Arise Quote by Pope John Paul II
“Condemning class struggle does not mean condemning every possible form of social conflict. Such conflicts inevitably arise and Christians must often take a position in the "struggle for social justice." What is condemned is "total war," which has no respect for the dignity of others (and consequently of oneself). It excludes reasonable compromise, does not pursue the common good but the good of a group, and sets out to destroy whatever stands in its way.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: World Day of Peace, Pope John Paul II, 1995
Condemning total war is not the same as rejecting all social conflict; Christians should oppose war that disrespects dignity.
In simple terms: Reject total war, not all conflict.
Key Takeaway
Stand against war that harms dignity.
Themes
war
justice
faith
ethics
conflict
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- peace activism
- church statements
- social justice debates
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
theology
political philosophy
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines “total war” for you?
- How can faith guide conflict resolution?
A Different Perspective
Total war may be defined differently across cultures, complicating consensus.
![“The world [is] tired of ideology [and] is opening itself to the truth. The time has come when the splendor of this truth has begun anew to illuminate the darkness of human existence.” quote by Pope John Paul II](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/28b/pope-john-paul-ii-485_darkness_the-world-is-tired-of-ideology-and-is-op_99122.jpg)
