Murder in Orthodox Christian Ethics

Murder, according to Orthodox Christian ethics, is the intentional taking of an innocent human life. It is considered a grave sin that violates the Sixth Commandment of the Ten Commandments: "You shall not murder." (Exodus 20:13)

Orthodox Christians believe that all human life is sacred and precious, as it is created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27) The taking of an innocent life is therefore a violation of God's creation and an offense against God himself.

The Bible contains many verses that condemn murder and uphold the sanctity of human life. In the Old Testament, the story of Cain and Abel is a plain reminder of the consequences of murder. (Genesis 4:1-12) Cain, in a fit of anger, killed his brother Abel, and for this sin, he was cursed by God to be a wanderer and a fugitive on the earth.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ reaffirms the commandment against murder in his Sermon on the Mount. He also teaches that all sins, including murder, are ultimately against God. (Matthew 5:21-22)

Orthodox Christianity places a strong emphasis on the importance of repentance and forgiveness, even for the most grievous sin of murder. Through sincere repentance, confession, penance, and spiritual guidance, sinners can seek God's forgiveness and find reconciliation with those they have wronged. The path to healing and restoration may be hard, but it is ultimately a journey of hope and transformation. (Psalm 51:1-12, Isaiah 55:6-7, Ezekiel 18:21-23, Matthew 6:14-15, Acts 2:38, 1 John 1:9)

Here are some biblical verses that support the Orthodox Christian view of murder:

• Exodus 20:13: "You shall not murder."

• Genesis 9:6: "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God He made man."

• Leviticus 24:17: "Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death."

• Deuteronomy 5:17: "You shall not murder."

• Matthew 5:21: "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and whoever commits murder shall be in danger of the judgment.

• Matthew 19:18: "You shall not murder."

• Romans 13:9: "And if there is any other commandment, all are summed up in this saying, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

In conclusion, the Orthodox Church's teaching on murder is based on the belief that all human life is sacred and that we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. This teaching is a reminder that we must always treat others with respect and dignity and that we must never take another person's life.