In this episode I discuss how Christians need to think critically about collateral damage in war. Inspired by the recent outbreak of war in Iran, in which many believers flippantly dismiss the deaths of innocent noncombatants, including little girls, there is no Biblical, ethical, or theological justification for collateral damage. I explain how my views on this issue developed over time and how Christians must embrace the post-national identity of Abraham’s family and the obvious consequences of Genesis 1:26-28 in which all humans are created in God’s image and likeness. Being born on the wrong side of an imaginary line doesn’t change that reality. I talk about the problems of just war theory with respect to modern warfare, the hypocrisy of Americans who will justify the death of foreign women and children while claiming we must always defend American women and children, the problem of war in the Old Testament, and how Christians must be morally and intellectually consistent, always defending the rights and value of all human life. In short, there is no Christian justification for collateral damage. 

Media Referenced:

Calhoun on the Just War Theory: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/critique-of-the-just-war-theory-laurie-calhoun/ 

Ballard on Old Testament Violence: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-193-the-problem-of-old-testament-violence-with-jordan-ballard/ 

Genesis 3: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-232-genesis-35-and-the-problem-of-power/

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

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