The Morality of War – Episode 10

Bio - Who is Brent?

Many places have been devastated by the experience of war over the past century. The threat of war looms large for still more nations. In this age of globalization it is impossible to ignore the question of the morality of war: its necessity, its power, and its effects. We discuss these issues with Major Brent Beardsley…

Major Brent Beardsley has served for 27 years as an Infantry Officer in the Royal Canadian Regiment of the Canadian Army. In 1993-1994, he served as General Romeo Dallaire’s personal staff officer in the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda, before and during the genocide in Rwanda. He is the co-author of General Dallaire’s bestselling memoir Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda (Toronto: Random House of Canada, 2003). Since his service in Rwanda, Major Beardsley has served as the Chief Instructor at the Canadian Forces Peace Support Training Centre, preparing the next generation of Canadian soldiers for service in the complex conflict environments confronting Canada in a strife torn world. Major Beardsley is currently serving as a research officer at the Canadian Forces Leadership Institute at the Canadian Defence Academy, while completing a Masters of Arts degree in War Studies focusing on genocide and humanitaria intervention. This is a man of service, indeed!

• How do I understand the value of justice, alongside peace?
  Read Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2304-2309
• What does it mean for me to become a “peacemaker”?
  Since we have not reached the fullness of God’s Kingdom, the threat of war continues to be part of our human condition. Nevertheless, we can further this kingdom here on earth by becoming peacemakers. This is done through our participation in public forums of witness such as marches, vigils, and writing to elected politicians. We can educate ourselves on justice issues which promote peace. For example, the World Day of Peace messages (links to some of these below) begun by Paul VI in 1968 were faithfully continued by John Paul II. These efforts can help us to act collectively in humanitarian efforts. Finally, prayer and fasting are essential in becoming peacemakers.
• Can one achieve justice and peace without the use of military force? Read Centesimus Annus, 21.
  And Evangelium Vitae, 56.
• What are the seeds of war (not “just war”) in my life?
  Read Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2302-2303.

• John XXIII’s Encyclical Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth)
• John Paul II’s Speech on Peace and Inter-religious Dialogue: Working to Build a More United World - 21 September 2000
• Relationship between peace and poverty: XXVI World Day of Peace, 1993
• Relationship between justice and peace: XXXI World Day of Peace, 1998
• “No Peace Without Justice, No Justice Without Forgiveness”: XXXV World Day of Peace, 2002