Self defence?

[Kehaar]

Hello all

I was having a discussion with a christian friend of mine, which got onto the topic of the recent terror attacks in Russia. My friend believes it is quite acceptable to take a life in self defence but I'm not so clear on this.

I am a new christian, and I accept that mt knowledge and understanding are perhaps not all they could be so I thought I'd ask for other opinions here.

Is such a thing 'acceptable'? Are there biblical references to back this up/refute it?

Thanks,

Astral

 

[BornAgainChristian]

Hello all. Praise the Lord.


Good question. I'm a new Christian, but I may be able to answer this.


I think that God would not mind if you took up a life for self-defense.


But usually, country self-defense is killing and bombs. Well, it's kinda obvious that God doesn't approve of this, right?

God dislikes killing. Countries usually use bombs or some other method of killing for self-defense. So, I think that the answer is no.

 

[rogsr]

Thou shalt not murder.

However, I have come to the conclusion that murder is different than killing. To murder someone would be like if I broke into someones home a took their life in their sleep. To kill someone would be like if someone broke into my home while I was asleep then I woke up and took their life. See the difference?

Jesus said, "Turn the other cheek." Some people think means that we are to be pacifists, however, Jesus was not a pacifist so that can't be true. So, what He is talking about here is revenge. If someone says something evil against me it would be wrong if I hunted them down and assulted them. In that case, and cases like it, I should turn the other cheek and pray for their suffering soul. Also, St. Thomas Aquainas believed that Jesus was talking about martyrdom in this passage as well. If I am being kidnapped for a ransom I should kill them all and try to escape if at all possible, this makes me a hero. However, if I am kidnapped because I am a Chrisitan and I let them torture me and kill me then I am a martyr and a hero. Do you see the difference?

Self-defence is ok; revenge is evil; martyrdom is holy.

Peace and I am so glad that you are taking this walk with Jesus. For, to be one with Jesus Christ is to never taste the bitterness of death. He is the true bread from heaven which sustains us forever and ever.

 

[Caelum]

Jesus said "Turn the other cheek." in regards to ridicule by the other jews concerning their faith in Jesus... that has nothing to do with self-defense in a life or death situation lol

self-defense is absolutely okay in all situations...regardless, however; I believe the force of retaliation should only be sufficient enough to render the attacker harmless..just cause he puts a gun to your head doesn't mean you have to kill him if you already broke both his arms and legs lol

 

[Sketcher]

Matthew 5:38-42

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'[7] 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. "

I have heard many interpretations of this passage. About the only thing I can tell you for sure is that "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" refers to a person paying for their crimes. This was God's law for a judge to follow in certain situations. Now, it appears that the Pharisees took this and twisted it, applying this to the people and not just the judges. Meaning that revenge was OK, as long as you didn't hurt them worse than they hurt you. The context is revenge here. Controlled self-defence, without hatred, that is tough to say.

One could say not to resist an evil person at all, for any reason. But just a few verses up He said to pluck out your eye and throw it away if it causes you to sin. He may still be using euphamisms here, I don't know.

He may be talking about loving your enemies here. He may be talking about being a doormat here. He may be talking about passive resistance here. This may be strictly in a personal context, or any context. It may mean that yes you beat up a robber and tie him to a chair, and ask him if he wants food while the cops are on their way. These are the many interpretations I've heard of the passage, and I don't know which one is right.

 

[Friendship]

I find this one funny as my Dad is pretty knowledgable when it comes to the bible and he was discussing fighting one time and I said Dad what about turning the other cheek he said yes you should but you only have two cheeks in other words if you turn the other cheek and it doesnt work then what do you keep letting it go on. The bible says Greater a man is he who lays down his life for his country or his friend so there are times for war and fighting, I think that we are suppose to ignore ridicule and not get in arguments or fights with people over nonsense but I believe if someone was coming at you to harm you or your family then ofcourse you would do what you could to stop them but also remember God can intervine anytime anywhere and even if something is coming at you you can call out to him besides if you pay attention he will let you know when danger is around sometimes I know he has me. I always pray to God that I am not put in a situation to make that choice as I would not allow someone to harm my kids or my family or even myself but at the same time I do not want to have to live with doing it someone else even in self defense so I just trust in God to protect my family and myself from such things.