5th Commandment

Do not murder.

Why is this commandment given? Gen. 9:6 We discussed that the first commandments revolve around man's relationship with God, and the last ones around man's relationship with man, well this commandment actually is both.

What does this commandment mean?

What about abortion? Embryonic stem cell research?

Direct and intentional killing of an innocent human is the oldest and 'worst' sin.

What about Capital Punishment? 2 Sam 1:16 – in the Old Testament, when capital punishment was carried out, the blood guilt is not on the hands executors, but on the one killed.

What about self-defence? Ex. 22:2-3

What about suicide? (Taking this further, what about misuse of the body such as using tobacco or not eating right?)

What about warfare? In the old Testament, there are multiple instances where God commands armies to kill, does that still apply today? The Hebrew word used in the commandment is never used in the context of war.

'Vengence is mine, says the Lord'

The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm.

The NT does not explicitly say one way or the other, but does seem to implicitly support the idea of soldiers. For example, when soldiers came to John the Baptist, he did not ask them to repent of their profession, but admonished them to be content with their pay. (Luke 3)

• The reasons for going to war are defensive.

• "The damage inflicted by the aggressor ... must be lasting, grave, and certain."

• It is a last resort taken only after all other means of putting an end to the "grave damage" have been ineffective.

• The ultimate aim is peace and there is a serious chance of success.

• No graver evils are produced that overshadow the evil to be eliminated. This forbids the use of arms to eliminate whole cities and areas with their inhabitants.

• Respect and care is required for non-combatants, wounded soldiers and prisoners. Soldiers are required to disobey commands to commit genocide and ones that violate universal principles.
  

What did Jesus say about this commandment?

'Anger in the heart'

Is there ever a justification for getting angry then?

Yes – Jesus overturned the tables in the temple.

According to Martin Luther, by reversing this commandment into a positive statement, we must do whatever we can to prevent the death of others, including helping the sick and preventing dangerous situations.

Note: Scandal is classified under this commandment.