4.2 - sanctity of life

• why is human life special to christians?

  • only humans have a soul because they were made in god's likeliness
  • human life comes directly from god
  • human life is a gift from god
  • humans were made in god's image
• killing in self defence

  • sanctity of your own life overrules sanctity of another person's life
  • catholic catechism says it is not murder
  • allowed if it is the only way to save your life
• killing in war

  • some people believe in pacifism (not fighting in war)
  • allowed to fight in just wars because the need to protect the innocent from aggressors justifies breaking sanctity of life beliefs
• what is sanctity of life?

  the belief that life is holy or sacred, and is a gift from god
• capital punishment

  • many say it should'nt be used - life is sacred, murder is condemned
  • others say it should be used - bible gives death penalty as punishment for certain offences, helps teach the value of life
• non-religious people

  • human life is precious and should be preserved
  • everyone has the right to life
  • wars in self defence is allowed because it preserves other people's lives
  • death penalty is wrong because you aren't 100% sure that the verdict is correct (innocent could be killed)