Killing

Regnum Christi Spirituality Center Ask a Priest

“Ask a Priest: What About Attacks on Abortionists?”

Q: I saw a news story on TV that said that attacks against abortion providers have been on the rise lately. I read that some abortion doctors have even been killed since the Roe v. Wade decision. I am conflicted as to the morality of this, since undoubtedly countless kids have been born into the world and are alive today, who would not be alive had those doctors and clinics been left alone to operate. The actions of the attackers really saved innocent kids’ lives. How would this be viewed in light of Church teaching? Is there a point when killing is not only justified but required by moral law in order to protect the innocent? – M.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: The short answer is no, people aren’t justified in killing abortionists, no matter how loathsome abortion is.

For one thing, no one has the right to make himself a judge, jury and executioner. That is akin to doing the same thing that abortionists effectively do every time they kill an unborn child.

A basic moral principle is that we cannot choose an evil means to pursue a good end. Otherwise, anything could be justified.

Instead, pro-lifers should resort to prayer and sacrifices and evangelization to help change hearts and minds.

In any case, the killing of abortionists tends to turn public opinion against the pro-life movement. Such killings undercut the very credibility of the movement and everything it strives for.

There are, of course, times when forces is justified.

The Catechism in No. 2265, says: “Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility.”

Note that phrase: “those who legitimately hold authority.” This would include police officers and soldiers, but not those who decide on their own to use lethal force against perpetrators of injustice. That kind of thing could lead to chaos in a society and make the situation worse.

We do well to remember the words of St. Paul, “Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

This is not mere wishful thinking. The story behind the movie Unplanned is a reminder that even people in the abortion business can be converted. It’s not impossible.

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Regnum Christi Spirituality Center Ask a Priest

“Ask a Priest: It Is OK to Want to Kill the Bad Guys?”

Q: I want to be a soldier when I grow up. I want to defend my country, but I want to kill the bad guys — like, I’m angry and I want to kill them. But will I still go to heaven even though I want to kill the bad guys? -R.P.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: Jesus tells us, “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

It is good to remember that everyone is our brother and sister in that we all have the same Father in heaven. We shouldn’t want to go out and kill anyone.

It is one thing to want to protect one’s country – that is praiseworthy. The Catechism in No. 2310 says, “Public authorities, in this case, have the right and duty to impose on citizens the obligations necessary for national defense. Those who are sworn to serve their country in the armed forces are servants of the security and freedom of nations. If they carry out their duty honorably, they truly contribute to the common good of the nation and the maintenance of peace.”

Ideally, however, no one should be motivated by a desire to kill people as a goal in itself. That kind of motivation can endanger a person’s soul. All we should hate is evil and sin — and desiring to overcome evil and sin is a good thing. But when it comes to people — sinners — we must love them and wish for their conversion and redemption. God will help us do that, if we give him the chance.

By the way, it isn’t our place to decide who is a “bad guy.” God alone knows the heart of each person.

It might be good to pray about all this and ask your friend Jesus what he wants you to do. Also, pray to one of the patron saints of soldiers (you might find one here) and ask for guidance.

If you decide to become a soldier, be motivated by love of country, not by anger.

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Alex Kucera

Atlanta

Alex Kucera has lived in Atlanta, GA, for the last 46 years. He is one of 9 children, married to his wife Karmen, and has 3 girls, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. Alex joined Regnum Christi in 2007. Out of the gate, he joined the Helping Hands Medical Missions apostolate and is still participating today with the Ghana Friendship Mission.

In 2009, Alex was asked to be the Atlanta RC Renewal Coordinator for the Atlanta Locality to help the RC members with the RC renewal process. Alex became a Group Leader in 2012 for four of the Atlanta Men’s Section Teams and continues today. Running in parallel, in 2013, Alex became a Team Leader and shepherded a large team of good men.

Alex was honored to be the Atlanta Mission Coordinator between 2010 to 2022 (12 years), coordinating 5-8 Holy Week Mission teams across Georgia. He also created and coordinated missions at a parish in Athens, GA, for 9 years. Alex continues to coordinate Holy Week Missions, Advent Missions, and Monthly missions at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA.

From 2016 to 2022, Alex also served as the Men’s Section Assistant in Atlanta. He loved working with the Men’s Section Director, the Legionaries, Consecrated, and Women’s Section leadership teams.

Alex is exceptionally grateful to the Legionaries, Consecrated, and many RC members who he’s journeyed shoulder to shoulder, growing his relationship with Christ and others along the way. He knows that there is only one way, that’s Christ’s Way, with others!