Exploring Catholic Social Teaching

Just War
LESSON 11
Suggested Grade Levels
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5th–8th grade
Learning Goals
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Original Justice is the original state of human
beings before sin, which was lost due to the
Original Sin.
War causes terrible human suffering. Public
officials and all citizens must do all they can
to avoid war.
War, which is the result of sin, can
sometimes be unavoidable. In that case,
the Church offers guidance called Just War
Doctrine.
The moral law does not change or vanish
because of war.
Peace is the stability and security of a just
order. True peace comes from Jesus Christ,
who reconciled us to the Father. He justifies
us (or makes just our relationship with God).
At the end of time, Jesus’s kingdom will come
in all its fullness and perfect justice will be
restored.
Connection to the
Catechism of the
Catholic Church
ӹ CCC 672
ӹ CCC 1909
ӹ CCC 2309
ӹ CCC 2327
ӹ CCC 2328-2329
Vocabulary
ӹ Original Justice
ӹ Just War Doctrine
BIBLICAL TOUCHSTONES
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is
given: and the government shall be upon his
shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting
Father, The Prince of Peace.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be
called children of God.
MATTHEW 5:9
ISAIAH 9:6 (KJV)
EXPLORING CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING, lesson 11
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