An Article That Addresses Just War Theory and the War in Iraq

Colonel Franklin Eric Wester is an Army Reserve Chaplain, a Lutheran pastor, and the holder of three Master's degrees, including two in theology and one in Strategic Studies. He also happens to be someone I have known for twenty-five years.

Recently, in the journal of the Army War College, Wester published an article in which he seeks to show that the war in Iraq does not conform to the traditional Christian standards found in what is called just war theory.

Whether one agrees with him or not, Eric brings credentials, credibility, an exemplary commitment to Christ, and an undeniable love of country to this discussion and is worthy of fair-minded hearing. Interestingly, in this article from the Saint Louis Post-Dispatch, Eric says that his Army colleagues have been civil and respectful in their discussions with him...something we all could emulate when dealing with hot-button issues.

Formerly, Eric served at the Pentagon itself and in fact, was serving there when the building was attacked on September 11, 2001. Subsequently, he played a role in the development of the chapel constructed there in memory of the attack's victims.