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Greek Orthodox Catechism
Constantine Callinicos, London, 1926
Part II. Ethical, 24. The Sixth and Seventh Commandments
What does the sixth Commandment order us?
The sixth Commandment orders us to respect the life of our neighbour, as constituting his most priceless treasure, and not to take it from him either directly by a murderous instrument, or indirectly by neglecting and undermining his health. Murder, then, is the deadly sin which is opposed to this Commandment. Murder may be perpetrated openly, or by ambush, after premeditation, or in a moment of passion, against a single individual, or by an unjust war, against a whole people, whose national existence is threatened in order to enslave it under an alien yoke to the advantage and territorial aggrandisement of the invader. Murder was the first crime committed after the exile of the first parents from Eden. It polluted the earth with fraternal blood, and called down the curse of God on Cain, who, in fear and trembling, failed to find peace any more. Yet, if murder takes place in self-defence, then the responsibility of the murderer is lessened to some extent. And, as the killing of an individual in self-defence is a necessary evil, for which not the killer, but the provoker is chiefly responsible, likewise war in defence of one’s altars and hearths is, although an evil, yet, an evil for which not the soldier who hastens to defend his menaced fatherland, but the invader must bear all the responsibility. Such a war, when incumbent on us, is not opposed to the command “Thou shalt not kill.” It is a sacrifice which, sooner or later, will certainly be blessed by God, Who abominates injustice.
What other sins are opposed to the sixth Commandment?
Opposed to the sixth Commandment is also the deadly sin of suicide, or that of self-destruction; for the command “Thou shalt not kill” was spoken not only in connection with the lives of others, but also of our own lives, which, being not our own property, but the property of God, we have not the slightest right to destroy. The fruit of a prodigal, irregular, uncontrolled and irreligious life, suicide provokes a feeling of horror; because, in a moment of madness, it strikes at the strongest feeling, that of self-preservation destroying the last ray of hope in a divine Providence. The duel is also opposed to the command “Thou shalt not kill,” being a barbarous relic of the so-called mediæval theodicy, by which satisfaction by blood is demanded for an insult to honour. And, as the duellist exchanges shots with his opponent with the object of either killing or being killed, therefore duelling is justly considered as equal to the double sin of murder and suicide.
What does the seventh Commandment order us?
The seventh Commandment orders us to respect the conjugal honour of our neighbour, on which is founded the sanctity of marriage, the peaceful cohabitation of man and wife, and the unadulterated transmission of life. Adultery and the relative carnal sins are in opposition of this Commandment. Chastity and self-control and bridling of the lower instincts are the virtues recommended by it. Moral purity is what keeps both individuals and nations strong, while licence, on the contrary, agitates life prematurely and prepares an inglorious death for both. Corrupt friends, immoral books, obscene pictures, evil theatres unworthy of their calling, cinematograph films which turn on carnal worship, an idle and stagnant life which does not occupy our energies in anything of a higher nature: such are the means to the cultivation and propagation of licentiousness. And, on the contrary, good companions, edifying reading, serious plays and concerts, constant physical and mental occupation in useful acts and thoughts, an austere and Spartan diet, confession to a good Spiritual Father, the fear of a God Who chastises quickly, the fear of secret diseases which come from licence and, in many cases, lead to the lunatic asylum, and the fear of transmitting our misfortunes to beings who are dearest to us: such are the means of escaping from it. Deep-minded are the words of the Apostle:—“Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Cor. iii. 16—17.)