As a catholic, when is it okay to kill?

Question

For philosophy class we got asked when is it okay to kill someone. And I really dont know.. when it someone you love is in danger? Any suggestions or ocmments on this topic much appreciated

Answer 1

Only in self-defense, when the life of you or your family or anyone innocent is under immediate threat by someone.

Or in time of war when it is kill or be killed, self-defense again.

It's a reasonable, common sense approach to the subject.
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Answer 2

Is this a rhetorical question?

By the Corpus Iuris Canonici (Canon Law), based on the Decretum Gratiani, and Nova Compilatio decretalium (New Compilation of Decretals) which became the official law of the Church since Pope Gregory IX in 1227, Catholic are required to get non-believers to reprent and if they do not, to have them tortured and killed.

That is why the Catholic Church is historically the largest killing machine in human history, responsible for the deaths of hundreds of millions- see:
http://one-faith-of-god.org/final_testament/end_of_darkness/evil/evil_0190.htm

What is more, the Catholic Church has always absolved its executioners from condemnation as in the Inquisition torturers and also why the Vatican has never excommunicated its favourite sons- Hitler, Mussonlini, Franco and Stalin all of whom were Roman Catholic.

Of course, Catholic will argue such historic facts are outrageous, but they remain the historic facts and truths of history.

Answer 3

All Christianisms abhor taking of innocent life. But from a scriptural point of view the right of self-defense and the right to protect an innocent third party from aggression are well-attested.

Catholicism has never had a problem with killing in self-defense or in time of war. The Church itself has made war with the Pope in armor and sword in hand leading the troops.

I've linked the teaching in the Catechism for you. I think that will give you all you need. Good luck with the class.

Answer 4

the bible does not encourage anyone to go on and kill others, you can find that in the ten commandments in Deuteronomy 20. The difficulty lies in not whether you can or can not kill someone but rather if the person you kill is going to heaven or hell! That is the thing that really gets me thinking, but to answer your question i'll say that if you're family is being threatened by all means protect them as much as you can, try to not kill if possible because that person might not know who Christ is. That can go along any other scenario as well.

Answer 5

The commandment "You shall not kill" forbids direct and intentional killing as gravely sinful. The murderer and those who cooperate voluntarily in murder commit a sin that cries out to heaven for vengeance. (Gen 4:10)

Killing in self defense, a just war, and lawful capital punishment are not considered murder.

However many Christians including Catholics believe most modern governments no longer need to use capital punishment to protect society from criminals.

Many (but not all) people agree that the war in Iraq is not a just war and therefore breaks this commandment.

With love in Christ.

Answer 6

The Church nor the Bible condemns killing but it does condemn murder and vengeance.

As a part of the greatest commandment to love everyone including our enemies, it does not mean that we are prohibited from confronting evil with force if necessary, but instead that we are to sacrifice for others by laying down our life in their defense if necessary. It is also taught in Scriptures that we may defend ourselves as well and our family and friends.The Scriptures say that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for another.

In the great sermon on the mount Jesus said "blessed are the peacemakers" reminding us that we are to take action to defend others. It is also a reminder that peace without the defeat of evil is no peace at all but can be even more evil than war. As the example of the killing fields of Cambodia where millions died as a result of those who demanded peace during the Vietnam War. May the US never make the same mistake again sacrificing millions of lives in the name of peace.

In Christ

Answer 7

According to Article 5 of the U.S. Catholic Catechism, it is permissable to kill to:

1) defend one's own life and the lives of others

2) "to curb the spread of behavior harmful to people's rights" by duly authorized public officials (police, military, etc.)

3) Execute individuals under certain circumstances if "the guilty party's identity and responsibility have been fully determined"

4) In abortion cases where the mother's life is at grave risk.

You can read the entire text at the URL below.

Answer 8

1. If your life is in immediate danger
2. If someone you love is in immediate danger
3. In times of war if you are fighting with whichever side is 'good' (For example, it would be ok to kill if you were an American, British, or French soldier in WW2, as your very country was in immediate danger by a less then holy force.)

Answer 9

The 5th Commandment, tells us its not OK to "Murder". The Church does hold that we are never to "intend" the death of another, however, in the act of "Just War" (another doctrine altogether) and during the lawful preservation of life against an unjust and unlawful aggressor... the protection of your life or the life of another... and in the course of that defense the life of said aggressor is taken...it is not unlawful or sinful. In fact, for some members of society and government it is not only lawful, but required to take that step if necessary.

This same standard of Use of Force is written into Police Department Policies too.

Answer 10

kill 1 person to save 2 people

Answer 11

hell yes. im in catholic morality class right now and i just went over this in class. It is morally acceptable to kill someone if you or someone else in in mortal danger. It is also ok to kill someone if they are in your house and you think they might pose a threat. At least in Michigan that one is.