Is it okay to kill in defence of another Christian?

[Skorzeny]

This is something I have never been able to get a clear answer on, so I imagine that each denomination (and then, each individual) has different perspectives. The question is: Are you justified in killing another human if they are deliberately threatening the life of another Christian?

Thanks.

 

[Shiranui117]

As a martial artist, I have to admit that, if the only way to defend an innocent life was to kill the attacker and there was absolutely no other option, I would do the deed.

Killing anyone for any reason is never okay; it is always a grievous sin to kill someone. But I would much, much, much rather answer for killing to save someone else and live for the rest of my life with blood on my hands, than answer for standing by and letting an innocent life be taken, and live with the guilt of knowing that I could have done something to save them.

 

[Pegg]

This is something I have never been able to get a clear answer on, so I imagine that each denomination (and then, each individual) has different perspectives. The question is: Are you justified in killing another human if they are deliberately threatening the life of another Christian?

Thanks.

What happened when Jesus life was being threatened and Peter used his sword and stuck the guard of the high priest?

Jesus said "put your sword in its place" he then healed the injury done to the guard and allowed himself to be led away.
Matt 26:50-53
So what does that tell you about chrisitans and defensive killing?

 

[Glaurung]

Two problems with your question.

Firstly, you're not going to get a "Christian" answer. Nonetheless, in Catholicism, it is taught that legitimate self-defence is morally acceptable.

Secondly, all human lives are valuable to God. Christian moral obligations do not begin and end with other Christians.

 

[Skorzeny]

Secondly, all human lives are valuable to God. Christian moral obligations do not begin and end with other Christians.

But are they of equal value?

 

[ChristineES]

It isn't supposed to be about "killing in self-defense" more than if someone is harming/killing you or someone else, to stop the person from doing it. Sometimes the only way to stop someone is to kill the person. Killing should never be the intent. Just like a person who is suffering will committ suicide, not so he or she can die, but so that he or she can stop suffering.
It's tragic, either way.

 

[Shiranui117]

But are they of equal value?

Yes. All are made in the image of God.

 

[Glaurung]

But are they of equal value?

Every person varies in their closeness to God. (How each person lives in accordance with God). But God is equally close to all people and calls us all to strive for him. No human life is inherently more valuable, as we are all in his image.

 

[MonkeyFire]

They only attack because you are a afraid and that terrifys them. You have to end the cycle. Don't resist.

 

[Blackmarch]

This is something I have never been able to get a clear answer on, so I imagine that each denomination (and then, each individual) has different perspectives. The question is: Are you justified in killing another human if they are deliberately threatening the life of another Christian?

Thanks.

This can be justified by law, depending on the situation (supposing the christian is innocent, and the one causing threat is not abiding the law, or if there is no law to abide). but it isn't the highest path of Godliness that one can choose.