In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland reflects on the ongoing reality of war and offers a thoughtful critique of Just War Theory, a framework long embraced by both Catholic and Protestant traditions.

Beginning with the classical principles of Just War as articulated by Thomas Aquinas and developed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Derek acknowledges the theory’s historical role in restraining violence. At its best, Just War thinking treats war as tragic but permissible only under strict conditions. But Derek raises a critical question: even if it limits war, does it also legitimize it?

Drawing from Scripture, church history, and personal experience, Derek explores how the coming of Jesus reframes the conversation about violence. Jesus’ teachings to love your enemies, turn the other cheek, and put away the sword radically reorient how with think about war. The question is no longer “When is war justified?” but “What does faithfulness to Jesus look like in a world shaped by war?”

This episode challenges listeners to reconsider long-held assumptions and to take seriously the possibility that the way of Jesus calls us beyond justified violence toward a life shaped by nonviolence, peacemaking, and costly love.

Key Takeaways

• Just War Theory has historically functioned to limit violence but may also legitimize it.

• The criteria for “just war” are often interpreted by those who benefit from war.

• Jesus reframes violence through the perspective of enemy love and nonviolence.

• The early church consistently leaned away from violence in its witness.

• Just War Theory can shrink our moral imagination by keeping war as an available option.

• Christian discipleship calls us to ask what is faithful, not merely what is justifiable.

Scriptures Mentioned

• Galatians 3:24

• Matthew 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount)

• Isaiah 2

Resources Mentioned

Article: Questioning the Just War Assumption by Derek Vreeland

https://missioalliance.org/questioning-the-just-war-assumption/

Safeguarding Peace from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops

https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/war-and-peace/excerpts-from-catechism-of-the-catholic-church-safeguarding-peace-1997

A Field Guide to Christian Nonviolence edited by David C. Cramer & Myles Werntz

Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by:

Leaving a review

Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app

Sharing this episode with a friend

Order Derek's new Bible Study Series, God in the Neighborhood:

Book 1: Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us || https://amzn.to/42jSZAs

Book 2: Crucifixion: 8 Lessons on How God Saves Us || https://amzn.to/459bNUk

Book 3: Resurrection: 8 Lessons on How God Restores Us || https://amzn.to/40T0sp0

Check out the Merch Store: derekvreeland.com/merch

Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: derekvreeland.com

Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook