The following is by Dr. F.N. Lee from a heated and prolonged debate on this issue on another list a few years ago. It is a private list but I trust he won't mind my reposting it here.
Quote:
The "Godly Liar's" Decalogue:--
1) Worship Jehovah alone -- save when you need to save human lives!
2) Worship God spiritually -- except where Gibson's Jesus movie can save
souls!
3) Don't blaspheme -- except at multifaith services to build bridges!
4) Hallow Sabbath -- when with Jews, but go to the game with Gentiles!
5) Honour parents -- save when they disagree with you theologically!
6) Don't murder -- except the memory of Calvin's views on Rahab's lie!
7) Don't steal -- except when you think you're starving!
8) Don't whore -- except in your private wars to save your life!
9) Don't lie -- except when you can justify it (as always)!
10) Don't covet -- except to save life, liberty, property, and the pursuit
of happiness!
|
From my point of view those who argue that lying may be sometimes justifiable may sometimes appear to have a point, as with the situation contemplated in the OP. But IMO those who give a lot of thought to situations in which lying is justifiable often end up justifying it in cases where it is clearly not. I don't see how coming up with a theology of "godly lying" gets us anywhere but Fletcher's
Situation Ethics and moral relativism.
__________________
Chris
Member at
Grace Community Baptist Church, Mandeville, LA
Beware of a religion without holdfasts. But if I get a grip upon a doctrine they call me a bigot. Let them do so. Bigotry is a hateful thing, and yet that which is now abused as bigotry is a great
virtue, and greatly needed in these frivolous times. I have been inclined lately to start a new denomination, and call it "the Church of the Bigoted." Spurgeon