The 60-Second Aquinas
Lesson
Murder for a Cause?
October 29, 1998
The recent murder of an abortionist has brought to the forefront the question of the morality of a murder for a cause.
Those who perform violence against abortionists believe they are acting in good conscience to prevent a social ill. However, in aiming for a good end (prevention of abortion), these individuals utilize an evil means (murder). Such acts cannot be justified by natural law.
Aquinas acknowledges that it is sometimes "praiseworthy and advantageous" to execute criminals "in order to safeguard the common good" (ST II-II, Q. 64, Art. 2).
Some believe that they are justified in executing abortion doctors because abortion is wrong. The previous statement by Aquinas might imply that, but such an interpretation is incorrect.
Aquinas does recognize the occasional necessity to execute certain individuals to protect the common good of society, but he reserves the right of such execution for the government: "one who exercises public authority may lawfully put to death an evil-doer" (ST II-II, Q. 64, Art. 5).
Those who murder abortionists are acting as authority figures when they are not. They simply are taking justice into their own hands. Such actions are not in line with natural law, nor do they benefit the common good of society.
Explanation of The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson
