough examination of the concept of selective conscientious objection, which asserts the right and duty to refuse participation in unjust wars. Bergman emphasizes the importance of personal conscience in determining the justice of warfare and advocates for a more significant role for the Church in guiding and supporting individual consciences. The book delves into ethical and philosophical discussions surrounding war, responsibility, and the moral obligations of Christians, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in the intersection of religion and ethics.
Official synopsis Publisher
Catholic pacifists blame the just war tradition of their Church. That tradition, they say, can be invoked to justify any war, and so it must be jettisoned. This book argues that the problem is not the just war tradition but the unjust war tradition. Ambitious rulers start wars that cannot be justified, and yet warriors continue to fight them. The problem is the belief that warriors do not hold any responsibility for judging the justice of the wars they are ordered to fight. However unjust, a command renders any war “just” for the obedient warrior. This book argues that selective conscientious objection, the right and duty to refuse to fight unjust wars, is the solution. Strengthening the just war tradition depends on a heightened role for the personal conscience of the warrior. That in turn depends on a heightened role for the Church in forming and supporting consciences and judging the justice of particular wars. As Saint Augustine wrote, “The wise man will wage just wars. . . . For, unless the wars were just, he would not have to wage them, and in such circumstances he would not be involved in war at all.”
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