Technology

When Augustine of Hippo wrote “The City of God” in the early fifth century, Rome was collapsing around him. He lamented the horrors of war, yet he also recognized that governments bear responsibility for preserving order and restraining evil. Augustine argued that just wars arise because of the wrongdoing of aggressors and that political authorities sometimes have a duty to protect the innocent when peaceful remedies fail. From that hard recognition emerged the Christian just war tradition: not a license to fight, but a moral framework designed to make war harder, not easier, to justify. Sixteen centuries later, Pope Leo XIV has declared it obsolete.

In paragraph 192 of “Magnifica Humanitas,” his encyclical released May 25, Pope Leo writes that just war theory “which has all too often been used to justify any kind of war, is now outdated.” He argues that humanity now possesses “far more effective and capable tools for promoting human life and resolving conflicts, such as dialogue, diplomacy and forgiveness.” While he does acknowledge in a footnote that military force can be used for “legitimate defense,” his insistence on “updating” just war theory implies that every part of the theory is on the table for adjustment, which could lead to an entirely new theory.

Every Christian can honor that desire for peace. The encyclical’s conclusion on this point, however, rests on a misunderstanding of what the just war tradition teaches — and it arrives at exactly the wrong moment, when artificial intelligence is remaking warfare at a pace no diplomatic instrument can match.

What the Just War Tradition Was Actually Designed to Do

Just war doctrine was never a theological permission slip for ambitious princes. When Thomas Aquinas codified Augustine’s reasoning into formal criteria in the 13th century, every element was conceived as a restraint on power. Legitimate authority prevents private actors from waging war on personal grievance. Just cause limits conflict to resisting genuine aggression. Right intention rules out conquest and vengeance as acceptable aims. Last resort requires that statesmen genuinely pursue peaceful remedies before reaching for the sword. Proportionality forbids using more force than the threat demands. Discrimination protects civilians from deliberate targeting.

Each criterion was designed to make going to war morally harder, not easier. The doctrine has been abused across centuries — Leo is right about that — but the answer to the abuse of a sound principle is to apply it more rigorously, not to abandon it. We do not discard contract law because contracts are sometimes breached.

History vindicates the doctrine when leaders follow it. The Allied response to Nazi Germany met every just war criterion: aggression was undeniable, diplomacy had been exhausted at Munich, and military resistance became morally necessary to halt a catastrophic evil. The 1991 Gulf War coalition rested on the same grounds — an aggressor had violated international borders, peaceful remedies had been genuinely pursued, and coalition forces acted with proportionate force to restore the status quo. History’s condemnation falls not on Augustine’s framework but on those leaders who chose to ignore it.

The ongoing conflict with Iran offers a more searching test. The United States and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026, targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and military leadership. Christians across denominations have invoked every just war criterion to evaluate those strikes — questioning whether last resort was truly satisfied when Omani mediators reported a diplomatic framework still within reach, whether a president acting without new congressional authorization met the standard of legitimate authority, and whether proportionality was observed given the civilian casualties that followed. Those are exactly the right questions to ask. That they are being asked — vigorously, publicly, across the church — proves the doctrine is functioning as Augustine intended: as a moral check on the temptation to use force. Remove the framework, and there is no vocabulary left with which to hold a government accountable. The answer to a contested war is not to abolish the criteria. It is to apply them with greater discipline.

The present makes the same case. Russian forces entered Ukraine in February 2022 and have continued to shell civilian infrastructure, occupy sovereign territory, and forcibly deport Ukrainian civilians. Ukrainian resistance satisfies the right Pope Leo himself acknowledges, self-defense “in the strictest sense.” The just war criteria are not making that resistance harder to justify — they are the only internationally legible moral framework by which Ukraine’s defense can be distinguished from Russia’s invasion, and on which the moral and material support sustaining Ukraine depends. The doctrine is not the obstacle to peace — the aggression is.

Where Leo Is Right — and Why It Points Back to the Tradition

Pope Leo is at his most persuasive when “Magnifica Humanitas” turns to autonomous weapons. He warns that any technology facilitating attacks “without seeing the face of human beings lowers the moral threshold of conflict,” and insists that decisions involving life and death “must not be entrusted to machines.” As a retired U.S. Army infantry officer who has written extensively on these questions in “The New AI Cold War,” I take that warning seriously.

The battlefield of the near future involves autonomous drone swarms, AI-assisted targeting, predictive intelligence networks, and cyber weapons operating at machine speed. The Department of War’s DoD Directive 3000.09, Autonomy in Weapon Systems, updated in January 2023, requires that commanders retain “appropriate levels of human judgment over the use of force” precisely because machines making lethal decisions without human oversight is a live danger, not a hypothetical one.

Seen clearly, every danger Leo identifies in AI-enabled warfare is an argument for applying just war doctrine more rigorously, not for retiring it. Artificial intelligence compresses decision cycles and lowers the threshold for initiating conflict — which is precisely why last resort becomes more indispensable, not less. Autonomous systems distribute and obscure accountability across command-and-control chains, which is why legitimate authority becomes a sharper requirement than ever. Machine-speed targeting raises the risk of uncontrolled escalation, demanding more careful attention to proportionality. Targeting algorithms that cannot reliably distinguish combatants from civilians make the principle of discrimination more urgent, not obsolete. Augustine’s framework has not been overtaken by technology. It has vindicated it.

Leo’s diagnosis of the AI age’s dangers is sound. Where the encyclical goes astray is in concluding that those dangers discredit the tradition rather than calling it back into force.

Scripture’s teaching in Genesis 1:27 that human beings bear the image of God is the theological foundation on which just war reasoning rests. A machine carries no such image and bears no moral guilt. When an autonomous system misidentifies a civilian target, no algorithm faces a court-martial, and no targeting model confronts its conscience before God. That is not an argument for abandoning moral frameworks around warfare — it is the most powerful argument available for insisting that human beings, commanded in Romans 13 to bear the sword as God’s servants for good, must never surrender that accountability to a machine. The theological case for just war has seldom been more urgent than it is right now.

The Problem Has Always Been Disobedience to the Doctrine

The pope’s proposed alternatives — dialogue, diplomacy, and forgiveness — are not actually alternatives to just war doctrine; they are already embedded within it as requirements. Last resort has always been one of the tradition’s core requirements. The framework demands that peaceful options be genuinely pursued before force is ever considered, and that war be undertaken to restore peace rather than achieving conquest. Far from competing with diplomacy, just war doctrine elevates it by making recourse to arms morally difficult to justify. What no doctrine can do is substitute for diplomacy once diplomacy has already failed — which is precisely the situation Augustine was addressing, and precisely the situation that confronts the world today.

Pope Leo XIV has done something important. By devoting a major teaching document to artificial intelligence and warfare, he has forced a global conversation that Christian statesmen, military planners, and pastors have largely avoided. His warning that decisions involving life and death must remain in human hands, not in algorithms, deserves to be taken seriously across every faith group. That much of the encyclical stands.

Where the document falls short is in urging the retirement of a moral framework rather than its more disciplined application. The future battlefield will be shaped by lethal drones, AI-assisted command systems, and autonomous platforms operating at speeds that compress human decision-making toward the vanishing point. The questions that will matter most in that environment are the same ones Augustine posed in the ruins of Rome — who authorized the use of force, were peaceful alternatives genuinely exhausted, were the innocent protected — and no algorithm will ever be equipped to answer them.

As I develop in “AI for Mankind’s Future,” the church’s task in the age of artificial intelligence is not to retire the frameworks that discipline warfare but to insist, with renewed urgency, that they govern it. The human being created in God’s image — not the machine built in a laboratory — must remain the moral center of every decision about lethal force.

This article was originally written by Robert Maginnis and published on The Washington Stand. For more content like this, visit Real Life Network.

In today’s rapidly shifting global landscape, Israel, Iran, Russia, and the United States are at the center of a growing geopolitical storm. As discussed on The Daniel Cohen Show on Real Life Network, this moment is not just about politics. It is about biblical truth, spiritual warfare, and the future of nations. From advanced Israeli defense systems like Iron Beam to Iran’s alliance with Russia, the stakes are rising quickly. Watch more uncensored Christian news and analysis anytime at Real Life Network.

The question is no longer whether conflict is expanding. The question is who understands what is really happening and who is willing to speak the truth.

Israel Is Building While Its Enemies Align

While Iran continues to fund terror and destabilize the region, Israel is doing something very different. It is building.

Israel has begun deploying advanced laser defense technology known as Iron Beam, capable of intercepting incoming threats with precision and speed. At the same time, Israel is integrating airborne laser systems into its F-35 program. This is not theoretical. This is operational progress.

Israel is not just surviving. It is innovating and strengthening for the future.

This development reflects something deeper than military advancement. It reflects resilience rooted in biblical history. Scripture declares Israel as a light to the nations, and today we are watching that reality unfold in real time.

Meanwhile, Iran continues to fire missiles into civilian areas while spreading propaganda. Yet even in the midst of these attacks, Israel continues to defend its people and prepare for what comes next.

For more in-depth coverage of Israel, biblical prophecy, and global conflict, explore content on Real Life Network.

The Russia-Iran Alliance Is About Power and Profit

Evidence continues to mount that Russia is actively supporting Iran’s military operations. Intelligence sharing, drone tactics, and battlefield strategies are now being exchanged between the two nations.

This is not speculation. It is a coordinated effort.

Why would Russia align so closely with Iran?

The answer is simple. Oil and power.

Every time Iran escalates conflict and threatens key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices rise. When oil prices rise, Russia profits. That revenue fuels its war efforts and strengthens its global position.

This is not just geopolitics. It is a calculated system where chaos creates profit.

Iran supplies drones and instability. Russia supplies intelligence and strategy. China watches and waits. Together, this axis challenges both Israel and the United States.

This alliance also exposes the consequences of past political decisions that empowered Iran financially and diplomatically. What we are seeing today did not happen overnight. It was built over time.

A Crisis of Clarity in American Leadership

One of the most revealing aspects of this moment is not just what enemies are doing, but how leaders respond.

When asked whether weakening Iran’s military infrastructure is a good thing, some leaders could not give a clear answer.

That hesitation speaks volumes.

If leaders cannot clearly identify evil, they cannot effectively confront it.

At the same time, voices within media and politics continue to distort reality, sometimes even suggesting that radical ideologies are simply responses to Western actions. That narrative ignores history, ignores facts, and ultimately confuses the truth.

There is also growing division on the political right. Some voices are drifting toward isolationism, confusing skepticism with denial. Others recognize that peace comes through strength, not retreat.

As Senator Ted Cruz emphasized, the possibility of major geopolitical shifts exists if hostile regimes are weakened.

The path forward requires clarity, courage, and a willingness to stand for truth even when it is unpopular.

The Battle Is Bigger Than Politics

Beyond military strategy and political debate, there is a deeper reality.

This is a battle of worldviews.

Radical ideologies that celebrate violence and destruction are not abstract ideas. They produce real consequences. From attacks on civilians to targeting first responders, the pattern is clear and consistent.

At the same time, Israel and its allies continue to demonstrate a different model. One that values life, innovation, and stability.

This contrast is not accidental. It reflects a deeper spiritual divide between light and darkness.

The Bible reminds us that truth will ultimately be revealed. What is hidden will be brought into the light. And in times like these, that truth becomes increasingly clear for those who are willing to see it.‍

Final Thoughts: Peace Through Strength

The current moment is a turning point.

Israel is advancing. Iran is aligning with powerful allies. Global tensions are rising. And leadership decisions will shape what comes next.

Peace does not come from ignoring threats. It comes from confronting them with strength and clarity.

For believers, this is also a reminder to stay grounded in a biblical worldview. To understand not only what is happening, but why it matters.

Stay informed with trusted Christian news, biblical analysis, and global updates by visiting Real Life Network.

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As streaming has become part of everyday life, people increasingly expect to watch content wherever they are, not just on a television in the living room. That expectation naturally leads to a common question among families and individuals exploring faith-based media: Is there a mobile app for Christian streaming?

The short answer is yes. Most established Christian streaming platforms now offer mobile apps designed for phones and tablets, making it easier than ever to access sermons, podcasts, documentaries, kids’ programming, and Bible-based teaching throughout the day.

Why Mobile Apps Matter for Christian Streaming

Mobile devices have changed how people consume content. Faith-based streaming is no exception. A mobile app allows Christian content to fit into real life rather than requiring viewers to plan around a screen at home.

With a mobile app, users can:

• Watch or listen while commuting
• Stream teaching during breaks or travel
• Give kids safe content on tablets
• Continue a sermon or series anywhere
• Maintain consistent spiritual input throughout the week

For many believers, this flexibility makes spiritual growth more accessible and sustainable.

What Christian Streaming Apps Typically Offer

While features vary by platform, most Christian streaming apps provide a similar core experience.

Users can usually expect:

• On-demand access to sermons and teaching
• Podcasts and talk-style programs
• Faith-based movies and documentaries
• Kids’ shows and family-safe content
• Easy navigation and search
• Compatibility with both phones and tablets

Some apps also allow users to pick up where they left off, save favorites, or stream content to other devices.

Real Life Network’s Mobile App Experience

Real Life Network offers a mobile app that allows viewers to access its full library of Christian content directly from their phone or tablet. This includes sermons, podcasts, apologetics programs, kids’ cartoons, documentaries, and special events.

The app is designed to be simple and intuitive, making it easy for users of all ages to find content quickly. Parents can confidently hand a device to a child, while adults can watch or listen during busy moments of the day.

Because RLN’s content is curated with families in mind, the mobile app offers a consistent viewing environment without the concerns that often come with mainstream platforms.

Mobile Apps and Family Life

For families, mobile apps play a unique role. Tablets and phones are often part of daily routines. When those devices are loaded with faith-based content, they can become tools for discipleship rather than distraction.

Parents often use Christian streaming apps to:

• Provide clean cartoons during travel
• Watch Bible stories before bedtime
• Reinforce lessons from church
• Encourage faith-based habits early

This kind of accessibility helps faith remain part of everyday life rather than something reserved for Sundays.

Do Other Christian Streaming Platforms Have Apps?

Yes. Many well-known Christian streaming services offer mobile apps, including platforms such as Pure Flix, TBN+, RightNow Media, and Answers.TV. These apps typically support both iOS and Android devices and are updated regularly to improve performance and content access.

As demand for faith-based streaming grows, mobile apps are no longer optional; they’re an expected part of the experience.

Explore Christian streaming on the go with the Real Life Network mobile app anytime.

How Mobile Apps Support Consistent Spiritual Growth

One of the greatest benefits of a Christian streaming app is consistency. Spiritual growth often happens through steady exposure to Scripture and teaching rather than occasional moments.

Mobile apps help support that consistency by:

• Removing barriers to access
• Making content available anytime
• Encouraging daily or weekly engagement
• Supporting learning at different life stages

Instead of waiting for a scheduled program or specific location, users can integrate biblical teaching into everyday rhythms.

Is a Mobile App Enough on Its Own?

Like any tool, a mobile app works best when paired with intentional use. Christian streaming apps are designed to support spiritual growth, not replace Scripture reading, prayer, or participation in a local church.

When used wisely, however, they can strengthen those practices, helping believers stay connected to God’s Word throughout the week.

Christian streaming has moved far beyond the living room. With mobile apps now widely available, accessing faith-based content is easier and more flexible than ever.

For individuals and families looking to stay grounded in biblical teaching while navigating busy schedules, a Christian streaming app can be a valuable resource.

Explore Christian streaming on the go with the Real Life Network mobile app anytime.

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