Scripture is clear on issues of war and abortion

To the editor:

In response to the Speak Out comment, "The real crime":

The statement "Whoever is against abortion but for the death penalty is not pro-life" is a sign of mixed-up priorities. An unborn child is a human being and is protected by God's commandment, "Thou shalt not kill." At the same time, the civil government has the God-given right to execute a murderer. God gives the command through his apostle Paul: "She (the civil government) bears not the sword in vain. She is God's minister to execute judgment upon them that do evil." Even Jesus Christ said, "Whoso takes the sword shall perish with the sword."

With regard to war, there is such a thing as a just war. For example, what would have happened if the United States had not armed itself in defense against the treacherous attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941? Had we not defended ourselves, we would have been overpowered by two enemies, first Japan and then Germany. With a possible defeat, we could have lost our precious freedoms.

LEONARD A. KUEHNERT

Altenburg, Mo.