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211A Humanities Colloquy

Lloyd Kneeland Jr

PSY 100A: Foundational Elements of Psychology

Warner Pacific University

November 18, 2021

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Reflection on War and Peace

In this paper, the writer will reflect on where they are on the spectrum of just war and

pacifism and how others’ beliefs on the topic challenge their own perspective.

Just War.

Where I stand on just war theory is one that I stand by from the beginning, I am for the

just war theory. As I have stated at the beginning of this course, I knew nothing about the just

war theory. I have learned a lot about the origins and purpose of the theory, and I stand by it.

This might be contradictory to my Christian belief, but I am not an individual that can stand by

and watch others suffer and be harmed.

I do agree with Jus ad Bellum, Jus in Bello, and just post Bellum. The reason for the

actions taken during and the plan to maintain peace after the war are extremely important. I also

know that many of the criteria that are within this order can be manipulated and worded in ways

that can be justifiable even when they might not be. As in all things, there is no perfect solution,

and sometimes it comes down to what is the lesser of two evils.

I wish that I was able to give a solution to such a difficult issue and that in a world that is

plagued with so much violence, that it could learn to settle differences through a nonviolent

process. I do not see that as a reality in my lifetime, and so if I am to be asked where I stand, I

would reply that I stand with the decision that my state makes to intervene and if I was called

upon to take part in these decisions, then I would do my part an follow through with what I

believe in.
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Pacifism

Nonviolence and pacifism sound good to me. Although I do not see how one is to protect

themselves from violent actions without using violence themselves. Protecting our country is

essential. If I were to picture what it would be like going to war, I foresee a people with an

intention to conquer and take away all that our nation stands for. They would want to overthrow

our government, and we lose all the freedom that we have worked so hard to bring into existence

and to maintain with many losses.

There are countries out there that have very unreasonable leaders. Some may even go as

far as saying evil. How do we communicate with evil? In Arguing about War, Walzer talks about

terrorism and the reasons that acts of terrorism happen; one reason is that the country we are

dealing with is evil, such as Al Qaeda. How does one respond in a nonviolent way? I can respect

and understand that living in the word of God is to love thy neighbor and never react in violence.

To love God's people regardless of their ways or choices. As a Christian, I learned the word of

God, and as I said, I can respect that Christians are nonviolent. I wish the world worked that way

and we could resolve all of our issues with nonviolence, but I do not see that as a reality.