// Comments from the Fellows

E. Christian Brugger, D.Phil

In an encyclical otherwise not known for its enthusiasm about cultural trends in regard to issues of life and death, John Paul II's 1995 encyclical Evangelium vitae praises what he calls two "signs of hope" increasingly being expressed at the level of popular public opinion: the first is "a new sensitivity ever more opposed to war as an instrument for the resolution of conflicts between peoples," and the second is "evidence of a growing public opposition to the death penalty, even when such a penalty is seen as a kind of 'legitimate defense' on the part of society" (EV, no 27).  

These observations arose from his vision of a culture of life and the attitudes and actions he believed that were necessary to defend and promote it.  They led the pope to oppose both the 2003 invasion of Iraq as well as virtually all executions.  It is unusual that the pope in Rome and popular opinion would agree on controversial moral conclusions.  And for this reason it is understandable that John Paul II has found little solidarity with conservative intellectuals on either issue.  But on each, the consensus continues to grow and doubters are increasingly in the minority. 

Newsweek magazine's November 10 article examining the weakening intentions of prosecutors and juries to support the death penalty in practice and the U.S. bishops' November 13 Statement on Iraq supporting a "responsible transition" from occupation to Iraqi rule and "withdrawal [of troops] at the earliest opportunity" consistent with minimizing loss of innocent human life are just two pieces of evidence.  Neither is likely to change the minds of those who believe lethal coercion is preferable for dealing with violent crime and international conflicts. 

But I dare say that John Paul the Great is standing today at the window of the father's house seeing these continuing signs of hope and blessing the Father for them all.

E. Christian Brugger is an Assistant Professor of Theology at the Institute for the Psychological Sciences in Arlington, VA. He earned his D.Phil. in Christian Ethics from the University of Oxford. He also holds Masters degrees from Harvard Divinity School (moral philosophy) and Seton Hall University (moral theology).