The Ethics of Hitting Back

In this multimedia age, one can find all sorts of things online. Just last week for example, a video was posted of two school kids fighting. Apparently the giver-of-punishment, Casey Heynes, was a 16 year old who finally snapped after enduring years of abuse (http://www.news.com.au/national/bully-victim-a-world-hit/story-e6frfkvr-1226024755361). He was immediately hailed as a champion of the oppressed by the masses and was soon interviewed on television. By far, the vast majority of responses to this incident were sympathetic to the newest hero on the block. After all, the bully was only receiving his just deserts right?

For the Christian, there is the dilemma. On one hand, we are encouraged to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:39) but on the other hand, almost every major denomination in the faith sends chaplains out to fight with the troops. This could be seen as a powerful statement of support when it comes to armed conflict. All that warfare in the Old Testament also complicates matters.

So was Casey justified in his actions? One Mudgee High teacher commented that we don’t really know all the facts, but surely there must have been some other channels of resolution. What if Casey, in his fit of rage broke his bully’s neck? Or in striking him caused irreversible brain damage? Is it ever right to push back?

In the light of the escalating armed conflict in Libya (and we are in no way here endorsing fighting in schools), it might be good for us to consider some of the principles of a “Just War” (but not all for there are too many). And here, we need to remember that even among Christians there are proponents of pacifism who would not hold to these. Firstly, use of force must always be a last resort. We only go down this road after all other channels have been exhausted. Secondly, there must be a darned good reason (i.e.  in defence of others or to avoid human rights abuses). Thirdly, the use of proportionate force must be exercised (as opposed to wanton, excessive, destruction of life and property).

In an imperfect world, we must sometimes choose the lesser of two evils.