Church doctrine and war

[Light1111]

Hello,

I have a question about war, relating to Church doctrine.

In Catholic school, we were taught that a person may never sin, including if he is asked to commit a sin by his parents, by his boss, by his principal, by his government, by his military leaders. We were told that if ever one sins, he takes the sin on himself, and it impacts his own soul; he cannot use an excuse that “My Mom made me do it” or even “My country made me do it.”

Does this mean that in times of war, a soldier is singularly responsible for every casualty he causes? So, by Church doctrine, is a soldier a murderer?

Also, I have tried to search this online, so I apologize if the answer has already been mentioned in one of these forums. But what is the official position of the Church regarding war in general? And has the Pope commented on the two wars the U.S. is currently engaged in? If so, what statements has he made? What is the Church’s stance? If it has one.

Thank you! Peace to each one of you.

 

[catholictiger]

Hello,

I have a question about war, relating to Church doctrine.

In Catholic school, we were taught that a person may never sin, including if he is asked to commit a sin by his parents, by his boss, by his principal, by his government, by his military leaders. We were told that if ever one sins, he takes the sin on himself, and it impacts his own soul; he cannot use an excuse that “My Mom made me do it” or even “My country made me do it.”

Does this mean that in times of war, a soldier is singularly responsible for every casualty he causes? So, by Church doctrine, is a soldier a murderer?

Also, I have tried to search this online, so I apologize if the answer has already been mentioned in one of these forums. But what is the official position of the Church regarding war in general? And has the Pope commented on the two wars the U.S. is currently engaged in? If so, what statements has he made? What is the Church’s stance? If it has one.

Thank you! Peace to each one of you.

i’m not sure of the offical catholic stance on this but im almost positive i isn’t a sin for a soldier to defend himself from a threat to him.

I heard stories of priest who would shot ppl to defend his church becuase he knew people would burn it down, and probably kill him as well. (i think this was during the American revolution or civil war.)

so no i would say killing people who are trying to kill you isn’t a sin well mortal sin mainly becuase if you sit back and do nothing you will die so in order for you to live you must kill them

but I must mention that you should always use killing as a last resort even in times of war but i would imagine that killing would always be their only option becuase if they didn’t the solider and many of his friends would die.

 

[Brendan]

The Church already ruled on that during the Council of Trent

On the 5th Commandment

Killing In A Just War
In like manner, the soldier is guiltless who, actuated not by motives of ambition or cruelty, but by a pure desire of serving the interests of his country, takes away the life of an enemy in a just war.

 

[Light1111]

Thank you to both of you! Peace!