Abstract

This dissertation proposes a constructive Pentecostal perspective of the just war tradition with the goal of providing the Assemblies of God a moral vehicle for cultural engagement on the issue of war. The central thesis is that Pentecostal epistemological, theological and ethical distinctives provide a unique, constructive perspective of a long-standing moral tradition with a rich heritage. By engaging these distinctives with the just war tradition, it may be possible for the Assemblies of God to regain its voice concerning the nature and legitimacy of war and find new direction for the moral migration from its roots in Pentecostal pacifism into the silence of uncritical patriotism. The scope of the research is limited to the Assemblies of God in the United States. ;The first chapter examines the impetus for the migration. The turbulent social and theological milieu affecting the Assemblies of God before and during World War I set the tone for the denomination's orientation toward war to this day. Three focal issues and five representative voices on war and peace are considered as factors in the denomination's journey into silence. Three interpretive frameworks have been proposed to explain why the position of the Assemblies of God on military service went through the changes that it did. This chapter concludes with an evaluation of these frameworks and the proposal of a fourth interpretive framework by the author. ;The second chapter explores the development of the just war tradition in four conceptual cadres: the historical antecedents and intellectual heritage of the tradition as well as contemporary Catholic and non-Catholic developments. ;Chapter Three proposes a constructive Pentecostal perspective of the just war tradition. Five elements comprise a framework which provides justification and coherence for the proposal: Pentecostal epistemology; Pentecostal theology and ethics; progressive sanctification; narrative and community; and discernment as a mechanism for theological/ethical praxis. The concluding integration invokes a Pentecostal four-fold pattern of theological and historical analysis: redemptive engagement with culture; peacemaking as a work of grace; extending the horizon for healing; and responsible premillenialism