St. Augustine Western Just War

St. Augustine was a fifth century Bishop of Hippo. He is credited with building the foundation of Christian just war theory. He describes that individuals of Christianity do not have authority to resort to violence if only themselves or property are threatened. Though these Christians should be compelled to protect innocents who are being attacked. Even if it means sacrificing themselves in the process. Augustine’s just war teachings were developed from old Roman legal tradition. The right of authority is vested with the state. Those who fall under the car of the state are expected to bear arms in defense of all under this car. There were also strict limits on how many wars could be fought. Augustine’s teachings combined with other philosophies and became what is now known as Western just war tradition (102).
Medieval Christians molded Augustinian categories into the current form jus ad bellum and jus in bello (103). The first being categories of determining under what circumstances it is justifiable to go to war and the second is just conduct during war. Of course, there is no just war, while these theories of behavior are guidelines, even just wars tend to develop into totals wars quickly. Protestant and Catholic groups have recognized these problems and have shown interest in returning to pacifistic teachings