Just War :: Essays Papers

Just War What makes a near contend? As you ponder this question, you ask yourself is there really a square up answer? The word just contradicts every aspect of war. Can a chaotic and brutal event, such(prenominal) as warfare, be guided by reason and cleanness? During the height of the 12th and 13th century in Europe it was thought that every war should be fought for a just cause. It was during this time that the concept of gallantry arose, creating a sense of echt and civil conduct expected among knights. Knights were to feel a personal obligation to the creaky and defenseless elements of their familiarity. Therefore it became a knights duty to fight off anyone make harm to the helpless people of his society. The notion of fighting for the substantially of society thus became a just cause for war. The ideas of valiance came about by the church in an effort to Christianize the military. The church made a knight take an oath that his sword may be a defense of churches, widows, orphans, and of all those who were not entitled to bear arms. Books were also written that marked out the rules of chivalry in more detail such as The Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem and The Order of distressing Knights of Christ. The books stated things like, protect churches and ecclesiastical property, deprive women, non-noble children under the age of fourteen, and unarmed clergy peasants engaged in their labors. The rules of chivalry gave a purpose to fighting. War was proficient because it was for the protection of helpless people. Those who fought for the good of society were fighting for a good and just cause and would be looked highly upon in the eyes of God. The rules of chivalry also applied to the other side of warfare. Knights who were fighting had to follow honorable rules when dealing with the enemy. A chivalrous knight would not harm the swooning or the defenseless people during warfare. In this way war became fai r because only the armed would fight. The rules of chivalry became commonly understood social laws. Knights followed the rules of chivalry because it made them honorable, good men and pleased the Lord.