23 May
2009
Posted in: Theology, Top Stories
By    4 Comments

Survey: Christians and Torture

Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. I’d love to compile your thoughts (anonymous, of course) and get an idea of what my fellow disciples of Jesus believe on this currently volatile and important issue of torture. There are only 18 questions. My target audience here is Christians. If you do not consider yourself a Christian, please feel free to complete the survey. There is one question very specific followers of Jesus, so you can simply skip over that one. Your take on torture would be appreciated. Thank you so much!

How would you define torture? In only a couple sentences, please give your definition of torture. If you simply wish to paste in the Merriam-Webster definition of torture, the UN Convention, Geneva Convention, etc., please feel free. I will understand you are in agreement with the definition.
What do you think of Enhanced or Harsh Interrogation? For a look at enhanced/harsh interrogation, read over this article from abcnews.com: http://bit.ly/LbrNe. You are not limited to that source for your understanding of harsh interrogation. But with respect to the CIA, listed in the article are specific techniques considered by the CIA as enhanced interrogation.


What do you consider waterboarding? If you do not know what waterboarding is, the article mentioned in the prior question gives a definition that should be helpful.



Can you think of a situation or set of circumstances where you believe the use of torture, either by yourself or some other person or group, is justified?



Can you think of a situation or set of circumstances where you believe the use of enhanced or harsh interrogation, either by yourself or some other person or group, is justified?



Who would be justified using torture and/or enhanced interrogation techniques? (You may choose more than one response.) If you answered Yes to either or both of the above questions, then consider for your response here that there happens to be a situation that falls within the scope of what you believe would justify the use of torture or enhanced interrogation.








Which of the following statements regarding war do you feel most closely matches your personal beliefs? (You may select more than one.)






Do you believe the Scriptures contain justification or rationale for, or advocates, the use of violence or force by Christians?




If you answered with either OT, NT or both to the last question, can you give references for passages you believe are examples?
Do you believe we need to be suspicious of all Muslims?





Complete this sentence: Islam is a religion of:






Would you ever torture someone?


What denomination or legacy do you embrace?










Approximately how long would you say you have been a Christian (a follower or disciple of Jesus)?








Around how old (or young) are you?









What is your military status?




What is your ethnicity?






Politically, what party or platform to you align yourself with, if any?








  • http://g220.lifewithchrist.org/ jeff

    I had trouble answering the question about whether I would torture someone; does playing the banjo count?

  • http://g220.lifewithchrist.org/ jeff

    I had trouble answering the question about whether I would torture someone; does playing the banjo count?

  • http://www.schleitheim.com/ Eddie

    Hey Jeff. I hear you. Reluctant torture, eh. I do that to my family when I try to play mandolin :-)

  • http://www.schleitheim.com Eddie

    Hey Jeff. I hear you. Reluctant torture, eh. I do that to my family when I try to play mandolin :-)