SELF-DEFENSE IS A LEGITIMATE RESPONSE TO AGGRESSION EVEN THOUGH PACIFISTS BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NO NEED TO PROTECT YOURSELF IN ANY MANNER. If Someone Wants To Rape You, Let Them; If Someone Wants To Turn You Into An Invalid, Let Them. They do not believe protecting yourself or others can be morally justified; whereas, on the other hand, those who have been saved from harm because someone came to their defense, and had to use violence, are grateful that person was not a pacifist.

 How do interpretations of the 6th Commandment differ between various religious teachings and what impact does this have on views about self-defense?

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Answers

The Sixth Commandment, "You shall not murder," is a fundamental moral directive found in various religious traditions, but its interpretation can vary significantly, influencing views on self-defense.

Here are three views from what known as the Abrahamic religions.

Judaism

In Judaism

,

the commandment is understood as a prohibition against unlawful killing. However, Jewish law recognizes the concept of self-defense. The Talmud states that if someone is pursuing you to kill you, you are permitted to kill them first. This interpretation emphasizes the sanctity of life while allowing for the protection of oneself and others. The principle of "pikuach nefesh," or saving a life, is paramount, suggesting that preserving life can sometimes justify actions that would otherwise be considered murder.

The principle that one may kill in self-defense if someone is pursuing them to kill is found in the Talmud, specifically in the tractate Sanhedrin. The relevant discussion can be found in Sanhedrin 72a.

In this passage, the Talmud discusses the circumstances under which a person may defend themselves against an aggressor. It states that if someone is coming to kill you, you are permitted to kill them first. This reflects the Jewish legal perspective that prioritizes the preservation of life and allows for self-defense in situations where one's life is in imminent danger.

This principle is further elaborated upon in various commentaries and legal discussions within Jewish law, emphasizing the balance between the sanctity of life and the right to protect oneself from harm.

Christianity

Christianity

also upholds the Sixth Commandment, but interpretations can differ among denominations. Many Christians view the commandment as a call to uphold the value of life, yet they also recognize the right to self-defense. The New Testament introduces the concept of turning the other cheek, which some interpret as a call to non-violence. However, many claiming to be Christians make an appeal to the following two verses to morally justify self-defense, with slaying another being an unfortunate outcome.

Jesus said: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a

sword

.—

Matthew 10:34 ( King James Version

)”

Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no

sword

, let him sell his garment, and buy one.— L

uke 22:36 (King James Version

)

The Roman Catholic Church, for instance, teaches that self-defense is permissible when it is proportionate and necessary to protect oneself or others from imminent harm.

The Roman Catholic Church's teaching on self-defense is articulated in the

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)

. Specifically, the relevant sections can be found in

CCC 2263-2265

.

CCC 2263

states that the defense of one's own life or the life of others is a legitimate act. It emphasizes that legitimate defense can be not only a right but also a grave duty for someone responsible for the lives of others.

CCC 2264

further explains that the use of force in self-defense is permissible, provided it is proportionate to the threat faced. It notes that the intention should be to protect life, not to take it unnecessarily.

CCC 2265

reiterates that the moral law allows for self-defense, and it emphasizes that the use of force must be proportionate to the harm being threatened.

These teachings reflect the Catholic Church's understanding of the moral implications of self-defense, balancing the sanctity of life with the right to protect oneself and others from imminent danger.

Islam

Islamic teachings

on the Sixth Commandment, while not framed in the same way, also emphasize the sanctity of life. The Quran prohibits unlawful killing, but it permits self-defense. In Islamic jurisprudence, the right to defend oneself is recognized, and the concept of "qisas" allows for retribution in cases of murder, provided it is proportionate. This reflects a balance between justice and mercy, allowing for self-defense while maintaining the value of life.

Islamic jurisprudence acknowledges the right to self-defense in several sources, including the Quran and Hadith. The concept of "qisas," which refers to retributive justice, is primarily derived from the Quran. The relevant verses can be found in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:178) and Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:45), which discuss the principle of equal retaliation for harm done, emphasizing that justice should be proportionate to the offense.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:178) states:

"O you who have believed, prescribed for you is legal retribution for those murdered - the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But whoever overlooks from his brother anything, then there should be a suitable follow-up and payment in fairness..."

Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:45) reinforces the idea of retribution, stating that the punishment for a life is a life.

Regarding self-defense, Islamic scholars generally agree that if a person is attacked, they have the right to defend themselves, and this defense can include lethal force if necessary to prevent imminent harm or death.

As for honor killings, these are complex and controversial. Honor killings are often justified by cultural practices rather than Islamic teachings. Mainstream Islamic jurisprudence does not condone honor killings, as they do not align with the principles of justice and proportionality outlined in Islamic law. The act of killing someone for perceived dishonor is not supported by the Quran or Hadith and is considered a violation of the sanctity of life. Unfortunately, this type of behavior occurs too often within the Islamic community.

Islamic teachings emphasize justice, mercy, and the protection of life, and honor killings are widely condemned by many scholars and organizations within the Muslim community. They argue that such acts are cultural practices that misinterpret or misuse religious teachings. Thus, while self-defense is recognized, it does not extend to justifying honor killings within the framework of Islamic law. Yet far too often, unfortunately,

radical Muslims seem to advocate violence.

Conclusion

The differing interpretations of the Sixth Commandment across these Abrahamic religions highlight a common thread: the sanctity of life is paramount, but the right to self-defense is also acknowledged. This has significant implications for adherents' views on violence and conflict. In situations of aggression, individuals may feel justified in defending themselves or others, provided their actions align with their religious teachings. Consequently, these interpretations can lead to varied responses to violence, with some advocating for pacifism and others supporting the right to self-defense, illustrating the complex interplay between religious doctrine and moral reasoning in the face of threats to life.

The Ten Commandments Are A Guide For Life.