Death List: When Is It Permissible To Kill?
"Thou shalt not kill"(Exodus 20:13). I do not see any exception clauses in the Sixth Commandment. It raises an interesting and age-old question: In what circumstances or instances – if any – is it justifiable, acceptable, necessary, or even mandatory – to take the life of another human being? What specific circumstances or instances would be on your personal list?
Certainly I understand much of the historical, theological, philosophical, political, and moral debate on the matter of killing. This article is not necessarily intended to debate the issue of right versus wrong; it is intended to explore the question of "when" is it right or acceptable?
In my reasoning, there can be only one of two beliefs: 1) the killing of another human is never justified and is therefore always wrong (or is in God's hands), or 2) there are certain acceptable situations or circumstances when such a final and drastic action is necessary, justifiable, acceptable, or mandatory. Everyone falls into the first or second of those 2 categories, so the question of ‘right and wrong' is not the focus of this article.
I personally have taken one life in self-defense. It is the worst thing I have ever had to do and I never want to do it again. Am I condemned because I violated the Sixth Commandment? Is everyone who has killed damned? In my opinion, the answer is no. I would not be alive today if I had not killed, and my attacker was definitely an evil animal.
This issue has occupied my moral compass for four decades. I was raised by parents who believed that the taking of another life is wrong, in any circumstance…period. As I reached adulthood and developed a mind of my own, I found that I disagreed, regrettably. I say regrettably because the killing of a human being is a regrettable event. Even though I believe there are situations when killing should happen, I believe and have faith that I am a good person, a good man.
So, at the risk of more self-disclosure and controversy, I will put-forth my short list of "when" – or under what circumstances – it is right or acceptable to take another human life. Further, I ask you to think for a moment about your list…provided that you fall into that 2nd category (above).
Killing another person is justifiable, acceptable, necessary, or mandatory under the following conditions or circumstances:
- Self-defense or in defense of family or friend
- When one has been drafted into the military, or has taken the oath of a soldier and is performing their duty as a soldier
- A murderer who is incorrigible (who cannot change at all)
- A sexual predator – especially a pedophile – who is incorrigible (who cannot change)
Note: those last 2 items on my list are reserved for those career criminals – multi-murderers and predators – who have a proven record of violent incorrigibility and do not deserve to breathe the same air as decent people.
In closing, again I ask you – my reader – to contemplate your own list! What might be on it?
Questions and Answers
Before we can answer the question of the role of Alcoholics Anonymous in restoring drivers licenses, it's helpful first to briefly review the Michigan drivers license restoration process and what you must prove.
In many cases, especially when the crime is publicly scorned (i.e. DUI, domestic violence, animal cruelty, sex offenses) yet a bona-fide defense exists, one should consider waiving a jury trial. The case is then tried to only the judge. This can make it easier to focus the case on evidence and argument that matters most toward a not guilty verdict, rather than spending a lot of time and effort persuading twelve jurors to put aside their biases.
When someone moves into an assisted living center, that person is likely not doing so with much in the way of excitement or happiness.
The Criminal lawyers Ottawa have special skills to fight out both simple and complicated cases and help you the best legal justice ever.
A professional criminal attorney in Los Angeles can surely get your name off the list of criminals in the city if you really are innocent. It does not actually matter if you go for a professional Los Angeles criminal attorney that charges lower or higher compared to others.
The host walks on in front of a giant, big-screen (like the modern ones that the news stations use). The host says: "Welcome to Scam Busters! Where we take real-life Internet offers and everyday emails and get to the bottom of it for you. Is it real? Does it really work? Is it legitimate? Can you make money from it? Today you will find out for certain."
It is a proven fact that ninety percent (or more) of all New Year's goals or resolutions are not achieved. That is huge! More than ninety percent of all people will not attain their goals for the New Year…wow! I want to change that for you right now. If you are reading this article, I will show you why most people do not reach their resolutions and, more importantly, how you can guarantee your own success in reaching your goals for 2011.
We all know that ultimately there is no crystal ball that allows us to see what's coming, and no certain magic that will prevent that pink slip. It makes excellent sense, however, to plan ahead and to be proactive in making yourself even more valuable to your employer. The time to protect yourself is right now, no time to waste. These concepts are just one small part of what a strong "Abundant Life Coach" will teach!
The internet has often been called the modern day equivalent of the wild west of old. Yes, the digital age has brought us so many luxuries and conveniences, but it has also ushered in new venues for the "decomposers of the world" to operate, make huge money, and victimize people. Something tangible must be done now to kill the outrageous virus of e-crime and cyber terrorism.
Discuss this Article
