The Morality of War

While Hal Lindsey is hardly a moderate by any stretch of the imagination... actually he is often called nutty even by the more conservative parts of the religious right. But he is a man with a good heart and some interesting things to say from time to time. This week's article is an interesting reflection on whether Christians can kill, even in war, and remain morally pure.

The Fourth Commandment in "God's Big 10" is translated into English as, "Thou shalt not kill." If anyone goes on to read the context, he will find that when a duly constituted court finds a person guilty of deliberately taking another human's life, the people are commanded to put him to death...These verses show that God authorizes the use of "lethal force" symbolized by "the sword" against those who would harm others and take their property. This principle also authorizes governing authorities to use lethal force to protect citizens from attacks by foreign forces.

Most of us do not doubt the morality of a Just War because it is so deeply ingrained into our culture. After all, who would claim that the fight against the Nazis was an immoral war? But since Vietnam, Americans have had questions about less obviously good-vs-evil wars. And Iraq has been no exception. But maybe this can help restore the discussion to a solid foundation.