Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 ESV

The Case for Killing Granny--Newsweek headline.

God's law makes clear that respect for elders is of paramount importance to a nation.  While the above command seems to be limited to simply relations between parents and children, such a view is short sighted.  Other statements in God's Word show that great respect and honor is to be given to those who reached old age.  The fact that they have reached old age is living proof of the precious wisdom that has been gained in their lives.  Wisdom that is needed by current and future generations.  It is foolishness to ignore, or worse, such wisdom.  Moreover the law of God also prohibits murder even if it is by neglect, willful or not. 

The title of the Newsweek article is intended to inflame passions and sell magazines of course.  Those who hold the viewpoint of the article also have an intention as well: fear.  Threat of death has been used by despicable men for thousands of years to produce political coercion.  It is the favorite tool of the thanatocrat, i.e. the tyrant.  By producing fear in the elderly the tyrant hopes to get them to go along with far worse schemes, if only he will let them live, i.e. get good healthcare. 

This is an act of such vileness that it is extremely doubtful that such persons can be redeemed.  It is an act generated in the heart of a serial killer.  One not limited by police action and hiding in the shadows; rather one who glories in the fact that he can perform his murders openly in full public view.  It is an act diabolical in origin and purpose.

What then should be done by Christians?  Christians should publicly rebuke those who hold such views and particularly those who hold positions of authority.  Such rebuke should uphold the sovereignty of God and the accountability of man.  We must stand for righteousness. 

We should also pray against such people in the manner shown in Psalm 69. 

Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them. (Psalms 69:22-24)

Many of our elders gave their lives in World War 2, Korea, and Vietnam fighting against ideologies that murdered in the name of progress.  They deserve to be honored, not severed, in their waning years.  But beyond that there is the God who gives us life in the first place. 

And He is watching us.