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Of course, all of this presupposes solid intelligence and the goodwill of U.S. and Western leaders. I find it hard to believe that any President, aware of the awesome consequences of his decision and of the swiftness of second-guessing in a liberal democracy, would act recklessly.

Christians should remember that the just-war doctrine is not grounded in revenge, punishment, or even justice. Thomas Aquinas discussed it in Summa Theologica—not in the section on justice but in the section on charity (that is, the love of God). As Christian scholar Darrell Cole writes, "The Christian who fails to use force to aid his neighbor when prudence dictates that force is the best way to render that aid is an uncharitable Christian. Hence Christians who willingly and knowingly refuse to engage in a just war … fail to show love towards their neighbor as well as towards God."

Out of love of neighbor, then, Christians can and should support a preemptive strike, if ordered by the appropriate magistrate to prevent an imminent attack.

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A ready-to-download Bible Study on this article is available at ChristianBibleStudies.com. These unique Bible studies use articles from current issues of Christianity Today to prompt thought-provoking discussions in adult Sunday school classes or small groups.

Previous Christianity Today articles and commentary on the possible war with Iraq include:

Bully CulpritCan a pre-emptive strike against the tyrant of Baghdad be justified? (Sept. 30, 2001)

Christian Leaders Respond to Bush's National Security StrategyThe White House outlines foreign policy in a changing world. (September 25, 2002)

Is Attacking Iraq Moral?Christian leaders disagree, too. (September 4, 2002)

Last Month, Christianity Today Associate News Editor Stan Guthrie reported on the plight of Iraqi Christians.

Recent Charles Colson columns for Christianity Today include:

A Clan of One's OwnHacking through the jungle of identity politics. (Oct. 9, 2002)

The Wages of SecularismNew laws won't prevent another Enron. (June 4, 2002)

More Doctrine, Not LessWe need to proclaim truth to a truth-impaired generation. (April 15, 2001)

Post-Truth SocietyThe recent trend of lying is no accident. (March 4, 2002)

Drawing the Battle LinesWe need to be informed and discerning about the Islamic worldview. (Jan. 9, 2002)

Wake-up CallIf September 11 was a divine warning, it's God's people who are being warned. (Nov. 5, 2001)

The New TyrannyBiotechnology threatens to turn humanity into raw material. (Oct. 5, 2001)

Merchants of CoolWe should be angry that the media hawks violence and that parents allow it. (June 6, 2001)

Slouching into SlothThe XFL is but the latest sign of the coarsening of our culture. (Apr. 17, 2001)

Checks and (out of) BalanceMoral truth is in jeopardy when the courts enter the business of making law. (Feb. 27, 2001)

Pander PoliticsPoll-driven elections turn voters into self-seeking consumers.(Jan. 3, 2001)

Neighborhood OutpostChanging a culture takes more than politics. (Nov.8, 2000)

MAD No MoreIn this post-Cold War era, it's time to rethink our nation's defensive strategy. (Sept. 27, 2000)

Salad-Bar ChristianityToo many believers pick and choose their own truths. (Aug. 8, 2000)

A Healthy 'Cult'A lively response by one unusual audience shows how God's power transforms culture. (June 12, 2000)

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December 9 2002, Vol. 46, No. 13