Compromise

So either its not quite a soul damning heresy or you're going to hell with us!

It is helpful to look at this question from the perspective of authority. The only one with absolute authority is God. Therefore the only time we can set aside an explicit command of God is by the very Word of God. I think the case was made very well (in previous posts) that lying is sometimes not evil in the sight of God under specific circumstances which God specifically approved of in the Bible. We do not think it strange to use this line of reasoning for the 6th command regarding killing. It is unlawful to take a human life. However God does allow for instances when it is lawful to kill a person (self-defense, penal sanctions by civil magistrate, and in a just war). I would then not call lying a breaking of the ninth command in instances which it is approved by God's Word, just as I would not accuse a civil magistrate of breaking God's law for executing a rapist. I do not see it as compromise but obedience.

A compromise of God's standards is never permitted. A compromise over a piece of pie . . . go right ahead. Pragmatism is a cancer.

This is a great discussion. Good job all around.