Jesse Romero's Blog · Catholic Teaching · Apologetics

Catholic life vs the military life..do they contradict?

By Jesse Romero · Published Sep 16, 2020 · Updated Sep 16, 2020

Military Service Justifiable Homicide Mortal Sin Catechism of the Catholic Church David and Goliath Catholic Morality War and Peace

QUESTION?

If you are in the military and you are Catholic, and you have to take a life, is that considered a mortal sin?

ANSWER!

Because you elected that career knowing that it might be necessary. That falls under justifiable homicide (cf. 2263 & 2321). For example, David killed Goliath - that was justifiable homicide (1 Sam 17:1-51)