Lethal Self-Defense

[Koruhex]

Does God permit lethal self-defense if necessary to protect your life? I am struggling with this question and cannot find a definite answer (obviously this is a controversial topic). Any and all opinions are welcome and scripture references are greatly appreciated, I need some extreme insight on this issue. Discussion is encouraged, also.

Thanks in advance guys!

=), Koruhex

 

[sungaunga]

I would like to hear more on this issue as well. I see the Scripture promoting of both contrasting views and would also like more insight on this polemical issue.

personally, I would say a mace or a taser would suffice. I ask myself if a firearm is really the only stopping force I am left to choose from. With so many different taser guns coming out these days, i'm sure you can find a decent one that can probably stop a bear. I know Jesus also said that if you live by the sword you die by it. Now to what extent and implication he said those words, enlighten me someone

 

[LiturgyInDMinor]

Well all I can add from a biblical standpoint is that David was a great(and undefeated warrior) and that the Israelites defended themselves lethally many times throughout history.

 

[Blackknight]

It's permitted in that you won't go to Hell for it, but you still need to go to Confession afterwards. The same applies for soldiers that have killed in battle.

We do have examples of Saints that laid down their weapons and were martyred and Christ Himself was crucified voluntarily but not everybody is that willing to give up their life.

 

[Zebra1552]

Does God permit lethal self-defense if necessary to protect your life? I am struggling with this question and cannot find a definite answer (obviously this is a controversial topic). Any and all opinions are welcome and scripture references are greatly appreciated, I need some extreme insight on this issue. Discussion is encouraged, also.

Thanks in advance guys!

=), Koruhex

If necessary, I'd say so. Nowhere does the Bible state that self-defense of any kind is a sin... unless you count 'defending yourself against insults' as self defense.

 

[CalmRon]

well in exodus a burgular who breaks in at night is justifiably killed but after sun up if it happens the killer is guilty of bloodshed. exodus 22:2.

I don't know if it applies in anyway to christians as I see this as a more civil law applied to protection of property.

sorry dont know how much help that was.

 

[Emmy]

Dear koruhex. In a case of Lethal Self-Defense, I can only say: thank God that He sees all, and knows all. God will know if fights can be prevented, or not. Jesus also said: if you pick up the sword, you must expect to die by it. I would say it is best to walk away, before tempers turn vicious or even worse, that is the best way of turning the other cheek, NOT retaliate. I say this humbly and with love, Koruhex. Greetings from Emmy, sister in Christ.

 

[New_Wineskin]

Does God permit lethal self-defense if necessary to protect your life? I am struggling with this question and cannot find a definite answer (obviously this is a controversial topic). Any and all opinions are welcome and scripture references are greatly appreciated, I need some extreme insight on this issue. Discussion is encouraged, also.

Should I allow myself to die and leave my children without a parent and my spouse without a spouse just to allow someone live who could leave even more orphans and widows/widowers behind ? In such a case , it is more about protecting society .

Even with regard to "do to others as you would want them to do with you" and if it was I trying to kill someone for no reason , I would rather have them kill me so that I would not attempt to kill anyone else .

 

[Koruhex]

To me it feels right to defend yourself lethally but it also feels right to be merciful and forgiving.

Defending yourself lethally might not yield a reward and being forgiving might yield a reward of some kind..

 

[Zebra1552]

Dear koruhex. In a case of Lethal Self-Defense, I can only say: thank God that He sees all, and knows all. God will know if fights can be prevented, or not. Jesus also said: if you pick up the sword, you must expect to die by it. I would say it is best to walk away, before tempers turn vicious or even worse, that is the best way of turning the other cheek, NOT retaliate. I say this humbly and with love, Koruhex. Greetings from Emmy, sister in Christ.

As a martial artist, that is one of the main things I'm well versed in: avoiding violent and life-threatening situations to begin with. Walk away, get away, run, don't escalate things, etc. FIRST, and if that fails, do enough to be able to get away or restrain the person and inform the authorities. Much of the things that are involved in self-defense don't actually have to do with fighting, they have to do with evaluating the situation and knowing when to leave or be on your toes. I doubt I will ever need to kill anyone to protect myself or others, and I doubt anyone else would need to as well. There are plenty of alternatives to killing someone.