In his talk about the act of mankind waging war on another as a moral issue, William Bennet discusses the reasons why war is justified. He notes that the bible preaches pacifism in its purest form, however, there are times when force is necessary. The discussion of St. Thomas Aquinas, in particular, notes the author’s intentions and motivations underlying this paper. It is obvious that the author is opposed to unjust and unfair war, whether it follows the doctrine of Jus ad Bellum. Later in the essay, however, there is one point that sticks out in my mind more than anything. He says “To the best of my knowledge, the Lion has yet to lay down with his lamb.” He notes that even in nature war and predators are necessary and exist in its simplest form: survival. He actually preaches the art of war when necessary. I completely and wholly agree with his statement. There are inexcusable instances in which war must be waged. For example, the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center. The sheer brutality, premeditation, and intentions are more than just causes for war.
As an overall note, war is not the answer. There are certain circumstances in which it must be waged. Ignorance to this fact is far worse than war. However, as an overall note, makind is the only species to wage war on itself. This phenomenon is mind-boggling to me. Ending on the note of the lion and the lamb, there is a need to notice that the lion and the lamb have a difference in their relationship that the author does not understand. They fight for survival, where one eats and the other is sacrificed for survival. The war caused by humans is for others to view the world in their light. The Christian crusades were carried out to convert nonbelievers to Christianity, and those who refused to convert were killed. The attack on September 11 was to emphasize that the Americans are different in their religious views and the view of others in the world as inferiors and we stick our noses where they need not belong being stuck. Mankind does not kill for survival, they kill for power and reverence.
Dan, I liked how you brought in the author's idea of the lion and the lamb and explained it. You also make a good point at the end where you say "The attack on September 11 was to emphasize that the Americans are different in their religious views and the view of others in the world as inferiors and we stick our noses where they need not belong being stuck. Mankind does not kill for survival, they kill for power and reverence." I don't really agree with this statement but I think it is worded well and enjoyable to read. I think a main reason for the September 11th attack was we accept plurality. We don't allow only one religion, we don't only allow one cheer at soccer games, we allow women to vote, drive cars, speak in public, and we don't stone them when we do.
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