This paper is going to attempt to answer the question, “Is there ever a time when killing is justifiable?” I will give information on my views and apply metaethical theories to this real-life situation that many people disagree on. My personal ethical theory includes a mix of the three ethics we have studied in this course: Virtue Ethics, Revelation Christian Ethics, and Divine Nature Theory.
First, I will describe my personal ethical theory and the application process. I will then apply these theories to the real-life situation of the question given above. I understand that not everyone will agree or have the same feelings. They may reach a different conclusion than I have on this topic. It is okay to have differences of opinion and to disagree on many topics, not just the one presented.
Virtue Ethics
The approach to virtue ethics essentially says, “Good ethical decisions will be made by good people.” In my personal ethical theory, the part that best explains it is that virtue ethics is based on how you are raised and the moral characteristics you were taught and still hold. “Aristotle observed that there is a reason for everything that exists.” He also refers to virtues as being character traits that influence how you act and react in a moral way. Aristotle described this ethic as being a balance between two extremes, also known as the “Golden Mean.”
My personal definition of virtue ethics is that you practice being honest, generous, and just — practicing actions that demonstrate good moral character. Then you, as a person, can develop into becoming an honorable moral character. When you continue to practice these ethical habits, you will have confidence in making the right choices when confronted with ethical challenges. The only problem I see with this theory is that it leaves out God.
References
- Laura A. Stivers, Christine E. Gudorf, and James B. Martin-Schramm, Christian Ethics: A Case Method Approach (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2012), 10–11.
- Michael S. Jones, Moral Reasoning: An Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right from Wrong (Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt, 2017), 36–37.
Revelation Christian Ethics
As a Christian, I think it is important that my personal theory involves the Bible, and that is where Revelation Christian Ethics comes in. Even though it isn’t simple to get everyone to agree that it should be included in everyday life, I believe it is essential. The Bible is often interpreted as a list of rules, but I don’t think that is the case. *“The Bible is not some middle-school piece of literature; it is a collection of writings that were composed over a long expanding period of time by people with a variety of backgrounds who were communicating some pretty advanced religious and philosophical ideas.”*³
I would also like to mention the Ten Commandments, as these are good ethical principles that we should all live by. I think the world might be much more peaceful if we all stood firm in our belief in the Lord, honored our father and mother, and avoided murder, adultery, and other violations of these principles. However, it may not be possible for everyone to agree on them.
Another part of Revelation Christian Ethics is the Golden Rule. I have based my life on this principle since I was a small child, and even more so as an adult. I always try to treat others the way I want to be treated in return. This, too, has its challenges, because the way I want to be treated could be interpreted in many ways.
*“The key foundation of Revelational Christian Ethics is the Bible, reinforced by careful thinking and understanding of the heart and conscience.”*⁴ This theory values not just words but also the actual application to the times — known as hermeneutics — and the study of the philosophy behind the Bible. This method allows us to take it all in, apply it to our daily lives, and become *“better Christians and better people.”*⁵
References
³ Jones, Moral Reasoning, 113–119.
⁴ Jones, Moral Reasoning, 128–134.
⁵ Jones, Moral Reasoning, 128–138.
Divine Nature Theory
At first, I thought I could relate more to Divine Command Theory. However, after reading Chapter Eight in Moral Reasoning, my opinion began to shift. The chapter introduced Modified Divine Theory, but by the end, it was more commonly referred to as Divine Nature Theory. This led me to question my previous thoughts about Divine Command Theory, and I ultimately leaned more toward adding Divine Nature Theory to my personal ethical framework alongside the other two theories.
As defined in the text, *“It rejects the suggestion that there is a standard of morality outside of God to which God’s commands conform, for now the standard is internal to God — in effect, God is the Standard.”*⁶ Even though not everyone believes in God, I do.
This theory can be summarized as *“an approach to ethics that interprets moral principles as a reflection of the definitive morals that are essential to God himself.”*⁷ It does not suggest that there is a moral standard outside of God; rather, it affirms that God himself is the standard.
References
⁶ Jones, Moral Reasoning, 104, 116–117.
⁷ Jones, Moral Reasoning, 103–128.
Justifying Killings
Many people question the violence in today’s world and whether it can ever be justified. The death rates and trends in violence have risen sharply. *“In 2015, the number of deaths from violent situations in the United States was 62,516”*⁸ compared to *“1998 statistics of 48,847”*⁹ — a 28% increase in confirmed violence-related deaths. These numbers do not include unreported cases or incidents categorized differently from violent crimes.
One of the readings in this course addressed the issue of justifying killings. In the story “Vietnam’s Legacy”, Martin Paxton shares his feelings about serving in the Vietnam War. He reflects on how his views have changed since he was first drafted. His grandson Brad questions the draft, and Mr. Paxton struggles with how to respond. The trauma of war still affects him, yet he understands that as a nation, we must have ways to defend against terrorism and corruption.
Applying Virtue Ethics to this story means looking at one’s own moral characteristics and upbringing. Personally, I grew up in a semi-Christian home — we didn’t attend church every Sunday, but we went occasionally. Now, as an adult with children, we attend weekly and grow in faith together. My father and grandfather both served in the military. Learning from them and hearing their experiences, I believe that some — though not all — killings in war are justified.
Not all military actions are morally justifiable, but for the safety of soldiers and those back home, some are necessary. The realities of a combat zone are unlike everyday life. Sometimes soldiers face unimaginable choices, such as confronting children who have been taught to commit violent acts. Although tragic, my Virtue Ethics perspective leads me to believe that killing for a just cause and for the greater good can be morally acceptable. This perspective may also align with Rule Utilitarianism, although proving the moral acceptability of killing requires deeper reasoning.
Revelational Christian Ethics and Divine Nature Theory also apply. God commands, *“Thou shall not kill”*¹⁰ — more accurately translated from Hebrew as “Thou shall not murder.” There is a difference between murder and killing. In an ideal world of peace, killing would not be necessary. But in today’s world, differences in values and beliefs often escalate into conflict.
If the military ceased all use of force, our nation’s survival would be at risk. While not all wars are just, I believe most are fought for legitimate reasons. Ecclesiastes 3:8 states, *“A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”*¹¹ Matthew 24:6 supports this, *“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.”*¹²
Divine Nature Theory teaches that God is the ultimate standard, and God commands obedience to laws. In the U.S., certain individuals must register for the draft, and if reinstated, those registered are called to serve. Refusing this would be sinful according to this framework.
All these perspectives — Virtue Ethics, Revelational Christian Ethics, and Divine Nature Theory — must be considered when determining if killing is justified.
The question remains: Is there ever a time when killing is justified? I believe there is. Killing becomes murder when, and only when, it is not justified. Justifications should be clear, such as defending yourself, your family, or your country from hostile intruders. There is a difference between the legal and illegal use of deadly force: *“It is a matter of motive, intent, and justification. These distinctions come straight from scripture.”*¹³ While I do not believe God intended killings to occur in His creation, He knew they would be inevitable due to human nature.
There have always been — and will continue to be — crimes and violence. Perpetrators should face consequences proportionate to their actions. Overall, there will be times when killing is justifiable. Military personnel and law enforcement officers are often fighting for the right reasons, striving to do their jobs ethically.¹⁴
References
⁸ 2015 United States Violence-Related Deaths and Rates per 100,000. WISQARS. CDC. December 2015.
⁹ 1998 United States Violence-Related Deaths and Rates per 100,000. WISQARS. CDC. December 1998.
¹⁰ Exodus 20:13 (Hebrew translation)
¹¹ Ecclesiastes 3:8 (ESV)
¹² Matthew 24:6–7 (ESV)
¹³ Scripture reference as cited in course materials
¹⁴ Additional supporting sources from course text
References
- Wallace, J. Warner. The Difference Between Killing and Murdering. Cold-Case Christianity with J. Warner Wallace, July 18, 2013.
- Kovarik, Chase. RE: Case: Vietnam’s Legacy. October 16, 2017.
- Jones, Michael S. Moral Reasoning: An Intentional Approach to Distinguishing Right from Wrong. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt, 2017.
- Stivers, Laura A., Christine E. Gudorf, and James B. Martin-Schramm. Christian Ethics: A Case Method Approach, 4th ed. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2012.
- WISQARS, CDC. United States Violence-Related Deaths and Rates per 100,000. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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