A case to consider:LIFEBOAT morals
A movie entitled Abandon ship depicts in a general way a famous legal cases in American law, U.S. v. Holmes, 26 Fed. Cases 360 (1842). It tells the story of a ship's captain who decided to sacrifice some lives on a life raft. He did so in the face of severe criticism by some of the passengers and at a personal risk to his own life. The lifeboat could hold at its maximum only 14 people; there were 26 people who survived the shipwreck. The situation became desperate when a severe storm arose. There was no immediate hope of rescue; on the contrary, it looked as if help would come only after a number of days or not at all. His decision in the face of severe protest was to put some of the survivors over the side, They were outfitted with life jacket. His criterion for choosing was the "survival of the fittest". He anticipated that there would be a long hard row to land, a journey of maybe several weeks. Thus, he chose those who had to leave the boat:
2007-12-16 23:48:57 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
a man who had inhaled the fumes of fuel oil; an elderly man and his wife, too weak to row the long haul to the coast; a weakened sailor who had not yet reached adulthood; and other people whom he judged weak and infirm. The others in the life boat refused to help put the victims over the sides of the boat except at gunpoint. Soon after he put them over the storm ended. unexpectedly, the lifeboat and its occupants were rescued the next day. All aboard refused to accept responsibility for the captain's actions.
Questions:
Do you agree with the captains decision?Explain his method of decision-making
Could the other lifeboat occupants rightfully excuse themselves from any responsibility for the actions of the captain?
Were there any other ways this dilemma could have been resolved?discuss.
Does any person have the right to take the life of any other person, especially an innocent? Explain and give examples.
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM IN THIS STORY?
2007-12-16 23:58:38 · update #1
Ug! Jamae:
God has not given anyone license to kill, and we should work through bad situations--the outcome would have been entirely different had the captain exercised faith and trusted in God. And where is the chivalry: Women and children saved, and the gallant sacrificed? Couldn't the most able have donned life-jackets and treaded water?
Take for example Katrina--doctors killing elderly patients to save them suffering--those medical "professionals" should have been prosecuted, but instead, they were protected.
There are times, like in a hospital situation, where one must triage victims. Those near death and hopeless must be bypassed to treat the "savable", but regardless, God's law says THOU SHALT NOT KILL, and those who violate it must meet the Great I--AM and answer for their sins.
Now, my question is, how will those Christians respond who don't believe the 10-commandments continue to define sin?
Shalom, peace in Jesus, Ben Yeshua
2007-12-17 00:10:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This scenario is also called an example of 'situation ethics'. It is simply a difficult decision made under almost impossible circumstances to save the greatest number of lives. In emergency wards this is called 'triage' where during a disaster or routine day the team assess the severity of injuries and treats to help the most lives.
2007-12-17 00:05:34 · answer #2 · answered by Tuxedo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In such a desperate situation when all could have perished, focused thoughts would show that the captain made a wise decision, at the very least there was hope for some instead of no hope at all for everyone.
2007-12-17 00:06:01 · answer #3 · answered by seeker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are desperate situations where there are no good options. The man in charge must make the choices that look to him like the best ones in a bad situation. Often under pressure we make choices that with the benefit of hindsight do not seem to have been wise... In these extreme situations the normal rules of conduct do not apply. And your question is?
2007-12-16 23:56:22 · answer #4 · answered by hasse_john 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This question can only be answered by the ones who are there... only they know their reasoning to judge this event with out the facts would nearly be impossible
2007-12-16 23:57:51 · answer #5 · answered by meaussiegirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOve to help know the answer don't know the question
2007-12-16 23:55:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
ok ,nice storry about the willing strong, and the sperit to fight
2007-12-17 00:01:03 · answer #7 · answered by vintagemale1951 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i guess if it had to be done...
2007-12-16 23:56:18 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
and your question is...
2007-12-16 23:51:44 · answer #9 · answered by Lord Mavramorn 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋