Is it okay for a Christian to kill under certain circumstances?

Answer 1

Absolutely.
In war, in defense of the innocent or the helpless, as a member of law enforcement.

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience."

Romans 13:1-5

Answer 2

Yes, in self-defense in a war.
"And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also unto their fathers, that; Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies. And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion." This reference is actually found in the Book of Mormon, in Alma 43:46-47.

Now are there other stories in the Bible which seem like they are not self-defense? Yes, but you have to study in-depth as to why the Israelites, for example, were often told to exterminate certain groups of people. If you study what fertility cults in heathen cultures practiced, you would see that certain rituals were so contrary to the Lord's law of chastity that if those cults had been allowed to go on unchecked, even more problems would have resulted with young people, children, and even babies, not to mention what they had already done to the adults.

Answer 3

Points: 1) It doesn't say humans should kill them. This can easily refer to a spiritual death which God controls. "Thou shalt not kill," remember (?) 2) No, it isn't out of context. The whole passage is about penalties for breaking law. 3) This is a part of the Hebrew scriptures. Christian scriptures, such as the letters to the Corinthians by Paul, say that homosexuals "will not inherit the kingdom of God." 4) Yes, it's a real verse. But I'm curious how you knew the verse if you didn't think it was real (?)....hmmm.

Answer 4

I do not think it is okay to kill for any reason.

I've seriously wondered, if I would even defend myself. I think I could defend myself, as long as I didn't think I would be killing someone.

I was attacked once, and I had to push the person off of me, and as I was doing it, I was also evaluating where to push her, so she wouldn't fall on to traffic. I didn't want to seriously hurt her, I just also didn't want her to seriously hurt me.

But, I'm an atheist, not sure how a Christian would answer.

Answer 5

It depends on the circumstance(s). Using lethal force in self defense among other scenarios would be justifiable. Just the same as non-Christians.

Answer 6

Yes, the Scriptures say to love and take care of your family. Sometimes its a choice between them, or your family. What kind of father or mother wouldnt protect their kids?

And if someone feels compelled to be a soldier, then so be it. Just make sure that your country stands for freedom and not tyranny.

Answer 7

Any one can kill if in defense. But if someone kills because of religion, it only shows how bad it is.

Answer 8

@ primoa1970
Why would that be? Jesus said you have to hate your family in order to be his disciple. (Luke 14:26)

The Bible says you should kill:
homosexuals, adulterers, disobedient children, women who are not virgins on their wedding night, all non-Christians, those accused of wickedness by at least 2 people, and anyone who works on the sabbath.

I won't bother giving the books of these passages; Christians who have actually read their precious Bible should know them already.

Answer 9

Of course. It is part of their hypocrisy. Don't believe me? Ever heard of the crusades or the Spanish Inquisition?

Answer 10

Well, if someone breaks down my door and waves a gun around, his brains are gonna' meet Mr. Wall, if that's what you mean.