Can Christians Use Lethal Force

In this episode of the Thinking Fellows podcast, Caleb Keith, Adam Francisco, Scott Keith, and Bruce Hillman discuss the ethics of self-defense from a Christian perspective. They explore the moral complexity of using deadly force, particularly in situations involving the defense of oneself or others. The conversation highlights the doctrine of vocation and the tension between civil responsibility and Christian witness. Drawing on personal experiences, the hosts reflect on the difficulty of making ethical decisions under extreme pressure and ultimately emphasize the Christian's dependence on Christ's forgiveness—even when actions may be morally justified. Thinking Fellows: Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Scott Keith Adam Francisco Bruce Hilman

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 20, 2026

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Can Christians Use Lethal Force

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This episode was published on January 20, 2026.

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