{"id":463,"date":"2016-10-17T16:28:29","date_gmt":"2016-10-17T15:28:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pbthomas.com\/blog\/?p=463"},"modified":"2016-10-17T16:28:29","modified_gmt":"2016-10-17T15:28:29","slug":"doing-no-wrong-in-a-fallen-world-lesser-evil-ethics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/pbthomas.com\/blog\/?p=463","title":{"rendered":"Doing no wrong in a fallen world – “lesser evil” ethics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is it actually possible to live a holy life in a holy world and never do anything which is morally wrong? Remember that there are \u201csins of omission\u201d as well as \u201csins of commission\u201d. As well as \u201cthe evil we have done\u201d there can be \u201cthe good we have left undone.\u201d
\nAnyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn\u2019t do it, sins. (James 4:17)
\nGod calls us to love our neighbours. There can be time when loving our neighbour demands action and failing to act would be the wrong thing to do. <\/p>\n

Many ethical theories and some Christian philosophers argue that there are situations when inaction is not an acceptable option and we need to choose between \u201cthe lesser of two evils.\u201d This principle is used to justify actions which are in themselves wrong but are the preferred \u201clesser evil\u201d in the circumstances. They also talk of some actions as a \u201cnecessary evil\u201d which are acceptable because they lead to a greater good. So some will say \u201cthe end justifies the means. This is applied to various situations including:
\n1.\tDivorce, which although undesirable is preferable to continued intolerable suffering
\n2.\tTelling a lie in order to save a life (are there any Jews hiding in your attic?)
\n3.\tAbortion to save the mother\u2019s life
\n4.\tEuthanasia to end intolerable suffering of an incurable condition
\n5.\tStem Cell research \u2013 experimentation with embryo tissue to create cures
\n6.\tMedical experimentation on animals
\n7.\tGod\u2019s command to wipe out the evil tribes in Canaan to prevent future harm to Israel
\n8.\tGoing to war and even murder in war, defending those who cannot defend themselves
\n9.\tTaking up arms against an unjust state (anti-Apartheid in South Africa) <\/p>\n

But is this \u201clesser of two evils\u201d approach acceptable to Christians? As an example let us consider the principles of pacifism as they relate to 7, 8 and 9 above. During the Reformation our Anabaptist forebears emphasised non-violence and peace-making, insisting that violence is never justified. Consequently Christians must never become soldiers or go to war. They based this understanding on Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:38-48.
\n \t\u201cBut I tell you, Do not resist an evil person.\u201d (v 39)
\n \t\u201cIf someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.\u201d (v 39)
\n \t\u201cBut I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.\u201d (v 44)
\nIn 3rd Century, Tertullian wrote, \u201cIn disarming Peter, Jesus disarmed every soldier.\u201d He was referring to Matthew 26 51 With that, one of Jesus\u2019 companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52 \u201cPut your sword back in its place,\u201d Jesus said to him, \u201cfor all who draw the sword will die by the sword.\u201d
\nPaul also wrote in Romans 12 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. 19 Do not take revenge.
\nAgainst the non-violent understanding, Reformer John Calvin countered: Christians are allowed to use force \u201cout of love for thy neighbour.\u201d Roman Catholics argued that within the limits of Just War theory, violence in war can be a necessary evil. The State is allowed and obliged to use violence to defend its people.
\n For (the one in authority) is God\u2019s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God\u2019s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (Romans 13:4)<\/p>\n

So can a lesser evil argument ever justify violence? Even murder? Causing suffering ? How about lying? See also my sermon on obeying the State in Romans 13 http:\/\/pbthomas.com\/blog\/?p=184 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Is it actually possible to live a holy life in a holy world and never do anything which is morally wrong? Remember that there…<\/span><\/p>\n

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