American citizens may not be aware that there exists a biblical worldview of war.  It is called a just war policy.  Most Americans are fed an unbiblical poisonous idea of war.  To find the answer we need to guide us when contemplating whether to wage war or not, let us search the Scriptures and read the writings of theologians we respect.  Biblically speaking, men have permission to kill for self defense, crimes against fellow citizens, and when fighting against their enemies.  The well respected theologian Saint Augustine of Hippo states in his popular book The City of God, that when at war with their enemies, “…the wise man will wage just wars.”  Thomas Aquinas said that war must occur for a good and just purpose rather than for self-gain.  He also said that peace must be a priority. These men and other theologians believe that a biblical just war must not be fought solely for recapturing things or punishing people.  Force may be used only after all peaceful alternatives have been sincerely tried.  War should only be used for self-defense.  John Quincy Adams warned the citizens of the United States when speaking on the Fourth of July, 1821: “… she goes not abroad in search of monsters to destroy,” and if she did, “ she might become the dictatress of the world; she would no longer be the ruler of her own heart.”