Cage Free Theology
"Cage Free Theology" is a weekly Bible Q&A discussion with two Baptist, Calvinist, and Premillennial, pastors.
As Spurgeon said, there's no need to defend a lion in a cage; simply open the cage door and the lion will fend for itself! We don't defend a preconceived system of theology, we just let the Bible speak for itself, and we go wherever a literal hermeneutic takes us.
The hosts are pastors Clint Archer (MDiv, ThM, DMin, PhD) and Will Brannon (MDiv, DMin), based at Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama.
They both trained at The Master's Seminary and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and between the two of them they have nearly 30 years of full-time ministry experience. Much of that has involved fielding questions from new believers, old believers, and unbelievers, and then sharing what the Bible has to say on a wide array of topics.
They will cover subjects with their engaging and light-hearted banter, including explaining theology, offering interpretations of various difficult Bible passages, discussing counseling scenarios, and even the nuts and bolts of ministry and expository preaching. (Clint occasionally digresses about how animals should live cage-free while Will reminds him of the appeal of meat!)
Each episode addresses one main question, without rambling or irrelevant interjections, to equip listeners to answer questions they have, or questions they get asked by friends. Subscribers get to send in their questions too!
Jesus came to set us free, so beware of manmade cages!
Cage Free Theology
Episode #069: Is War Ever Just? The Just War Theory
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode of Cage-Free Theology, Clint Archer and Will Brannon tackle a complex ethical dilemma within the Christian faith: Is war ever just? While war is always a result of a fallen world, the guys explore the historical and biblical framework known as Just War Theory. From the ancient writings of Augustine and Aquinas to modern-day applications in the military and personal self-defense, this conversation dives deep into the principles that govern when a nation should go to war (Jus ad bellum) and how that war should be conducted (Jus in bello).
Key Discussion Points:
-The Framework of Justice: Breaking down the seven core principles of Just War, including just cause, last resort, and competent authority.
-Proportionality & Success: Why a just war requires a realistic definition of "success" and a commitment to minimizing civilian casualties.
-Christians in the Military: Can a believer serve in the armed forces with a clear conscience? Clint and Will discuss the role of humility and the "higher authority" of God’s Word.
-Pacifism vs. Resistance: A look at the biblical case for and against absolute non-resistance. Is "turning the other cheek" a command for all of life or specifically for religious persecution?
-Personal Self-Defense: Drawing from Exodus 22 and modern self-defense training (like Krav Maga), the Clint & Will discuss the distinction between protecting property and protecting life.
Whether you're struggling with the headlines of global conflict or wondering how to apply Jesus’s teachings on peace to a violent world, this episode offers a grounded, theological perspective on the "sword" given to governing authorities.
====================================
👇 Jump to moments (chapters):
0:00 – Is War Ever Just?
0:38 – Defining Just War Theory
1:43 – The Framework vs.The Event
3:24 – Jus ad bellum
4:30 – Just Cause
6:55 – Last Resort
8:04 – Competent Authority
11:00 – Proportionality
13:00 – Probability of Success
15:47 – Jus in bello
18:44 – Can a Christian serve in the military? John the Baptist’s advice to soldiers.
21:04 – Humility, intelligence, and "matters too marvelous for me."
22:30 – Does "turning the other cheek" apply to national defense?
26:27 – Self-Defense & Exodus 22
====================================
Main Scripture References:
Romans 13
Matthew 5
Luke 14:31-32
Deuteronomy 20:19-20
Exodus 22:2-3
