The Ethics of Murder

Last updated on: July 9, 2017 at 8:11 pm by Jeff Hood

The Ethics of Murder 2017-07-09T20:11:14-06:00 Jeff Hood

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*The previous iteration of this post was unintentionally hurtful. In the rush of writing, I assumed things that were not true. For these errors/sins, I am truly sorry. In the future, I dedicate myself to navigating/mediating my thoughts more carefully.

The last week of my life has been filled with murder.

I started the week thinking about the murder of young Shavon Randle. That a child would be murdered over drugs is beyond disgusting. Can you imagine what type of people could participate in the murder a child? I can. Warped children of God…but children of God nonetheless. Not long after the tragic news was revealed, I heard a friend of mine demand that the perpetrators be beaten and drug through the streets. What good would that do? It would only make us murderers like them. Murder is murder.

Over the last few days, the first anniversary of the July 7 murder of five police officers consumed my life. As I thought about the pursuit of justice in the midst of tragedy, I also remembered the shooter Micah Johnson. Though he perpetuated mayhem, surely he too must be a child of God. When the decision was made to blow him up, something very evil happened…murder. How could his murder be any different from the murders he committed? It’s not…murder is murder.

Just yesterday, I found out that my friend Lee Covington was murdered. The accused party is named Yevin Rushing. Violence seems like a proper response. However, there is no future in vengeance. Without love, we will turn into what we hate. Murder is murder.

The ethics of murder are clear…and murder is always evil.

Amen.

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