Issue 494 The killing exceptions December 30, 2014

In the Bible there are only three exceptions to killing.  While modern law adds numerous nuance to this, we sometimes have to remember the basics of when it is acceptable.  So let us begin.

Exception 1, Self Defense:  Self-defense is one of the easiest to remember as even the law recognizes this as a right.  You are basically defending yourself from impending doom.  The reason this exception exists is because we have a right to live.  As such, the Ten Commandments makes this one of the primary exceptions to killing another human being.

Exception 2, protecting another:  For a similar reason to the first exception, we also have a right to protect our fellow man from physical harm.  So if a group/mob is about to attack another person, by God's own rules, we are allowed to kill in defense of that individual being attacked.  Obviously, this one is a bit harder to do than with the first exception as we may end up defending a villain.  So in this case use your judgment on how to solve or if to even interfere with the situation.

Exception 3, War, the final exception:  This exception, war, encompasses the first two.  Via war (and that is if we are attacked first) we are defending ourselves, our families and our fellow countrymen.  This exception was very important for before God even came into people’s lives and was recognized as our savior (assuming you believe in God) genocide and slavery was a key component of war and unfortunately may be so again.  So by fighting back, you stop the annihilation of yourself and all those around you.

Conclusion:  I am sure I have mentioned these exceptions before, but I feel that given the current situation in the Middle East and the issues surrounding Ferguson and similar situations, that we may be forgetting that we are allowed to defend ourselves and loved ones.  I will not say I support violence, but we are now more likely than ever to be placed into a possible life and death situation.  So for me, I wanted to at least prepare you for the possibility and that you are in the right with respect to resorting to killing another if left with no viable alternative.  So stay safe my readers.  Stay safe.