Miguel at the Gun Free Zone blog posted recently about a new book by a Texas police officer called Jesus Christ on Killing.
I expect to see evangelical Christians taking this position, but Miguel brings to light some interesting passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church that I had not previously read:
The seldom discussed subject of the legitimate killing of a human being and how does that mixes with Judeo/Christian values. As a Catholic (although in a long hiatus) I refer to the Catechism regarding the Fifth Commandment
2263 The legitimate defense of persons and societies is not an exception to the prohibition against the murder of the innocent that constitutes intentional killing. “The act of self-defense can have a double effect: the preservation of one’s own life; and the killing of the aggressor. . . . The one is intended, the other is not.”
2264 Love toward oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality. Therefore it is legitimate to insist on respect for one’s own right to life. Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow:
If a man in self-defense uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful: whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful. . . . Nor is it necessary for salvation that a man omit the act of moderate self-defense to avoid killing the other man, since one is bound to take more care of one’s own life than of another’s.
2265 Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility.
A burden we do not seek but we know we might face.
I am Catholic, and the 5th Commandment states in original text: “You shall not lie in wait to commit murder”.
When a Marine, I have taken life. When a police officer, I have taken life.
It is permissible to take life to defend yourself, your family, your nation, a third party, procure food.
If Catholics have a problem with me, please have the Pope get in touch with my people. He can have my resignation, gladly.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Brittius.com.
LikeLike
[…] happening at the intersection of guns and religion. Things like whether Jesus was pro-AR-15, the Catholic view of lethal force in self-defense, whether God blesses snipers, the NRA as a Christian organization, and so […]
LikeLike
[…] The Catechism of the Catholic Church also recognizes the morality of the use of lethal force in […]
LikeLike
[…] of simple perspectives on religion, guns, and self-defense out there. I have even posted about the Catholic view of lethal force in self-defense myself. Toner’s pieces are anything but simplistic, and while they don’t represent THE […]
LikeLike