I was recently talking with some friends about various things, and one of them sprung a question. At first, I thought it would be a much simpler answer and conversation then it ended up being. I was taken off guard, because we ended with very different answers along with very different rationale. He brought up several very legit questions and points, and I became curious as to how other people would respond to this question. I put up two polls on the side of my page (joshuaspromise@blogspot.com), please answer both of then. For those of you who are willing, please take a moment to explain some/part of your rationale (including Scripture); I would highly appreciate it. The situation, dilemma and questions are as follows:
You are a father, and a man with a gun has broken into your house. He has grabbed your child and has put a gun to his head. In our hypothetical situation the only way you can save your child is by shooting and killing the man if you do not, he will kill your child. There are no other options either you kill him or your child dies. As a Christian, what would you do?
Now, even more hypothetical... If Jesus was the father (with all and no more abilities and resources that/than you have), would he kill the man about to kill his child?
The polls are on the right side of my blog page (joshuaspromise@blogspot.com). I would really like to hear what goes through some of your heads, please answer the polls (both of them, hit the 'next' button to get to the next) and comment below.
1/06/11
For the King,
~Andrew Voigt
joshuaspromise@blogspot.com
http://www.cahill-shene.com/FatherSonFriendBoat.htm
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it's a true story or not, but the reasoning stands either way. I think it would be unbelievably hard, but the better thing to do would be to not shoot (not even factoring in that with my level of gun experience, I'd be more likely to hit the child myself anyway, and that's the worst of all worlds)
As to the second question, I completely challenge the supposition of Jesus having a child in the first place, unless you're to mean in the sense we all are. In any case, Jesus never sinned for a perceived greater good, so I hardly see why He'd start there. Especially with a wealth of supernatural options that avoid the choice altogether.
I think Christians shouldn't fall into the habit of as being afraid or repulsed by death as nonbelievers. We should have no fear of it at all.
And on my personal soapbox, I'd list such an ethical conundrum among reasons I never intend to own a gun. Even in case of self defense, I don't see that as a good enough reason to take a life myself.
Couple notes, more to keep future comments on 'track' if you will.
ReplyDeleteThe question isn't just 'son or stranger'. It is an offender attacking your family.
The question regarding Jesus (as was brought up by my friend) was hypothetical approach to ask the same question in a little less personal (but more lofty) way. Also part of the question was Jesus with all and no more abilities and resources that/than you have.
Regarding the gun, that is a means. The question is not concerned with the means, but the actual action. The question is protect your son by whatever means available, or let your son be killed.
I agree that believers should not fear their own death, but then in what ways should a father protect and provide for his family?
By raising them in a Godly household so he doesn't have to fear for them either :) That's the best way to provide.
ReplyDelete