Wisdom for the Wilderness
April 14, 2026

When Is War Just? Just War Theory and the Conflict with Iran

In this timely and weighty episode, Pastors Zack and Josh explore just war theory—a historic Christian framework for thinking about when (and how) war can be morally justified in a broken, sinful world. Drawing from Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Romans 13,...

In this timely and weighty episode, Pastors Zack and Josh explore just war theory—a historic Christian framework for thinking about when (and how) war can be morally justified in a broken, sinful world. Drawing from Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Romans 13, and the Sermon on the Mount, they walk through the classic criteria of justice before war, during war, and after war.

As the podcast releases roughly 44–45 days into Operation Epic Fury (the U.S. and Israeli campaign against Iran that began February 28, 2026), the conversation applies these principles to real headlines: preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, targeting military capabilities while minimizing civilian harm, the challenges of fighting an apocalyptic ideology, and the high cost of conflict (including U.S. casualties and tragic civilian losses).

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The pastors emphasize that Christians are not warmongers—we should be among the hardest to convince to go to war and the most eager to pray for peace and human flourishing. Yet in a fallen world where evil exists and governments bear the sword (Romans 13), sometimes force is a tragic necessity to protect the innocent and restrain wickedness. True peace is the goal of any just war.

Whether you’re wrestling with current events, military service, or how to pray amid global conflict, this episode offers biblical clarity without simplistic answers.