WW2

is the classic example and I agree with you that it is an argument that largely emerged after the events. We were incredulous of the claims of Jewish persecution in advance of the war and indeed during its early stages.

The theologically just war was an invention of Augustine which assisted Christianity to co-exist with the Roman Empire after Constantine had become a Chrisitan and wanted to make the religion official. It was a bit awkward that up until then Christians had been rather radical pacifists and therefore weren't keen on fighting for the emperor. Augustine's theory of the just war enabled the conflict between faith and state to be brushed under the carpet.

Posted By: Old Git, May 6, 16:49:05