The American Spectator

“These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called ‘the Just War’ doctrine. The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgement of those who have responsibility for the common good.”

2310. “Public authorities, in this case, have the right and duty to impose on citizens the obligations necessary for national defense. Those who are sworn to serve their country in the armed forces are servants of the security and freedom of nations. If they carry out their duties honorably, they truly contribute to the common good of the nation and the maintenance of peace.”

2321. “The prohibition of murder does not abrogate the right to render an unjust aggressor unable to inflict harm. Legitimate defense is a grave duty for whoever is responsible for the lives of others or the common good.”

p>As far as I’m concerned, the current situation is applicable in all of these paragraphs quoted directly from the Catechism. From my view as a devout Roman Catholic, President Bush is doing the right thing. br> — Todd Harshman br> Columbus, OH /p>

I appreciate your points on the war. I agree with a few of them, BUT,

Development of doctrine is in no way a euphemism for distortion of doctrine. It’s basically taking things that have changed in the world, and incorporating them into the infallible teaching of the Church. Now, whether a proposed development is okay or not requires thought, but a general condemning of all development is inappropriate.

Also, St. Thomas Aquinas, for all his skill, was not infallible on doctrinal matters. But, you are right that considering war an intrinsic evil has little justification in Church teaching.

The Bishops are quite often not trying to smuggle in pacifism either. Rather, they are more often trying to smuggle in approval by the U.N. being necessary for military actions. The idea of an organization of the community of nations being necessary is in the Catholic Catechism, but having them have to approve every action in self-defense that a sovereign nation takes is a distortion.

p>And finally, the Bishops should present just-war teaching, and, if necessary, where a President’s actions would indicate a breach, since that’s part of the teachings of the Catholic Church. But, your points on Bishops’ undue faith in weapons inspectors and Saddam is well taken. They may not know what they’re talking about, but they should know better than this, for the sake of the Church and the world. br> — Joe Marier /p>