Soldier killing dying soldier

[superhancpetram]

Not only is it a sin, it is also generally speaking a crime in domestic and international law which may be punishable by a lengthy prison sentence or even, in some jurisdictions, the death penalty. Of course, such laws are not applied consistently (if at all). I would add that it is equally immoral and illegal to kill an enemy combatant or a civilian under the same circumstances.

 

[Freddy]

There was a case in the Falklands war when some Argentinian prisoners were clearing some ordinance under guard by the British soldiers and some of it blew up. A couple were killed instantly but one was horribly burned yet still alive.

Getting help was a considerable time away and his injuries were obviously going to be fatal. He was in awful agony so one of the soldiers shot him as an act of mercy.

There but for the grace of God…

 

[phil3]

This is different and it would be a sin.

 

[phil3]

Well then, people who didnt serve have no right to comment, correct?

 

[RolandThompsonGunner]

Well then, people who didnt serve have no right to comment, correct?

Nah, you don’t have to be a veteran to have a stance on a moral question. It’s not like this is a situation 99.99% of veterans have personal experience with either.

 

[RhodesianSon]

As someone who’s actually fought against Islamic fanatics, and held friends while they died, there is no moral justification for killing a wounded soldier to stop suffering. None.

 

[RhodesianSon]

In fact people who haven’t been in those situations often have the objectivity needed to judge. People personally invested in a decision can justify anything they need to.

 

[RolandThompsonGunner]

In fact people who haven’t been in those situations often have the objectivity needed to judge. People personally invested in a decision can justify anything they need to.

Right. It’s like asking a father, would you kill an innocent person if it was the only way to save your child? Someone looking at the situation objectively can arrive at the correct answer: no. A parent is likely to say “if that was the only way, absolutely.”

 

[o_mlly]

According to the church you are self defense is allowed. If you take a life defending yours that is acceptable.

Well, no. An essential qualifier to the self-defense doctrine is that the life you take is that of an unjust aggressor in the performance of a lethal act.

 

[ChuckB]

I would be kneeling beside reminding him of the inestimable value of redemptive suffering offered up to God & praying with him.

If I am ever in the unfortunate situation of dying a horrible, painful death, and you are there with me, please do not try to remind me of “the inestimable value” of my agony. In that moment, I suspect that I wouldn’t be even a little bit interested in your thoughts on my suffering.

 

[Jen7]

Wow, okay. I won’t. I hope someone would remind me, though. I hate pain.

 

[whatistrue]

please do not try to remind me of “the inestimable value” of my agony

Just as a thought, not really trying to get a solid answer in the limited time left in CAF’s existence, but I have to wonder what the proportion is of people who speak of the value of suffering that have actually suffered to at least the same degree as the person they are “reminding”.

 

[MikeInVA]

but I have to wonder what the proportion is of people who speak of the value of suffering that have actually suffered to at least the same degree as the person they are “reminding”.

Why? Is personal experience equal to or greater than someone else’s a requirement for compassion?

please do not try to remind me of “the inestimable value” of my agony

I believe that the poster was being descriptive, not providing a script. We are called to comfort the dying, not snuff them out.

 

[o_mlly]

What is a just aggressor.

Usually, that phrase in morality would be considered an oxymoron. Aggressors are never just.

In conducting a just war (jus in bello), the just defenders may take offensive aka aggressive actions to disable the unjust from using offensive capabilities but such acts are in principle defensive acts.

 

[whatistrue]

Why? Is personal experience

Did I say it was wrong or bad to try? I only had a passing thought about the proportions. Don’t read anything else into it that isn’t actually there.

 

[ChuckB]

the limited time left in CAF’s existence

What? Do you know something that we don’t? (Or that I don’t?)

Edited to add: Just saw another post regarding the December 31 end of CAF.

 

[Dorothy]

And the suffering is only for a short while;…eternity is forever.

 

[Freddy]

ChuckB:

please do not try to remind me of “the inestimable value” of my agony

Just as a thought, not really trying to get a solid answer in the limited time left in CAF’s existence…

That’s the second time today I’ve read something like that. Were you the author in both cases? Is there something I’m unaware of…?

 

[Freddy]

whatistrue:

the limited time left in CAF’s existence

What? Do you know something that we don’t? (Or that I don’t?)

Edited to add: Just saw another post regarding the December 31 end of CAF.

Maybe it’s a ruse to clear out all the undesirables: ‘So this place is closing down? OK, pin back your ears…this is what I really think!’

 

[ChuckB]

‘So this place is closing down? OK, pin back your ears…this is what I really think!’

LOL! I was thinking the same thing.