The first time I heard that phrasing -- the "ethics of aerial bombing" -- I was appalled, especially since I heard it from a rabbi. I couldn't believe that our Story had become so unhinged. But over time I understood it a bit better. Yes, aerial bombing is a nightmare, by definition. But self-defense is not. There's nothing in Jewish law that says: "Lay down your arms and let your enemies slaughter you." (Although Christian teachings certainly are infused with such a pacifism, history if filled with examples of good Christians defending themselves against people that want them dead.) ... Given this unredeemed world, you're then faced with a challenge: If you're going to defend yourself, your family, and your country, is there a way to do so ethically -- a way to protect yourself that causes a minimum loss of life. ... I'm no rabbi, but I think that's what "the ethics of aerial bombing might mean.
I would like to hear about that - ethics of aerial bombing
The first time I heard that phrasing -- the "ethics of aerial bombing" -- I was appalled, especially since I heard it from a rabbi. I couldn't believe that our Story had become so unhinged. But over time I understood it a bit better. Yes, aerial bombing is a nightmare, by definition. But self-defense is not. There's nothing in Jewish law that says: "Lay down your arms and let your enemies slaughter you." (Although Christian teachings certainly are infused with such a pacifism, history if filled with examples of good Christians defending themselves against people that want them dead.) ... Given this unredeemed world, you're then faced with a challenge: If you're going to defend yourself, your family, and your country, is there a way to do so ethically -- a way to protect yourself that causes a minimum loss of life. ... I'm no rabbi, but I think that's what "the ethics of aerial bombing might mean.