I think there are examples of what we might call in modern society "excessive force" or "cruel and unusual treatment" in the Bible- but torture isn't even defined theologically, much less condoned (or even condemned for that matter). At least I can't think of any specific examples that would be useful in this case.
Not not every deed is mentioned in the Bible. Not everything is given the label "right" or "wrong". I believe God has given each believer the ability to discern between right and wrong through the aid of Biblical examples and the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately two believers still come to different conclusions.
Forgive me for including modern politics and history into this thread (I know it was clearly not the intent of the OP), but some would argue it would be wrong for a nation to break a treaty (Geneva Convention) that it signed, or to make up a legal classification to get around the definition of POW, and the rights such a person has under the treaty. It's basically a lie, perhaps deceit at the very best. I'm sure we can find plenty of Biblical examples where this is clearly condemned.
Some would argue that the enemy is not following this treaty, therefor we shouldn't as well. But this is like eye-for-an-eye, something Jesus condemned.
Also, some people would argue hypocrisy, which is clearly condemned in the Bible. Example: The Germans (or more precisely, the Nazi Gestapo, among other groups) conducted torture under the classification "Verschärfte Vernehmung" (or "enhanced interrogation", the same term the US uses today). After WWII, the methods of enhanced interrogation were classified as "war crimes", and many were judged by the victorious allies (US) for these crimes.
We each are given the ability to discern between right and wrong. I believe torture is wrong, no matter how guilty or evil the person receiving such torture is, no matter their classification as an enemy combatant or a prisoner of war. Of course, this is only my opinion.
Not not every deed is mentioned in the Bible. Not everything is given the label "right" or "wrong". I believe God has given each believer the ability to discern between right and wrong through the aid of Biblical examples and the Holy Spirit. Unfortunately two believers still come to different conclusions.
Forgive me for including modern politics and history into this thread (I know it was clearly not the intent of the OP), but some would argue it would be wrong for a nation to break a treaty (Geneva Convention) that it signed, or to make up a legal classification to get around the definition of POW, and the rights such a person has under the treaty. It's basically a lie, perhaps deceit at the very best. I'm sure we can find plenty of Biblical examples where this is clearly condemned.
Some would argue that the enemy is not following this treaty, therefor we shouldn't as well. But this is like eye-for-an-eye, something Jesus condemned.
Also, some people would argue hypocrisy, which is clearly condemned in the Bible. Example: The Germans (or more precisely, the Nazi Gestapo, among other groups) conducted torture under the classification "Verschärfte Vernehmung" (or "enhanced interrogation", the same term the US uses today). After WWII, the methods of enhanced interrogation were classified as "war crimes", and many were judged by the victorious allies (US) for these crimes.
We each are given the ability to discern between right and wrong. I believe torture is wrong, no matter how guilty or evil the person receiving such torture is, no matter their classification as an enemy combatant or a prisoner of war. Of course, this is only my opinion.
raying: