If not, why not? If so, under what conditions? These questions have been debated for centuries. Considering the stakes, they are some of the most important questions the church can ask And considering their complexity every Christian can use some help sorting them out. To aid in that task, here are four clear expressions of the classical Christian views on war.

Biblical Nonresistance: Christians may participate in war only as noncombatants. presented by Herman A. Hoyt, formerly of Grace Theological Seminary.

Christian Pacifism: Christians are called to peacemaking, which excludes any participation in war, presented by Myron S Augsburger, president of the Christian College Coalition.

Just War: Christians may fight in a defensive war, presented by Arthur F Holmes of Wheaton College.

Preventive War: Christians may go to war to stop attack or correct outrageous injustice, presented by Harold 0. J. Brown of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

In addition the editor includes a concise historical survey and a helpful bibliography to assist reading, thought and action

Robert G Clouse is professor of history at Indiana State University. His other "four views" books include Women in Ministry Four Views and The Meaning of the Millennium Four Views.