Violation on Human Life: War and Violence

War and Violence

Definition

•          Violence is a force exerted for the purpose of violating, damaging, or abusing. Some forms of violence are bullying, kidnapping, murder, political and economic unrest that can result to war. People resort to violence out of vengeance, retribution or dire need.

•          War is an armed conflict between states or large organized group similar to state

Catholic Church on War and Violence

·         Any form of violence is a threat to human dignity.

·         It is bounded with most fearful evil; it is never justified as an ordinary means of politics, but only permissible for the gravest reasons under verification of the various conditions of just war.

·         Conditions of Just War:

o    War is lawful only for a just cause

[ex. Defense of vital goods of the state]

o    All other means of non- belligerent nature must have been exhausted

[ex. Peace talks]

o    The war must not jeopardize still higher goods than those to be defended.

o    The military action may not extend beyond the needs of just defense and the restoration of violated rights.

·         Theological tradition maintains that the state has the right to defend its existence and the fundamental welfare of its citizens by war as last means.

·         The means and methods employed must not be unlawful, must be appropriate to the just cause and objectives of the war.

Reflection

•          In what way have I contributed to the violence in my community?

•          How does it feel to be a contributor to violence?

•          What can I do to end the cycle of violence?

•          How can I promote peace in my group?

Challenge

•          “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God”

            [Matthew 5:9]

•          Valuing human life as followers of Christ demand that we reject violence and work for peace.

REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

o    Miranda, Noel P. and Javier, Philip S. III. Called to Follow Christ in True Freedom. Ateneo de Manila University: SIBS Publishing House, Inc., 2006 o    Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. Catechism for Filipino Catholics. 2006 o    Astorga, Ma. Christina A., Ph.D. Living the Faith Option: Christian Morality. Quezon City: FNB Educational, Inc.2005 o    Vincent J. Genovesi, S.J. In Pursuit of Love