Augustine of Hippo, Just War, and Righteous Use of Police Force
A balanced article on a controversial topic
Daniel Reinhardt, a retired police officer and scholar of leadership and law enforcement ethics, has written a very helpful article applying Augustinian just war theory to appropriate use of force by law enforcement offices.
Here’s a snapshot from his article:
Just war was an evolving concept in the fourth century…, and while certainly not a pacifist, Augustine rejected the idea that war in the new age of Christianity should resemble the warfare depicted in the Old Testament; the Christian era impelled an adjustment. However, Augustine was not confused about the implications of humanity and sin. He realized the current age was not the final consummation of the Christian Kingdom, and therefore, war was still a sad and necessary reality in the world of fallen humanity…. Because Augustine acknowledged the necessity of war, he concentrated on the intentions for and actions in war. He dismissed any idea of warmongering, believing war must have a just cause whereby warfare could not be separated from justice, and in some sense needed to reflect righteousness.
If you are interested in thinking theologically about issues related to police use of force, you will find this article to be particularly helpful.
To read the rest of the article, click here: “Just Policing and Mercy: Capturing the Ethical Dimension of Deadly Force Assessments.”