Can a military service member who has been called to participate in war remain authentically Christian when the taking of human life is involved?
Yes. Though not an exhaustive discourse on the subject, Sections 2265 and 2310 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church specifically state: “2265 Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility.
