War and violence remain contentious topics in global politics, particularly regarding military actions and interrogation techniques. The debate over justifiable warfare methods has persisted throughout history, from the Philippines conflict to modern counterterrorism efforts.

Research shows that groups tend to dismiss or forget controversial actions committed by their own side through "motivated forgetting," a psychological phenomenon that helps explain why nations often justify their wartime activities while condemning similar actions by others.

The fundamental causes of war stem from human nature itself. As described in James 4:1-3, warfare often originates from desires, passions, and the inability to obtain what one wants through peaceful means.

Common elements of warfare include:

• Civilian and military casualties
• Information manipulation and propaganda
• Sexual violence
• Theft and destruction of property

While nations attempt to establish rules of engagement and define war crimes, there's no truly ethical way to conduct warfare. The belief that violence can resolve human conflicts fundamentally contradicts principles of peace and justice.

Modern nations maintain military forces out of perceived necessity for survival, viewing armed conflict as unavoidable in international relations. However, this approach fails to address the root causes of human conflict.

The biblical perspective suggests a future where nations "beat their swords into plowshares" (Micah 4:3), indicating a transformation from warfare to peaceful coexistence. This vision emphasizes that sustainable peace requires fundamental changes in human attitudes and governance.

Rather than waiting for global peace, individuals can choose to embrace peaceful conflict resolution and reject the cycle of violence that perpetuates warfare.

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