International Law is considered to be the most dynamically developing facet of contemporary Law. 

Needless to say, this relatively young concept was inexistent in the times of Jesus Christ, and Saviour’s teachings were not specifically meant for international lawyers. Yet, the universal Christian principles can be applied to all spheres of life, including International Law.

Two aspects can be retained when approaching the notion of International Law from a Christian perspective:

First, bulk of International Law’ norms emanate from the will of States and other authorities appointed by States. Thus, the International Law’s rules and customs could be regarded by Christians as the highest expression of will by High Authorities, whom the Bible teaches to obey (Romans 13:1.)

Second, the Principles of God’s Justice are oftentimes reflected in human models of justice. This is true also for International Law. More than that, International Law appears as less exposed to unjust derogations and despotic provisions that could creep in some national legislations due to possible influence by local ideologues or dictators. Being created according to Creator's “image and likeness”, humans are capable to reflect, at least on paper, some of Godhead’s Principles and these just Principles can be seen in International Law in many instances.

Without enumerating all such occurrences, one can mention at least two positive aspects of International Law that can incline a Christian to support its further development: Principle of impartiality (Leviticus 19:15, Acts 10:34) and care for the weak and unjustly oppressed (Proverbs 14:31, Psalm 12:5.) 

Indeed, if justly implemented, International Law would treat world’s strongest powers on equal foot with smaller entities and would not allow bigger and stronger to invade and abuse the weak and defenseless.

On another level, the developing mechanisms of human rights’ protection within International Law system – from care for refugees to possibility of appeal by a harassed housewife – can be welcomed by any sincere Christian.

Such positive aspects of International Law can only make difference if they are widely supported and rightly implemented. Needless to say that in order not to become Pharisees of today, for a  practicing Christian it is important not only to encourage and promote just laws, but also their just implementation. Right implementation is about the core of International Law, where multiple non-binding provisions can only be instrumented in conditions of fair-play behavior of International Community's actors. Christians involved in politics could be in the first rows in giving example of respect to progressive norms of International Law.

Of course, the usual reproach may arise from certain circles within Christendom: aren’t we contributing to a futile attempt of raising a new Babylon by supporting in any way the development of International Law? In answering this concern, one has to bear in mind, first, that a big (if not bigger) part of International Law norms still bears non-binding character. These norms are not meant to build global structures but rather to bring order and justice in already existing international relations.

Second, such question should be answered within a more general framework, that is – should Christians withdraw from public life or should they “give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's ” and try to influence the course of things, locally and internationally, without abandoning “the things we have been taught”?

Probably, Christians who are reading this Portal and decided to get involved in politics have already found an answer to this dilemma.

Vladimir Plamadeala, (Moldova)

Board member European Christian Political Movement

LL M International and European Public Law (University of Amsterdam)

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