Just war and death before killing?

[Didacus]

I thought of posting this on the debate phorum, but I would rather have a reply that is to the point and correct, or at least point me in a direction where I can find it rather than have other people's opinion.


Tertulline, in his 'Apologetics' claims that Christian values seek death before killing. Or, stated in antoher manner, that they rather be killed than kill (which is closer to using his own words).

My question stems towards this principal in 'just war'. I beleive that Tertullien stated correctly, and I share this value. However, how is this 'be killed before kiling' value consolidated within the concept of 'just war'?

One has to admit that war will casue killing, and that precious few wars (if any ever) has spared all the lives of the innocent. How then, knowing that war kills, and that 'being killed before killing' is a Christian value, can the concept of 'just war' be justified?



I believe I know part of the reply with self defense, and the duty to preserve one's life... but a little help clarifying these notions in my little head would be greatly appreciated.



Many thanks in advance, and God bless...

[Laudate_Dominum]

With regards to just war, statements pertaining to individual self-defense don't apply univocally. A government has a responsibility to protect its citizens and this is when one can begin to discuss just war. An analogy better than individual self-defense might be a father protecting his family from killers. It would be terrible if a father allowed his family to be murdered out of piety or providentialism.

Yet, even in the case of self-defense, a person should never have the death of the assailant as the direct intention. If, in order to save one's life in the midst of attack one has no choice but to slay the attacker, there is no sin. But there are cases in which it could be "better" or "more perfect" based on the principles of the gospel to suffer death rather than risk killing the assailant.
For example, if a Christian was thrown into the ring with a gladiator simply for being Christian, it would be better to embrace this martyrdom and give that witness rather than fight back. But if a person should choose to fight back in defense of their life, the death of the gladiator would not be a sin if the intention was self-defense and not direct murder.