In regards to the Crusades, it is difficult to judge whether or not they were justified, simply because I am so far removed from that point in history. My limited understanding of the circumstances proves challenging in forming an opinion on this. I do agree that Christians should remain peaceful when ever possible. I am just not sure what could constitute as dire circumstances where that is not possible. Would it have been possible for Christians to achieve their goals without the crusades? I wish it so, especially considering that the crusades were often considered failed missions. Can a Christian respond with force and be justified? I think so, it is just complicated when considering case by case, war by war, who makes that call? Each for themselves? That doesn’t seem right, the Church? The government? If faced with a scenario under the Just War Theory today, I truly would be stumped.