Self Defense

[Lord'sWarrior]

What are your opinions about self defense. If you're being mugged or someone starts a fight with you? I don't think we should be a punching bag. I don't see "give the other cheek" being applied here.

Opinions appreciated.

 

[nanookadenord]

I have always taken turn the other cheek to mean during religious persecution.

When I was in school, I was picked on, beat up and teased. I was always told never to fight back and just go to the teacher and tell them what happened. All that ever did was cause more problems for me. Then, my mom met my step-dad and in eleventh grade he told me that I am allowed to fight back, to defend myself. So, I did and the teasing and being beat up stopped after fighting back once. I'm grateful to my step-dad for allowing me to fight back.

I have told all my kids the same thing, defend yourself, but never start it. I will defend you if you defended yourself, but if you start it, your on your own. So far, only one of my kids has gotten in trouble and that was in first grade, and technically he started, but it was in defense of his little sister. I couldn't help but be proud.

I am all for self defense of yourself and others, especially those who are unable to defend themselves. There is a time for defending yourself for sure.

 

[Divide]

I believe that's right. I taught my kids to not start fights and that the only reason they could is if someone was talking about their mother bad. I got the call from school one day that both my sons had started a fight and they were suspended for it. I got to school and went to the principles office and they made introductions, then say there as if to say, well say something. So I did. I said, I taught my kids not to fight, but that they could stand up for their mother, so I'm guessing that the other boy was talking smack about their mom...is that right boy? and looked at the so-called victim.

The boy started studying the floor very intently and gave a little nod to the affirmative. I just looked at the principle and showed him the open hands as if to say, you see? Suspension reversed and the other boy got suspended and a lecture I suppose.

Self defense is ok, but we have to keep in mind that other people are not the enemy.

Ephesians 6:12
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.../

So don't shoot unless they force you to. Sometimes I carry, sometimes I don't. Depends how the Spirit leads me. But generally speaking, defense is ok. You can protect yourself and those in your charge.

 

[Lord'sWarrior]

I believe that's right. I taught my kids to not start fights and that the only reason they could is if someone was talking about their mother bad. I got the call from school one day that both my sons had started a fight and they were suspended for it. I got to school and went to the principles office and they made introductions, then say there as if to say, well say something. So I did. I said, I taught my kids not to fight, but that they could stand up for their mother, so I'm guessing that the other boy was talking smack about their mom...is that right boy? and looked at the so-called victim.

The boy started studying the floor very intently and gave a little nod to the affirmative. I just looked at the principle and showed him the open hands as if to say, you see? Suspension reversed and the other boy got suspended and a lecture I suppose.

Self defense is ok, but we have to keep in mind that other people are not the enemy.

Ephesians 6:12
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.../

So don't shoot unless they force you to. Sometimes I carry, sometimes I don't. Depends how the Spirit leads me. But generally speaking, defense is ok. You can protect yourself and those in your charge.

The thing is, that when I'm out on the street I feel this: «As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."» Romans 8:36
And I can't stop my heart from being afraid, no matter how brave I want to be, no matter thinking I'll fight back... I feel being preyed upon. My legs literally shake, my heart races and my hands tremble. This is everyday. Does anyone feel like this? It's awful!

 

[Adstar]

What are your opinions about self defense. If you're being mugged or someone starts a fight with you? I don't think we should be a punching bag. I don't see "give the other cheek" being applied here.

Opinions appreciated.

I think we should try to flee.. But if we cannot flee then the giving the other cheek should be applied..

 

[GirdYourLoins]

Ive got no problem with self defence and muy son does Karate, but they dont teach spiritual stuff at his school. Sometimes being trained to fight can be enough of a deterrent to stop you needing to.

Im English and find the comments about carrying a gun going too far. If you carry a gun it is with the intention that you will kill if pushed into it. I know the commandment is "thou shalt not murder" and it isnt murder, but is it really necessary?

 

[dogs4thewin]

Do not start a fight, but do not be a punching bag, either. Even Paul sought government assistance when he was assaulted. Now, if you are being attacked for the sake of Christ that may well be different, but an attack at random or for any OTHER reason I even support and if I could would use LETHAL force if I felt that was reasonable for the situation. Moreover, you should CERTAINLY defend others who cannot defend themselves if you see an attack and have the means and if you feel you should risk your own safety for them I have no issue with that.

 

[381465]

I see this thread devolving into others like it before.
Side vs side.
Name calling.
The group that feels self defense is wrong and that military and police cannot be Christians will show up. I'll disagree and get called everything but a child of God.

In the end...it's a personal choice.

I feel that I was not created to be destroyed by a mugger, killer, etc. I do not condone violence but I will not stand by and let others or myself be harmed.

Take care.

 

[dogs4thewin]

Ive got no problem with self defence and muy son does Karate, but they dont teach spiritual stuff at his school. Sometimes being trained to fight can be enough of a deterrent to stop you needing to.

Im English and find the comments about carrying a gun going too far. If you carry a gun it is with the intention that you will kill if pushed into it. I know the commandment is "thou shalt not murder" and it isnt murder, but is it really necessary?

It can be if the other person means to kill you OR if they are a threat to OTHERS. Now, lethal force should ALWAYS be a last resort, but if you feel your life is in danger that is in fact self defense and CAN be used. This means that you should not kill someone when they are not a direct threat that is, in fact illegal even under man's law, but you should not feel forced to die if you feel the other person means deadly harm.

 

[Phil 1:21]

Turn the other cheek was a metaphor and stated to contradict how people were using "eye for an eye" to enact vengeance instead of justice.

 

[Divide]

Ive got no problem with self defence and muy son does Karate, but they dont teach spiritual stuff at his school. Sometimes being trained to fight can be enough of a deterrent to stop you needing to.

Im English and find the comments about carrying a gun going too far. If you carry a gun it is with the intention that you will kill if pushed into it. I know the commandment is "thou shalt not murder" and it isnt murder, but is it really necessary?

It's usually not necessary. I've carried a gun for well over 30 years and haven't had to shoot anyone yet. I've had a few veeery close calls though. I even thwarted an attempted home invasion and fought with the guy on the front porch (while wearing my 45) and I still didn't have to shoot him.

You see, carrying a gun isn't about killing someone. It's about being able to survive. I liken it to having insurance policy. You don't really want to use it, but it's there in case you do need it. In hindsight, I see that being armed allows one more time to think the situation through (even if it's happening fast). A pistol gives you a superior advantage, so it's easier to keep your cool and think clearly. I've had, mmm, 4 or 5 close calls and only once did I ever draw it. Most of the time, them just knowing or seeing that you're armed is enough to take the fight out of them and calm the situation down. I do not carry it...with the intention of killing someone.

 

[Kit Sigmon]

What are your opinions about self defense. If you're being mugged or someone starts a fight with you? I don't think we should be a punching bag. I don't see "give the other cheek" being applied here.

Opinions appreciated.

Mugger/attacker:

 

[Divide]

The thing is, that when I'm out on the street I feel this: «As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."» Romans 8:36
And I can't stop my heart from being afraid, no matter how brave I want to be, no matter thinking I'll fight back... I feel being preyed upon. My legs literally shake, my heart races and my hands tremble. This is everyday. Does anyone feel like this? It's awful!

Sorry to hear that Brother. Consider this...in scripture, when something is repeated, it means that God thinks it's important and He wants us to learn that, make sense?

Would you like to guess what is the phrase that is repeated more times than any other in scripture?
Fear not, be not afraid. Do not fear my Brother. The worst that they can do to you, is to send you to be with the Lord. Like Paul says, to die is to gain.

The military teaches it's soldiers to have courage by telling them to act courageous. Act how a courageous man would...soon you will be. That does make sense.

The Lord did not give us a spirit of fear. We're told to be strong in the Lord. I've often wondered if fear might actually be a sin? because it is repeated so much in scripture to fear not.

 

[Odetta]

Ah, now I see the purpose of the question. Guerrier, it seems like you are dealing with an irrational fear of being attacked, when most of the time there is no danger. Sure we need to be smart about things, but being overcome all the time like this is not of God. Is there someone you can talk with to work through your issues? A professional counsellor should be able to help address the underlying cause, and give you coping tools. Preferably a Christian one that bring in biblical truth to the discussion, but if not, separate sessions with your pastor can help with that.

 

[Divide]

Think about King David when he went out to face Goliath. Do you think he was scared? I doubt it, he had faith in his God. Even though he had faith in God that he would have Goliath delivered into his hand...He still had a sling, and he picked up 5 stones out of the brook. Why did he pick up 5 stones? Did he think he would miss? Did he think he might need more than one to finish off Goliath?

No. He knew that Goliath had four brothers. He was ready for all of them!

Many times people will say to me, well if you feel the need to carry a gun then you don't have faith in God. Now that's absurd. Being armed with a worldly weapon doesn't guarantee victory. Anyone who knows anything about ballistics and stopping power knows that any pistol is woefully weak and inadequate as far as stopping power goes. You might find yourself facing someone who is all hyped up on some drug like meth or something. You can hit these guys with good placement and he may not die for several minutes. He still has the ability to kill you. So even if you do carry a gun...there's still a very lot of room left for faith in God.

Personally, I like big bore pistols. I'd rather have 6 rounds of a cartridge with some horsepower than a pistol that holds a half a box of ammo of some puny cartridge. They might even be wearing body armor. If you hit someone with a 44 or 45 that's wearing body armor, they're still out of the fight. Backface deformation will still break ribs and stuff.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

Obviously God is not for violence, however God also never says "Be a door mat and let someone kill you!". I mean we obviously may die because of His name. But protecting ourselves is not a sin. For example if someone breaks into your home and has a gun and tries to shoot you and you shoot back and kill him, I don't think God is going to send you to hell or yell at you. After all the bible also says laying down your life for your brother is the greatest love of all. I know self defense. And have various ways of going about it from using my body, peppery spray, a button and if need be weapons. But those are a VERY last resort. I don't want to hurt someone more then I have to if I was attacked.

Just don't feel to worried about people attacking you. Odds are small it will ever happen. Most "fights" people have are quick verbal yelling and thats it.

 

[Divide]

You have a button?! Whoa. I bet I could use a button. I had been thinking about maybe a Corbomite vest, but maybe a button would be better. It's more of a button, than say, a dead man switch?

 

[toLiJC]

What are your opinions about self defense. If you're being mugged or someone starts a fight with you? I don't think we should be a punching bag. I don't see "give the other cheek" being applied here.

Opinions appreciated.

we can at least exercise ourselves in (the manifestation of) goodness and patience - this is exactly what Jesus says in Matthew 5:38-42, the "other cheek" is good(ness) in us and we have to show love even for the ones who treat us badly...

Blessings

 

[aiki]

What are your opinions about self defense. If you're being mugged or someone starts a fight with you? I don't think we should be a punching bag. I don't see "give the other cheek" being applied here.

Opinions appreciated.

No violence in defense of the Gospel but much violence when someone's trying to mug you or harm your family. Walk away from those trying to pick a fight. If you can't, go for the groin, throat, or eyes. Kick the knee, too. That works well.

 

[Bobinator]

What are your opinions about self defense. If you're being mugged or someone starts a fight with you? I don't think we should be a punching bag. I don't see "give the other cheek" being applied here.

Opinions appreciated.

As my Krav Maga instructor tells us, 90% of conflicts can be de-escalated or avoided. It’s the 10% we prepare for.

As a man, I think it’s our duty to be able to protect ourselves and our families. In some cases, violent acts can’t be avoided.

Practicing martial arts has improved my confidence and sense of well-being. This often results in subtle reflections on how you carry yourself, which does serve as a deterrent for some who are contemplating whether to assault you. Looking and acting like a victim can invite aggression.

I don’t believe God is totally opposed to violence or acts of self-defense. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have suggested the disciples bring two swords with them to the garden of Gethsemane. I believe those swords prevented the disciples from being abused from the Pharisees’ goons that came to arrest Jesus.

Many angels also carry swords and war against the demonic kingdom. Yes, it may be in the spirit, but it’s nonetheless violent.

If you go by the philosophy that Christians should not take part in physical violence under any condition, then Christians can't serve as police officers or in the armed forces, which is rather ironic position to take.

I don’t believe martial arts is evil. It’s what you do with it.
The same applies to fire arms.


Exodus 22:2- “[2] If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him.” [3] If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.