Ethics — Christian Debate https://www.christiandiscourse.net/index.php?p=/ Tue, 08 Sep 2026 08:15:19 +0000 en Ethics — Christian Debate When Is It Justifiable For The Christian To Lie? https://www.christiandiscourse.net/index.php?p=/discussion/256/when-is-it-justifiable-for-the-christian-to-lie Fri, 20 Apr 2018 06:13:30 +0000 Apologetics C Mc 256@/index.php?p=/discussions Exploring the story of Rahab in Joshua 2, what are the virtues and vices of lying to save a life? "In Defense of Rahab", has stirred up a passionate debate on lying for a "good cause." If the Biblical passage is too far removed from us, what about a time in World-history where many believed (approx. 6 million) Jews died.

  • e.g. Imagine yourself a Christian in Nazi Germany in the 1940s. Against the law, you've decided to give asylum in your home to an innocent Jewish family fleeing death. Without warning, Gestapo agents arrive at your door and confront you with a direct question: "Are there any Jews on your premises?" What would you say? What would you do?

If you unable to relate to the above, consider supplying answers to the questions below from the Bible, rational thinking, and practical ethics:

  1. What are the basic reasons people lie?
  2. Is it ever justifiable for a Christian to lie? If so, what are they, the circumstances or the situation?
  3. To lie is bearing "false witness?"
  4. What is "Situational Ethics?" Do they have a role in today's Christian Church?

What say ye? CM

Lying Lie Christian Rahab

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