2007-01-22 09:38:10 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It certainly wasn't Jesus' way. I'm beginning to think there aren't very many people who care about Jesus' teachings anymore.
2007-01-22 09:42:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they are on death row? Yes. Thats called justice. If it is called Iraq or Afganistan? Yes. Thats called justice as well by defending our country.
We live in an imperfect world. And sometimes, it is necessary to kill certain people not for selfish wrath, but for justice and national security. I can tell you 2 ways to avoid this fate: dont be a murderer and end up on death row, and dont be a terrorist aiming to kill Americans.
Should the Christian close to thse instances feel guilty? About as much as you should if you killed a guy defending your mothers life.
2007-01-22 17:58:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only requirement to be a Christian is the belief that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God. Now as to whether you can call yourself a *good* Christian that is another story.
2007-01-22 17:43:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is a big big difference between murdering an innocent, killing to defend you or your family and the government executing murderers. until people go to the original languages of the text there will continue to be confusion about these differences which should really be obvious.
Yes not only may I kill but it is my duty to kill those who attack my family, for instance. It is the duty of a just government to execute murderers, child molesters and rapists IF they can prove with full competence such a person is actually guilty.
today i doubt the credibility of our government to accomplish any just ruling.
2007-01-22 17:53:47 · answer #4 · answered by David P 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can call yourself what ever you want but Christians bring forth the fruit of the Holy Spirit.. I hope you aren't getting political here this isn't the forum for that... Jim
2007-01-22 17:44:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and it's very easy to justify in certain cases.
Murder has been a problem with human beings from the beginning, and this is one of the major themes of the first 11 chapters of the Bible. It began with Cain and Abel, and then developed into the entire world being filled with wickedness.
The theme was brought home in Genesis 9:6, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed..." where God issues to us the authority to (collectively) award capital punishment to murderers.
The justification goes like this: anyone who dares to plan and take the life of another human being has forfeit his right to live. If we fail to bring this man or woman to justice and take their life, we automatically award the death penalty to their next victim.
It's not enough to cry "foul" when our punishments seem harsh. You have to have strong enough moral values to take personal responsibility for your failure to act. I would submit that if you can't take responsibility for your actions (or lack of actions at key moments), you are devoid of values and the basic discipline for building them, and other people will suffer directly for your irresponsibility.
2007-01-22 17:52:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I haven't killed anyone, asked for anyone to be killed nor condone killing. Period. So, yes, I am still calling myself a Christian.
2007-01-22 17:42:25 · answer #7 · answered by free 1 indeed 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, in wars we do it all the time with the church's blessing. Both Bush and Blair are religious church-going politicians.
Man could always twist any rule or law, to suit his purpose.
2007-01-22 18:13:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, God gives government that authority, not to say that it is always used the way He intended.
Romans 13:3-4
(3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
(4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
2007-01-22 17:42:42 · answer #9 · answered by mikerow992003 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure of the question and I'm not going to assume your talking about war. I dislike war of all forms and believe we must try to make peace in a nonviolent way. This I pray this happens to our brothers and sisters in Iraq including the Iraqis. Please read the Archbishops prayer book below. God Bless you!
2007-01-22 17:52:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋