Lines in the Sand: Justice and the Gulf War [Paperback]

Alan Geyer (Author), Barbara G. Green (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1992

Based on the debates of bishops, church councils, and scholars who reflected on policy alternatives and invoked theological and ethical perspectives on the Gulf crisis, Lines in the Sand focuses on moral issues surrounding the Persian Gulf War. Alan Geyer and Barbara Green present a penetrating case study of foreign policy, military policy, moral argument, and religious discourse, while arguing that the "just war" tradition offers only partial aid for Christian reflection in matters of war and peace.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The authors of this sharply defined book come from backgrounds of religious activism and thus examine the Gulf War from an ethical perspective. They use the just war theory as a framework for analyzing the actions of the United States prior to, during, and after that war. Geyer and Green also subject this theory to a critical analysis so as to reveal the ethical lapses and just war rationalizations that abounded at the time of the Gulf War. Two chapters explore just cause and reveal the deeper role the United States played in the Iran-Iraq war and in approving Saddam Hussein's actions up to the invasion of Kuwait, at which point the United States focused on his invasion as the "cause" of the war. The authors also examine war aims, peace efforts (or the lack thereof), war powers, and expectations of victory to reveal their ethical ambiguities. This well-crafted book provides a superb summation of the ethical arguments about U.S. policy and strategy in the Gulf War. The unreflective war patriotism and victory euphoria of many Americans show why this book is so valuable and necessary. Highly recommended.
- Richard B. Finnegan, Stonehill Coll., North Easton, Mass.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Alan Geyer is Professor Emeritus of Political Ethics and Ecumenics at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Barbara G. Green is Executive Director of the Churches' Center for Theology and Public Policy in Washington, D.C. as well as a Senior Advisor for Faithful Security. She served as Associate for Peacemaking Issues for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in its Washington office for fifteen years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1st edition (February 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664253016
• ISBN-13: 978-0664253011
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,169,070 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Just war" doctrine with historical context, March 27, 2001

By 

truthseeker (Arlington, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lines in the Sand: Justice and the Gulf War (Paperback)

The authors apply the Christian doctrine of a "just war," together with the often neglected historical context, to arrive at conclusions quite different from those presented by major media. In the opinion of this Muslim, the Christian doctrine seems very similar to Islamic teaching regarding issues of war, peace, and the treatment of non-combatants. Indeed, Islam may help fill some of the gaps the authors found in applying the Christian doctrine. I recommend the book highly to those seeking to investigate the morality of the Gulf War, or simply to get a good introduction to it.