Augustine

Just Statecraft and the Problem of “Peace”

The pursuit of Augustine’s idea of “tranquillitas ordinis” (tranquility of order) is the ultimate purpose of just war theory and just statecraft

The Innocence of Pilate, the Guilt of Humanity

Jesus “suffered under Pontius Pilate,” but how much blame does the Roman governor of Judea really deserve?

Cultural Sanctification in 50 AD and 2024 AD

Christians today are understandably concerned about an increasingly hostile culture, but we should recall the early church’s response to the Roman Empire’s even more hostile culture

Judas' betrayal of Jesus shows that Divine love is willing to give human beings despite the risks, because love must be free
The Holy Week Reader—Wednesday: Volo Ut Sis

Christ’s treatment of Judas, despite his betrayal, illustrates the Divine Love that was willing to bring human beings into being despite the risks. Because that’s what love does.

Eric Patterson Christianity & National Security 2023

Eric Patterson’s lecture at Christianity & National Security 2023.

Eric Patterson discusses the just war tradition, the Augustine nature of Christian realism, and international order. The following is a transcript of the event.

“Proportionality” and Israel’s Plight

The difference between immoral revenge and lawful retribution is in the principle of proportionality

HR 1009: Subordinating Military Power to Politics

We can be grateful for Congressman McNerney reminding us that force serves politics and not the other way around.

The Danger of Revolutionary Idealism: the Violence of Collectivism

The Rise of Violent, Revolutionary Ideology in the 20th Century and its Christian Realist Tonic.

Neville Chamberlain declaring peace in his time: September 30, 1938
The Folly of Wishful Thinking Idealism: the Indwelling Sin of All Men

Wishful Thinking Idealism, unlike Christian Realism, believes that everyone, even competition, is fundamentally reasonable.