Christians and the Just War Theory

Most Christians so far don't get it with regards to a non-interventionist foreign policy, and when war is justified. I think one strategy is to speak to Christians from what the Bible teaches about war.

Its time to ask, "what is the right foreign policy for America from a biblical world view"? Two prevailing Christian views over the last 1600 years are the pacifist view (war under no circumstances), and the just war theory. I am not going to analyze the Pacifist view as most republicans do not believe in this interpretation, nor do I. However let us look at the criteria laid down for going to war according to the just war theory. It is as follows.
Within Just War Theory there is a seven-fold criteria, and ALL criteria must be upheld.

1. There must be a just cause. All aggression is condemned in Just War Theory. Participation in war must be prompted by a just cause or a defensive cause. No war of unprovoked aggression can ever be justified.

Preemptive war can be legitimate in some circumstances, according to Just War Theory, if it is known that a grave act of aggression is imminent. If a government knows that their nation or another is about to become a victim, it can act to prevent the injustice before it takes place.

2. Just intention. The war must have a right intention to secure a fair peace for all parties involved. One must have just motives for going into war.

3. It is a last resort. Other means of resolution such as diplomacy and economic pressure must have been reasonably exhausted before war.

4. Formal declaration. The war must be initiated with formal declaration by a properly constituted authority. Only governments can declare war, not individuals or militias or terrorist organizations—only governments.

5. Limited objectives. Securing peace is the purpose and objective in going to war. War must be engaged in such a way that when peace is attained, hostilities cease.

6. Proportionate means. Combatant forces of the opposition may not be subjected to greater harm than is necessary to secure victory and peace.

7. Noncombatant immunity. Military forces must respect individuals and groups not participating in the conflict and must abstain from attacking them.

I contend that our recent wars do not honor the just war theory. Note that preemptive war is only for an imminent threat to our nation, which has not been the case for most of our recent wars. If you believe in the just war theory interpretation of the Bible's teachings, then its time to take a hard look at when its proper to go to war. Don't let the media, TV, talk radio, presidential candidates define this for you. Let God define this, and let your answers come from careful prayer, a humble spirit, and an open discussion.