Chapter 28 Respecting Life I Human Life A

Chapter 28 Respecting Life

I. Human Life A. Human Life is sacred b/c we are made in the image of God B. The beginning and end of every life is up to God C. Are we less sensitive to the loss of human life? - T. V. , video games, movies, music?

II. Legitimate Defense of Life A. We have the right to “ stop someone from inflecting harm on us or others”. B. This is the only justification for killing

III. Life Issues 1. Capital Punishment A. Even the worst immoral act does not take away a person’s God–given dignity B. Imprisoning the offender is a better witness to the value of life.

III. Life Issues 2. War A. Should be an act of self–defense B. Church teaches that all citizens and governments must do everything to avoid war. C. War must be a last resort

III. Life Issues (WAR) D. Criteria for Just War: 1. Just Cause- using war to correct public evil 2. Comparative Justice- The good must outweigh the bad (loss of life). 3. Legitimate Authority- Only public authorities should use force 4. Right Intention- used for the sole purpose of the cause 5. Probability of Success- Reality that a nation could be successful

III. Life Issues (WAR) Proportionality- The destruction must be justified by the good. 7. Last Resort 6. - If any of these conditions are not met, the war cannot be considered just. “Arms race” – Although fighting does not take place, harms the people who could have benefited from the money spent on weapons.

III. Life Issues 3. Abortion- intentionally stops the development of an unborn child - life starts at the moment of conception - abortion affects the whole community, responsibility of all to stop it - church believes in life through adoption.

III. Life Issues 4. Genetic Engineering/In-Vitro, etc. 1. Conceiving Life in a way that God did not intend. 2. Technology is not an excuse for unintended life. 3. Life should be defended at all stages.

III. Life Issues 5. Euthanasia A. Mercy Killing B. Intentional death of a human being is murder C. Dying with dignity is possible Terry Schiavo

III. Life Issues 6. Suicide A. Taking of one’s own life B. Considered the ultimate rejection of love of self, love of God, love of neighbor C. Mental Illness (depression) can be a mitigating circumstance

III. Life Issues 7. Scandal A. Attitude or behavior that deliberately leads another person to sin causing harm to their spiritual life. B. Something we fail to do C. How we present ourselves

III Life Issues 8. Respect for Health (body, mind, soul) A. We must avoid all kinds of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. B. Must get proper exercise, get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet.

St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894 – 1941) Franciscan priest, newspaper editor from Poland During WWII – monastery - refuge camp for Polish refugees and Jews Arrested for taking a stand against Nazi oppression – sent to Auschwitz Killed at Auschwitz – offered his life in place of another