2007-08-15 03:29:14 · 14 answers · asked by ashers_heart25 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
dammit, why does everyone begrudge me an army? Every other insanely powerful and rich leader has an army. What do I have? 150 guys in tights with swords and submachine guns?
2007-08-15 03:37:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Swiss Guard are a defensive force not an offensive force.
Properly translated from the original Hebrew, the phrase is: You shall not murder. Look at a Jewish version of the Ten Commandments: http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Torah/Ten_Cmds/ten_cmds.html
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.
For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 2258 and following: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt2art5.htm
With love in Christ.
2007-08-15 16:30:30 · answer #2 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The correct translation of that commandment is, "You will do no murder."
The Vatican is considered its own sort of city-state within Italy. They need a security force. The Popes have had their own armies since the middle ages, not the least reason for them being self-defense.
2007-08-15 03:57:04 · answer #3 · answered by Tseruyah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Vatican is it's own country. The papal guard is mostly ceremonial anyway. However, the actual translation of that passage is not "Thou shalt not kill". It has been mistranslated. It actually says "Thou shalt not murder". Big difference.
2007-08-15 04:46:23 · answer #4 · answered by Feivel 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the commandment is "Thou shall not kill" NOT "Thou shall not protect thyself and others". Big difference.
2007-08-15 03:35:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
the vatican is technically a country, so it doenst really seem that crazy for it to have an army.
besides, a lot of people hate catholics and would like to assasinate the pope and burn the vatican to the ground.
2007-08-15 21:24:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Thou shalt not kill in the manner of a predatory animal."
Food for thought, anyway.
2007-08-15 04:13:47 · answer #7 · answered by silverlock1974 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So no one shall kill him. The Vatican is surrounded by Italy. Should they attack Italy?
2007-08-15 03:37:11 · answer #8 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That Mr. Jesus' army. Because god likes the look of a man in fatigues.
2007-08-15 03:35:48 · answer #9 · answered by The Bog Nug 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You missed the asterisk. It's "Thou shalt not kill*"
*Except when absolutely convenient.
2007-08-15 03:35:04 · answer #10 · answered by William 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋