For the benefit of others like me:
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Augustine of Hippo (aka Saint Augustine) asserted that Christians should be pacifists as a personal, philosophical stance. Nonetheless, he asserted, peacefulness in the face of a grave wrong that could only be stopped by violence would be a sin. Defense of one's self or others could be a necessity, especially when authorized by a legitimate authority. While not breaking down the conditions necessary for war to be just, Augustine nonetheless originated the very phrase, itself, in his work The City of God. In essence, the pursuit of peace must include the option of fighting to preserve it in the long-term. Such a war could not be pre-emptive, but defensive, to restore peace. Thomas Aquinas, centuries later, used the authority of Augustine's arguments in an attempt to define the conditions under which a war could be just." --Wikipedia (reference numbers removed to enhance readability)
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Personally I can't agree with that. I don't believe in pacifism, which I think relies on the belief in an ultimate authority who will "balance accounts" in the afterlife. I don't believe in gods or an afterlife. I think it is immoral to ask others to do what you refuse to do for yourself. In my philosophy, pre-emptive strikes can perfectly justifiable; the "best defense is a strong offense" theory.
Young people die in wars. Young people also die as a result of alcohol poisoning, fast driving, the foolishness of youth, and an infinite variety of self-centered pursuits. Are those bringers of death more welcome? "Oh, he died doing what he loved most - making methamphetamine."
Listen to what soldiers tell of war, and hope that if fate calls on you, you can meet the challenge.