War and Peace in Christian Thought ET, WT

Both pacifism and just war thinking have deep roots in the Christian tradition. Important figures in Christian history have argued that in certain circumstances war may be a regrettable but justifiable engagement, while others have maintained that killing of any kind, even in the name of the state, is wrong. This seminar will look at the historical development of both approaches to war and peace in Christian thought, from the early church to the present day. Figures and movements we will encounter will include Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, John Calvin, the Quakers, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Martin Luther King. 3 hrs. sem. (RELI 0130, RELI 0190, or by approval)