Presently, in my Theology class, we are learning the 7th commandment. In our notes today was the statement, "The rights of all people must come before the rights of one." It was, of course, referring to material objects, but it started me thinking on a broader scale. For example, what if one person needed to die in order to save many people? Should the one person be sacrificed? It seems that a lot of people would choose the 'easy' answer: Kill the one to save the many. My opinion, on the other hand, is that the involved parties should collaborate(if they aren't already) to find a way of saving both the person and the many. There is always a way, and we shouldn't give up hope. In my opinion, this applies to anything, not just that particular circumstance.
Just something to think about...
Observer,
ReplyDeleteYou are right that it is wrong to sacrifice an innocent person to save many people.
Paragraph 1753 in the Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
"A good intention (for example that of helping one's neighbor) does not make behavior that is intrinsically disordered, such as lying or calumny, just or good. The end does not justify the means. Thus the condemnation of an innocent person cannot be justified as a legitimate means of saving the nation..." (Emphasis mine.)
Merry Christmas!
ReplyDelete~Dr. K