The Thin Line Between Violence and Non-Violence
Premises 1.) Christian morality calls for preferential use of non-violence in facing violent evil. Love and justice must prevail. 2.) Human nature goes for self-preservation, and the protection of life, at times to the extent of facing violent evils with some degree of violence to control, if not destroy, such evil and to protect the person's life and the lives of those he love. Dilemma How can you reconcile the Christian preference for non-violence in facing a violent evil in an act of self-defense and in defending the lives of those who are helpless? Is it permissible to use some form of violence in order to destroy (kill), if not subdue, the source of violent evil? How can a person exercise love and justice in the face of a violent evil? Situation Four robbers entered your home in order to steal and more at whatever the cost. You and your wife have three young girls, and these criminals want to rape them before your eyes. What will you do? Should you let the crim...