[xzins]

Saying that all have sinned and that sin leads to death does not set aside the fact that there are lesser and greater sins. Jesus’ words about it being worse (in hell) for Sodom than for unbelieving Jerusalem (in hell) must mean that worse sins get worse punishment. That is hard to contemplate, and modern Christians simply won’t receive it, even though it is biblical.

I could make a biblical case that Roeder’s action was not sinful, depending on his intentions. In the same way, the Founders of our republic justified overthrowing God’s requirement that they obey the government by claiming that God did not support despotic regimes.

They began a war that killed thousands over taxes and faulty imprisonments.

Roeder MIGHT have killed one man to prevent thousands from being killed; killed DUE to a despotic government allowing it.

What evidence do we have that this government is more despotic than revolutionary England?

What evidence do we have of Roeder’s intentions?

[SeattleBruce]

“Saying that all have sinned and that sin leads to death does not set aside the fact that there are lesser and greater sins.”

I tend to agree with this. I think semanitically we’re on the same page - I’m just adding the term ‘consequences of sin’ and you’re saying there are greater and lesser sins.
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“Saying that all have sinned and that sin leads to death does not set aside the fact that there are lesser and greater sins.”

I think one of the key differentials between Roeder’s act and the Patriots of the 1775 era was that there was a societal sanctioning of the Patriots declaration of war.

Unless the pro-life movement is willing to declare war and sanction killing to change the laws/government/society (to what end - a new country?), then your analogy breaks down.

But you bring up a great moral issue - when is violence justified - and the old debate about ‘just war.’

[wmfights]

What evidence do we have of Roeder’s intentions?

If we look at his actions, it is clear he intended to stop Tiller from killing anymore babies. He did not shoot someone walking into or out of an abortion clinic. He identified the DR. that performed the abortions. He calculated the easiest way to get close to him and did not shoot any else.

[Alamo-Girl]

I keep thinking about Tiller having to face each and every one of those 60,000 babies. Jeepers...

And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. - Matthew 18:5-6

For our God [is] a consuming fire. - Hebrews 12:9

Thank you so very much for sharing your insights, dear brother in Christ!