The Christian Attitude Toward War

by Loraine Boettner

Sometimes we hear it said that all war is wrong-wrong for the defenders as well as for the aggressors-and that even when waged with sincere purpose of restraining evil, it tends to produce greater evils than those against which it is directed. It was in response to that view that Loraine Boettner wrote this compelling volume, first published in 1940. Now in an updated, third edition, Dr. Boettner brings biblical and historical data to bear upon issues of mounting condern, such What causes war; the relationship between military and police force; can there be a just war; the premises of pacifism; the consequences of war; the limits of obedience to the government; war as judgment on nations; nuclear weapons. Boettners crisp analysis of these and other issues makes this book a valuable and enduring statement on the ever-crucial matters of war and peace.

Genres: Politics, Theology, Christian

102 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1985

About the author

Loraine Boettner (1901-1990) was a Reformed Theologian, born on a farm in Linden, Missouri. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from Tarkio College in 1925, he attended Princeton Theological Seminary where he studied Systematic Theology under Dr. Casper W. Hodge and received his Th.B. (1928) and Th.M. (1929). He taught Bible for eight years in Pikeville College, Kentucky. In 1933 he received the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Tarkio College, and in 1957 the degree of Doctor of Literature. He was a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.
From 1958 until his death in 1990, Dr. Boettner lived a quite life in Rock Port, Missouri. For the remaining 32 years of his life, he generously sold his books at cost to any who wrote to ask for them. In doing so, Boettner made good conservative theology readily available at a time when such material was often difficult to come by. Through his writings, he served to popularize the Reformed faith and influenced literally tens of thousands of men and women around the world.

Reviews

[Adam Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very much a product of its time, focused on the threat of Communism, and not very well-argued either. TL;DR He really didn't like pacifists.

[Devin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly critiques Christian pacifism, showing its error from the Bible. His main concern was the Soviet Union and the spread of Communism, which was a serious threat when this book was written. Good and wise at times, but there were times when I started skimming and speed reading. This book is also about 50% political; at times the Bible was barely referenced, and he was just summarizing historical events that led up to the cold war.

[Joshua Horn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems mostly intended to rebut arguments for Christian pacifism. I was hoping for more handling of the doctrine of just war, but was disappointed. On what it does cover, I think Boettner does a pretty good job. There are sections that were very much addressing the current Cold War political situation. Some of that is interesting, some has little relevance, and some hasn't aged well.

[Peter Kiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I simply like Boettner's writing, so I always enjoy reading it. I agreed with most everything, even though I wished the book was more scriptural and more practical. I didn't agree with his views on interventionism, and I think Bahnsen did a better job forming a coherent just war theory that is very easy to apply.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pretty antiquated. First published in 1940. Read: before WWII. Much better and more current stuff exists. Try War and the Christian Conscience (2005, Joseph J. Fahey).