[jwalsh07]

If a man in self-defense uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful: whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful.... Nor is it necessary for salvation that a man omit the act of moderate self-defense to avoid killing the other man, since one is bound to take more care of one's own life than of another's. [St. Thomas Aquinas, STh II-II, 64, 7, corp. art]

To be sure, St Thomas also states that the intentional killing of the innocent or undue violence is a grave sin but violence in protection of ones self or another to the point of killing is does not prevent salvation.

I agree with St Thomas.

[BikerNYC]

To be sure, St Thomas also states that the intentional killing of the innocent or undue violence is a grave sin...

So, carpet bombing (or other kinds of bombing) cities, with the intention of killing the inhabitants therein, including one and two year-old babies, is a "grave sin"?

[PetroniusMaximus]

*** violence in protection of ones self or another to the point of killing is does not prevent salvation.***

Thinking through this...

I can think of no NT basis for the above statement. And though it does make sense from a certain perspective, we have comments like...

Matthew 5:39
But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.


Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.


Heb 12:3
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.


Ultimately we shall be judged by the words of Christ - not Aquinas.

Thoughts?