Description
Book SynopsisIn Recovering Christian Realism, H. David Baer interprets just war theory as political ethic concerned with the moral administration of power. He argues that contemporary just war theorists, by debating the finer points of individual criteria, have lost sight of the theory of politics that gives rise to just war thinking in the first place. Baer attempts to relocate just war theory within the tradition of Christian realism in order to develop an ethic capable of addressing the uses of power. He argues the just war criteria unfold from a description of the political act, one which harnesses power to peace and points the way toward an ethic of armed force and international relations.
Trade ReviewBaer's argument is accessible even without a specialist's familiarity with just-war discussions. . . .This book is informative, insightful, and provocative. * Lutheran Quarterly *
In an argument that is both concise and probing, David Baer refocuses discussion of an ethic of just war by locating it within a Christian understanding of politics and power. He not only reorients discussions of justice in war that have become somewhat predictable, but in so doing he also makes theological reflection relevant to some of the most important and intractable problems of relations between nation-states. The argument has both breadth and bite, and it will repay a careful reading. -- Gilbert Meilaender, Valparaiso University
Baer presents a sure-footed and clear-minded journey through the most important recent Christian responses to just war theory with his own imaginative fine-tuning of that theory. A much needed update of a just war ethic in the Niebuhrian theological tradition. -- Robert Benne, Roanoke College
This interesting work ties together very timely elements in such a way that could inspire further valuable lines of thinking about theology, war, and politics. While there are numerous books on these topics, Baer deals with all in one volume and this book stands out in its important and distinctive approach. -- Tobias Winright, Hubert Mäder Chair of Health Care Ethics, Saint Louis University
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Power, Peace, and the Just War Ethic Chapter 2: The Criterion of Legitimate Authority: Describing the Political Act Chapter 3: The Criterion of Just Cause: The Limits on Government’s International Jurisdiction Chapter 4: The Criterion of Just Intention: The Pursuit of Peace and International Order Chapter 5: Justice In Bello: Applying the Principle of Discrimination Chapter 6: The Just War Ethic and the Nature of Christian Realism
