Sanctity of Life

Question 1

Why is life holy?

Answer 1

1. When God was incarnated as Jesus. This sanctified life by suffering as a human.
2. God created life.
3. Man was created in his likeness. This allows only them to have a relationship with God.

Question 2

Killing in self-defence:

Answer 2

1. It is acceptable.
2. Sanctity of your own life takes precedence over the sanctity over others.
3. Catechism says ‘not guilty of murder.’

Question 3

Killing in war

Answer 3

1. Refusing to fight, pacifism. This is because it breaks the sanctity of life. ‘Love your neighbour.’
2. They can fight in just wars, to protect the innocent from aggressors justifies breaking the sanctity of life beliefs.
   ‘‘use arms to repel aggressors.”- Catechism.

Question 4

Capital Punishment:

Answer 4

1. It is not allowed as murder is not allowed.
2. It is allowed as the Bible prescribes it for various offences. ‘does not exclude recourse to the death penalty.”

Question 5

SOWAAs:

Answer 5

1. ‘in his own image.’
2. ‘the breath of life.’
3. your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.’