The Kirk Cameron Show Episode War in the Middle East: What Does the Bible Say? | The Kirk Cameron Show Ep 117
Mar 6, 2026
A look at how Scripture addresses war, contrasting Old Testament commands with Jesus’ call to love enemies. A clear rundown of just war theory and its criteria like proportionality and last resort. Discussion of Romans 13 and government authority to defend. Exploration of sin as the root of conflict and the kingdom of Christ as the ultimate vision of peace.
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Biblical Shift From Commanded Wars To Peacemaking
- The Bible presents different frameworks for war across eras, with Old Testament commanded wars tied to specific historical contexts and New Testament focusing on Jesus' call to love enemies and peacemaking.
- Kirk Cameron contrasts divinely commissioned conquest in Israel's past with Jesus' teachings like turn the other cheek to show the shift in emphasis.
Core Criteria Of Just War Theory
- Just war theory, developed by Augustine and Aquinas, sets moral criteria for warfare: just cause, legitimate authority, last resort, and proportionality.
- Cameron cites the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence as examples of documenting tried alternatives before resorting to force.
Recognize Government Duty To Punish Evil
- Support government responsibility to maintain order because Romans 13 assigns civil authorities the role to 'bear the sword' and punish evildoers.
- Cameron interprets Romans 13 as permission for governments to enact justice, including capital punishment when necessary.