Is this War a Just War?

"Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?"

-Luke 14:31 ESV

The news this week has been focused primarily on the war breaking out in the Middle East. Many are wondering: Is this war just? (For a more thorough article on the different views on whether war is biblical, please click here.)

The just war theory is one of the most common viewpoints on whether war is biblical. Though wars are often complex and nuanced, here are 10 quick ways to help determine if a war is a just war.

10 Characteristics of a Just War:

1. We should have the right motives. Why are we moving towards a war?

2. We should have the right attitude. We should never delight in the death of humans (though we are thankful for justice and grateful that evil is restrained). Do we see death as sad and regrettable?

3. We should desire peace and seek to avoid war (if possible). Is war the best pathway to peace? Or does it seem like war is desired more than peace?

4. War should be the last resort. Have we exhausted all of our options?

5. We should have a just cause for a war. What has the opponent done which justifies a war?

6. It should be obvious that the opponents are morally wrong.

7. There should be a probability of success.

8. We should use proportionality when force is needed.

9. We should distinguish between soldiers and civilians.

10. We should not treat captured people in an evil manner.

Now, obviously, we aren't always privy to the information that we need to answer these questions completely. Nevertheless, there is often enough information available to answer these questions partially. So, with this criteria in mind: Is this war a just war?