Speak Up for Just War or Pacifism: A Critique of the United Methodist Bishops’ Pastoral Letter In Defense of Creation

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Paul Ramsey’s provocative criticism sets the United Methodist bishops’ peace pastoral in the context of a much broader discussion of the church’s role in society. He reminds us, as he has done before, that good intentions also require clear thinking about where one stands in a tradition. Stanley Hauerwas’ epilogue, written from a quite different pacifist perspective, accents the scope of Ramsey’s issues. Speak Up for Just War or Pacifism should be of interest to everyone who cares about how churches think about public issues. –Robin W. Lovin, The University of Chicago Paul Ramsey offers a can-exploding critique of the particulars of the Methodist document and, in so doing, elaborates many of the broad insights into just war theory that have characterized his work over the years. His contrast of ‘In Defense of Creation’ with the Catholic Bishops’ pastoral ‘The Challenge of Peace’ is especially helpful. The book is excellent both as a guide to current debates and as a general introduction to Christian ethical reflection on war and peace. It ought to be welcomed by pacifists and exponents of just war alike. –Timothy P. Jackson, Yale University