Adults Quote by William Lane Craig
“So whom does God wrong in commanding the destruction of the Canaanites? Not the Canaanite adults, for they were corrupt and deserving of judgment. Not the children, for they inherit eternal life. So who is wronged? Ironically, I think the most difficult part of this whole debate is the apparent wrong done to the Israeli soldiers themselves. Can you imagine what it would be like to have to break into some house and kill a terrified woman and her children? The brutalising effect on these Israeli soldiers is disturbing.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Reasonable Faith by William Lane Craig, 2008
The quote questions the moral difficulty of divine commands that cause suffering, especially for soldiers forced to commit violent acts.
In simple terms: Divine commands can cause moral pain for those who obey them.
Key Takeaway
Consider the human cost of warfare.
Themes
ethics
theology
war
human suffering
morality
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
somber
Type
theological
ethical
When to use this quote
- military service
- combat missions
- ethical decision making
- religious justification
Key Concepts
divine command theory
psychological trauma
just war
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we reconcile divine authority with human suffering?
- Can soldiers be morally responsible for actions ordered by higher authority?
A Different Perspective
The perspective assumes a single moral framework, which may not hold across cultures.
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