746. Is murder a crime in the sight of God?

"Yes, a great crime; for he who takes the life of his fellow-man cuts short an expiation or a mission; hence the heinousness of his offence."

747. Are all murders equally heinous?

"We have said that God is just; He judges the intention rather than the deed."

748. Does God excuse murder in cases of self-defence?

"Only absolute necessity can excuse it; but if a man can only preserve his life by taking that of his aggressor, he ought to do.

749. Is a man answerable for the murders he commits in war?

"Not when he is compelled to fight; but he is answerable for the cruelties he commits, and he will be rewarded for his humanity."

750. Is parricide or infanticide the greater crime in the sight of God?

"They are equally great; for all crime is crime."

751. How is it that the custom of infanticide prevails among peoples of considerable

intellectual advancement, and is even recognised as allowable by their laws?

"Intellectual development is not always accompanied by moral rectitude. A spirit may

advance in intelligence, and yet remain wicked; for he may have lived a long time without having improved morally, and gained knowledge, without acquiring moral purification."