Is it a sin for a soldier in Iraq to kill an enemy?

This was the first question asked by the kids in each class I visited. I think they are concerned about this because they probably have someone (brother, uncle, family friend, etc.) who is in Iraq. The answer, as with most answers regarding the committing of a sin, depends on the circumstances.

The Catholic Church recognizes that war brings with it evils and injustices. It states that war should be used only as a last resort. At the same time the Church also admits that they are situations in which war is justified. Lasting suffering inflicted by the aggressor, all peaceful mean of avoiding war have been exhausted, there is a high probibility or success and the use of weapons cannot produce evils greater than those being committed by the aggressor (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2307 - 2310).

With that being said, the Church also recognizes that whether a war is justified or not, soldiers have the right do legitimately defend themselves from the enemy. This defense of oneself must be proportionate to the attack. The self-defense does not have to be specifically on that individual rather can be the defense of others. In war, soldiers are often defending other soldiers, civilians or societal necessities such as food, shelter, infrastructure, etc. (CCC, #2263 - 2265).

The term proportionate defense means that the response to the aggressor cannot be extreme beyond that necessary. Take that example of a group of Iraqi rebels in a building who are attacking U.S. soldiers. Using a rocket launcher or grenades on that building is proportionate. Calling in an air strike that will take out the whole city block is not.

In nearly all cases, soldiers are doing their duty to defend other soldiers or Iraqi citizens and although this results in the death of many Iraqi rebels it does not the Commandment "Thou shall not kill."

War is always a sad and disturbing situation. We know that people will die because of the war. We know that there will be destruction and disruption of life in the war zone. Yet, we also know that God wants people to live in justice, freedom and peace and sometimes war is necessary to reach this goal. Until next time...God bless.

posted by: crossman at 06:01 | link | comments |
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