Churches and nuclear deterrence

Journal Article · · Foreign Aff.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/20041557· OSTI ID:6066988

van Voorst, L B

In contrast to a history of support for our nation's involvement in wars, US churches are now in the process of edging toward a direct confrontation with the Reagan Administration over nuclear weapons and deterrence policy. This new attitude is attributed to two main factors: the growing awareness of the end of American strategic superiority and the concern over the Reagan Administration's attitude toward strategic nuclear issues. This newly widespread determination among the churches to challenge public policy on nuclear issues is addressed by examining the various churches and their efforts in the anti-nuclear movement. The Catholic Bishops' Draft Pastoral Letter is discussed at length and is considered to be the most radical effort by any American church to define moral standards for the nuclear era. In contrast, the historical Protestant treatment differs considerably from the Catholic initiative; it started earlier but has been more fragmented and disparate. Only the American Jewish community as a whole has been, with a few notable exceptions, reluctant to become involved in the movement. The ultimate political question raised is how this religious involvement will influence American strategic nuclear doctrines. 27 references.

• OSTI ID: 6066988
• Journal Information: Foreign Aff.; (United States), Journal Name: Foreign Aff.; (United States) Vol. 61:4; ISSN FRNAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
290600* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
ETHICS
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
PUBLIC POLICY
SOCIAL IMPACT
WARFARE
WEAPONS