The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 293 – Legitimate Defense
Original Airdate: October 20, 2025
Reading: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Paragraphs 2263–2267

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores the concept of "legitimate defense" as presented in the Catechism of the Catholic Church—how Christians should approach situations of self-defense and defense of others, the responsibilities tied to authority, and the Church’s current stance on the death penalty. The episode clarifies misconceptions about the commandment "You shall not kill," situates self-defense within Catholic teaching, and navigates the shift in Church thought toward the inadmissibility of the death penalty.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Context of “You Shall Not Kill” and Beyond

• Fr. Mike opens by recalling the previous episode's context: the commandment “You shall not kill” refers specifically to the intentional killing of the innocent (01:20).
• Notes that Christians are called by Jesus to go beyond the prohibition: not feeding anger, avoiding hatred, pursuing love for enemies, and refraining from vengeance.

2. Is Self-Defense Ever Legitimate for Christians?

• Raises the “big question”: Is it ever right for a Christian to defend themselves or others? (02:36)
• The Catechism asserts that legitimate defense of oneself or others is not an exception to the commandment; it is distinct from the murder of the innocent (05:41).

Quote
“The legitimate defense of persons and societies is not an exception to the prohibition against the murder of the innocent that constitutes intentional killing.”
—Catechism/Fr. Mike [05:41]

3. The Principle of Double Effect (St. Thomas Aquinas)

• Explains Aquinas's teaching: Self-defense can have two effects—the intended preservation of one’s life and the unintended possibility of harming the aggressor (06:11).
• Morality hinges on intention and moderation: excessive violence is unlawful.

Quote
“If a man in self-defense uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful, whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful.”
—St. Thomas Aquinas (as quoted by Fr. Mike) [06:45]

4. Duty to Protect Others

• Emphasizes that defense can be a duty—especially for those responsible for others' lives, such as a parent or public authority (08:01).
• Fr. Mike provides personal examples:
  • As a priest alone, he may choose non-violence, even martyrdom.
  • As a father, he would be morally bound to defend his family.

Quote
"Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who's responsible for the lives of others."
—Fr. Mike [08:05]

5. Civil Authority and the Use of Force

• Civil authorities (like police) may rightfully resist aggressors to protect the civil community (09:07).
• The state’s efforts to curb harmful behavior relate to its duty to safeguard the common good.

6. The Purpose and Scope of Punishment

• Legitimate public authority may inflict punishment, but it must be proportionate to the gravity of the offense (09:50).
• Punishment’s aims:
  • To redress the disorder (justice)
  • Medically/medicinally—to contribute to the correction of the guilty party

Quote
“The primary aim of punishment is redressing the disorder introduced by the offense... Punishment, then, in addition to defending public order and protecting people's safety, has a medicinal purpose.”
—Fr. Mike [10:20]

7. The Death Penalty: Historical Context & Modern Teaching

• Historically and scripturally, the death penalty was warranted by the need to protect society (12:03).
• Fr. Mike illustrates with the "Joker" example: if society cannot contain dangerous criminals, capital punishment could theoretically be justified.
• BUT: Modern prisons ensure protection; thus, cases requiring the death penalty are essentially obsolete.

Quote
“Consequently, the Church teaches in light of the Gospel that the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person. And she works with determination for its abolition worldwide.”
—Catechism/Fr. Mike [14:13]

• The change is not a denial of past teaching, but a recognition that conditions have evolved—making the death penalty unnecessary and therefore wrong according to Church teaching.

Notable Quotes

• “The love of oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality. Therefore, it is legitimate to insist on respect for one's own right to life.”
  —Fr. Mike (paraphrasing Catechism) [06:25]

• “Part of one’s duty as a father would be to protect their children.”
  —Fr. Mike [08:29]

• “The primary aim of punishment is justice... ultimately it should be remedial.”
  —Fr. Mike [10:30]

• “The Church is proposing the principle, the policy... that's up to Catholics in the world.”
  —Fr. Mike on the role of the faithful in shaping public policy [11:25]

• “The world around us has changed so much that [the death penalty] is no longer admissible because it’s no longer necessary.”
  —Fr. Mike [14:40]

Key Timestamps

• 01:20 – Recap of context: meaning of the commandment “You shall not kill.”
• 02:36 – The Christian dilemma: violence versus peace.
• 05:41 – Definition and boundary of legitimate defense.
• 06:11–06:45 – Principle of double effect; when self-defense is moral.
• 08:01–08:29 – Duty to defend others (families, societies).
• 09:07–09:50 – Civil authority’s use of force and punishment.
• 10:20 – Purpose of punishment: justice and correction.
• 12:03–13:28 – Death penalty in historic and “comic book” illustration.
• 14:13–14:40 – Modern teaching: Death penalty inadmissibility and reasons why.

Memorable Moments

• Fr. Mike’s illustrative use of the “Joker” and Batman to explain the justification for the death penalty in rare, extreme scenarios—making a dense moral teaching accessible (12:03–13:28).
• Clear distinction between principles (what the Church teaches) and policies (how Catholics implement those teachings in society) (11:25).

Further Resources

Fr. Mike recommends listeners seeking deeper discussion on the topic to check out "Catechism Answers with Dr. Scott Solem" for more detailed explanations and clarification of the Church’s nuanced teaching.

Tone and Final Thoughts

Fr. Mike maintains a compassionate, practical, and clarifying tone throughout—inviting listeners to wrestle with the teachings in light of real-world responsibilities and advancing understanding of human dignity. He encourages reflection, prayer, and ongoing engagement with Church teaching.

Summary Author’s Note:
This episode thoughtfully navigates one of the most challenging intersections of faith, morality, and civil duty—providing clarity on when self-defense is permitted, when it becomes a responsibility, how punishment should serve justice and reform, and why the Church now opposes the death penalty. Perfectly suited for those seeking the “why” behind Catholic moral reasoning.