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The commandment prohibiting murder needed further discussion, so in the next weeks class we continued discussing Exodus 20:13 “Do Not Murder.” In this class we largely discuss the question “Why is murder wrong?”
This class was featured in an Ultimate Issues episode (UI 026).
Subjects pertain to:
Q: Why are there explanations and consequences for the first five commandment, but not the second five?
A: The first five largely pertain to the holiness code and relate to the Man – God relationship. Therefore, you should have the right intent and mindset regarding these commands (ie. God cares about your intent when you are addressing Him.) But, the second five are ethical principles and relate to the Man – Man relationship. Hence, whether or not you know why you do what you do, and regardless of your intentions, really all that matters is the deed in regards to ethics. No one cares why you don’t steal, they just care that you don’t.
Rituals done without reasons are largely useless.
Ethics done without reasons are beautiful.
Q: To whom does “Murder” pertain? (ex. human, animal, plant, bacteria, artificial intelligence, etc.)e
A: Murder pertains only to humans. Animals, plants, and any other “beings” cannot be murdered, only killed. The moral dilemmas with murder pertain only to mankind. If “murder” refers to other sentient life, then can any distinction be made between the value of human life and other life? The Torah is clear that only Man was made in the Divine image, and hence should not be defiled or murdered (as it would be a form of desecrating of the Divine image.)
Q: Why is murder wrong?
A: Here are links to Dennis Prager’s articles read in the class:
Why is Murder Wrong? (part 1)
Is Murder Wrong? (progressive dialogue part 2)
Torah Reasons for not Murdering:
- Human Life is Sacred
- In and of itself Human life is of supreme value.
- Taking it necessitates the ultimate consequence (capital punishment).
- You USURP God’s place when you deliberate take a human life.
- You are extinguishing God’s image
- Man vs. Animal (no one murders a cow or flower or bacteria)
- Genesis 4:10 “the voice of your brother’s bloods cry out from the ground”
- קול דמי אחיך צעקים אלי מן האדמה
- The Murderer denies all the lives that would have been created or touched by the one he murders.
- In and of itself Human life is of supreme value.
– See more at: http://ultimateissues.com/ui-026-why-is-murder-wrong-the-6th-commandment-continued/#sthash.qF9JCrIW.dpuf
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