Global Online Public Square Briefing

Consequential Questions Confronting Church and State

This week, the Hon. William Wagner (Ret.), WFFC Distinguished Chair for Faith & Freedom, held a Global Online Public Square Briefing, designed to address pressing cultural, constitutional, moral, and public policy issues through the lens of a biblical and constitutional worldview. The global online briefing focused on consequential questions confronting both church and state today: the morality of war and the constitutional division of the war power.

Addressing participants joining online from across the country, Wagner explained that modern public discourse often treats war primarily as a geopolitical or strategic matter while neglecting the deeper moral and constitutional principles necessary to evaluate the legitimate use of force. Drawing from Scripture, natural law, and the historic Christian just war tradition, Wagner emphasized that government possesses a God-ordained responsibility to protect innocent human life and preserve justice, while simultaneously recognizing the grave moral weight accompanying the use of military power.

The presentation examined the historic development of just war theory through Augustine, Aquinas, and the natural law tradition, while also exploring the constitutional framework established by the American Founders regarding the separation of war powers between Congress and the President.

Wagner also analyzed the current military tensions involving Iran and the broader instability in the Middle East, including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, regional proxy conflicts, and recent military operations involving both the United States and Israel. He cautioned that constitutional self-government requires citizens to think carefully, morally, and constitutionally about the use of force rather than merely reacting emotionally or politically to unfolding world events.

According to Wagner, the purpose of the Global Online Public Square Briefing is to help Christians, citizens, students, and leaders engage difficult public issues thoughtfully, courageously, and faithfully. Future monthly briefings will continue addressing major constitutional, cultural, and public policy questions shaping both the nation and the church.