17
The Fifth Commandment
You shall not kill.
Church starts with this: “Human life is sacred because from its beginning
it involves the creative action of God and it remains forever in a special
relationship with the Creator, who is its sole end.” (CCC 2258) But the
righteous.’” It then goes on to talk about legitimate defense and dealing
with unjust aggressors. If one must kill an unjust aggressor to preserve
commandment.
commandment, including intentional homicide, abortion, euthanasia and
just taking life. The Catechism addresses in this section: avoiding scandal,
respecting the body (of the living and the dead), abusing drugs, sci-
Finally, the Catechism speaks of the necessity of avoiding war and lays
out what is known as the “just war” doctrine.
As Christians, we are called to be people of peace, and to think much
-
counted in the Catechism: “You have heard that it was said to the men
of old, ‘You shall not kill: and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.’
But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be
liable to judgment.” (Matthew 5:21-22)
For further study:
CCC 2258-2330
Matthew 5:21-26