Justifiable Murder
Posted: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
by Joyce Dunn
Scott Roeder went to church in Wichita , KS one Sunday morning, shot and killed Dr. George Tiller in cold blood during the Sunday morning service. He now claims it was justifiable, and stated he is unapologetic for it. Sounds like something from a B rated horror movie, doesn't it? Unfortunately, it's true.
Dr. Tiller preformed abortions, Mr. Roeder considers abortion murder. He claims slaying Dr. Tiller was necessary to protect the lives of the unborn.' On November 9, some twenty-one abortion opponents released a "Defensive Action Statement, 3 rd Edition." The statement proclaims that any force that can be used to defend the life of a "born child, is legitimate to defend the life of an unborn child." The signers are also demanding that jurors be allowed to consider the question of when life begins. Three of the signers are currently serving prison terms for targeting abortion doctors.
Let's start with the question of when life begins. An eighth grade biology student can probably tell you that life begins at conception. Biological life, that is. What no one can prove in when the essence that labels us as human, the soul, enters the human body. Does it happen at conception, sometime during pregnancy, or at birth? I suggest that this is a matter of belief. In other words, faith. Who are we to condemn someone who chooses abortion if their belief system tells them the soul is not yet present? Any argument about when life begins must include this aspect.
Next is the statement that any force that can be used to defend the life of a born child is legitimate to defend the life of an unborn child.' With this kind of reasoning, it would be justifiable to kill someone you believe is abusing a child, possibly putting their life in danger. The problem here is that the law finds this a legitimate reason only when the danger is "imminent." I doubt a doctor attending church service could be seen as putting anyone in "imminent danger." If we justify the use of cold blooded murder to defend our beliefs, what happens to our system of law and order? What happens to our humanity?
Then, of course, there are the Ten Commandments. You know, the one that says Thou shall not kill.' To the best of my knowledge there is no except when' provision added to that commandment.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)More people have died because of Christian religious fundamentalism than deaths in any war; add up the Crusades, The Spanish Inquisition and the Holocaust( it was after all only Christians who murdered 2 million Jewish children along with another 4 million Jewish adults) and Christ, in Heaven, has seen all of this done by followers of the Christian faith.As Gandi said; 'I like your Christ,but I do not like your Christians."These fundamentalist lunatics claim that they believe in 'right to life' but are all for the death penalty.If these Christians understood spiritual laws and knew that executed criminals continue to walk the Earth, after execution, in spirit form but unchanged in any other way, now more free to do horrific damage to others, they would think twice about the death penalty.The hatred spewed from the pulpit about abortionists is what fuels these maniacs.Pastors and priests who preach such venom should be charged as complicitconspirators when crimes like these are committed;that would make them think twice before using a Christian pulpit to spew venom.
Definitely agree with your first paragraph, Paul. I've been saying that for years. IMHO, all wars are rooted in 'religion.' I'd not heard that quote by Ghandi, but I like it.
I don't believe in abortion--as I feel that life begins at conception and with human life, there is a soul from the beginning (now, this is just my belief, I'm not telling anyone else they have to feel the same way); but, I do not believe in killing someone who performs or is having an abortion performed on them. God knows this is going on and doesn't interfere. He gives us all a choice to do right or wrong. Payday will come around soon enough. Killing the 'killer' is not our place. I think some things should be left up to the law (and God). But, I do feel that self-defense or the defense of another person (as you said, in immenient danger) is a different story. There are just too many sides to all squares and who's to say what is right or wrong? The poor baby might be better off terminated early rather than beaten to death 3, 6, or 12 months after birth---those are people that make me want to 'hurt' someone!Great article at any rate, Joyce.
Thanks Sandra. I agree with you on all points. If the pro life people were more involved in protecting the life of a child once it is born, I'd be a little more sympathetic. Like you, people who abuse children could make me homicidal. :) Wonder if we (human race) will ever get to the point where we don't think we have all the answers for everyone, and learn to disagree without being disagreeable? (or worse)
Good article. I agree with Sandra. Recently the lady who was a director at a planned parenthood abortion clinic quit after seeing an actual abortion and realizing that the fetus was alive. Maybe you saw her interview with some of the news people. It was a great eyeopener for a lot of people I hope. Anyway thanks for sharing. Welcome to Searchwarp. Linda DGlad you liked the article Linda, and thanks for joining my fan club
As you say life begins at conception. Biological life, yet you indicate it may be alright to kill "that only" biological life, depending on a persons opinion when a soul may enter that biological life! Doesn't make sense. If life begins at conception (forget the soul) abortion is killing that life. And the 10th commandment says Thou Shall Not Kill, yes it does. It doesn't say not to kill after a soul may enter a life but simply "not kill". To kill means biological life. As for these vigilantes-- I agree it is outrageous and no answer to the abortion question. Thank you for an article written by an obviously good hearted person!Thanks for your comment. I can't completely agree with your arguement as it could be taken to extremes. All animals and vegetation have 'life', and obviously some 'killing' needs to be done for survival.
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