Judaism and Just war theory

Philosophy Forums Religion and Spirituality
1

I’ve been given the task of finding answers and answering them out loud in class when my professor asks, this is my job for tomorrow at least. I’ve been given many things to look up and answer, but this question I’ve found a conunundrum.

“What is the view of war found in early Judaism? Do they have a Just War doctrine?”

Of course by Just War this means the Just War doctrine, not that their war is just.

I feel on one hand some of the earlier prophets like Moses used the Just War theory, but this wasn’t around as my reading guide says in the early world.

So the answer to the second question would be yes and no in a sense right? It’s almost opinionated.

I mean how do you go about answering this question as a Christian? Ucci? Have an answer?

I have a feeling I could just answer it how he wants it answered, but because of my beliefs I feel I must stand and defend…, but that will take many hours of developing an argument for a class of 30 atheist at least… a sheep among the wolves, pretty sure my sheperd will help me however.

2

Well, we ain’t supposed to help folks with their homework here, it’s in the rules. All I’ll say is, go with the Judiasm that Jews believe in, and your professor can’t give you too hard of a time. That should be a big hint as far as where to look for info.

3

It depends on the type of atheist… although I have a strange feeling I’m an exception to that rule.