Students years ago heard me complain how imprecise it was to translate the Fifth Commandment as “Thou shalt not kill.” As a moral theologian, I would note that “kill” is too generic, lacking specification by a moral object. It should be “Thou shalt not murder.” And, technically, that is true.
And yet. And yet. Human killing is something we should always be in the practice of withdrawing from—in our minds, hearts, viscera, as well as in our social practice. That withdrawal belongs at the heart of the New Law of grace. Yes: grace does not destroy nature, but rather perfects it. Yes.
“Human killing is something we should always be in the practice of withdrawing from”, even when it seems justified https://t.co/AAI2swO1KO On @ethikapolitika #abortion #wholelife #MarchForLife2019
— David Mills (@DavidMillsWrtng) January 18, 2019