What does the church think about self deffense?

[FORTWO]

How do you guys feel about the idea of Christians using self defense?

And what do you know of how Christians physically defended them selves in in biblical times?

Any defensive arts ? Besides the defense brought to us by Jesus via the word and the bible which helps guard our souls and keep us in the ways of the lord.

What about physical defense?

I believe this question directly relates to us . As Christians are being persecuted by the vengeful Satan who is bothered knowing he will loose his battle and wants to dam as many souls to burn with him as he can.

He's evil , he's jealous and he wants to confuse and plant the seed of doubt in the christian people people. Causing us not to physically fight . Having us get mauled over and over.

Believing in things like i walk with god and he will always protect me are very true . But if you go into places where you are walking out of the boundaries of the lords protection ,PLACES WHERE YOU CANT HEAR HIM/HIS VOICE/HIS MESSAGE clearly then there is not much that can be done when he says" hey come back this place is no good for you"

Why? because you have walked out of the areas where the lord can offer you his guidance and protection and into the domain where Satan deeply rules and abides.

you hear it all the time "the devil is trying to muffle out the message of the lords so that people do not hear the lords calling "


The bible says god helps those who help them selves. And if your not making an effort to watch where you step then you are not really doing to much of a job helping your self.

being under the protection of the lord does not mean you can walk through any place you have no business being at . Hence clubs/bars/hanging with people who do drugs or promote activities which are not wholesome to the christian body and soul.

Parts of self defense are situational awareness . Meaning learning to read social cues and being aware of sourroundings and stuff like that. watching the news observing how the crimes occured and learing how not to make the same mistakes that led victims of certain crimesto the point of being a victim(hence lately people hear more and more on the news of how people are being assualted and somestimes killed over jewlry),checking on crime statistics , etc.


self defense is not completey physical strength and techniques. That is only a small part of it (and not completely validated the part of physical strength) and even though it is a small and extremely tough part of self defense. The larger portion of self defense is being aware of things and how not to place your self in situations where you will have to use it. should the moment come then you should use it with accordance to the laws of man dictated by what ever state you reside in . and the laws of god.

I believe there is a direct correlation between the lord and our right as Christians to defend our self's . not saying we should walk around looking for trouble NO! definitely not. We should walk around confident while going about or daily tasks though .

As Satan has his minions poeseesing the bodies of many human beings on earth,and those deamons are causing these people to do things that strike fear in the heart of anyone looking to jesus. Via music that does not severve the lords purpose ,television,CAUSING PEOPLE TO ACT AGRESSIVE TOWARDS US AND TO NOT ACT OR THINK WITH CONFIDENCE . MAKING US FEEL WE ARE SMALL IN NUMBERES AND INFERIOR HENCE "WIERD" THAT WE ARE GOODY GOODIES AND THAT WE SHOULD GET DOWN AND DIRTY.NEXT THING YOU KNOW YOUVE GIVEN IN A BIT AND GOTTEN SO DIRTY THAT YOU HAVE WALKED WAY OFF THE PATH OF THE LORD.

I do no promote violence i do promote the work of the lord . The lord wants us to act wisely ,humble and confident. If we are confronted by a difficult situation where self defense may need to be incorporated he wants us to know that he will be by our side but needs us to further listen to him so that we way make act in the heart of love, given to us my the lord all mighty ,and see things out with the eyes he has opened for us as christian.


See things out and realize that at that moment if we really need to practice our right to physical self defense , how much of it will do how much will sufise. AND HE WANTS US TO LISTEN TO HIM THROUGH OUT IT ALL SO THAT WE DO NOT GIVE INTO THE PANG OF EVIL AND LATE AN UN JUSTLY RAGE TAKE OVER OUR MINDS AND SOULS CAUSING US TO DO UNNECESSARY HARM, OR EVEN ENGAGE IN BATTLE SHOULD IT NOT BE NEEDED.

DON'T LET THAT FROGGY FELLING RULE YOU. FEELING FROGGY? jump? NO! FEEL THE LORD HE WILL TELL YOU WHEN ITS TIME TO JUMP.


Please feel free to contact me .

 

[heron]

Interesting thoughts.

The Bible talks a little about how hard it was for people to travel between towns -- robbers used to confront people on the roads, especially in the hills. Apparently people traveled in groups. I'm sure they carried knives, just because knives were needed for other things (like opening presents).

Ex 22:2 "If the thief is caught while breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account.
De 24:7
If a man is caught kidnapping any of his countrymen of the sons of Israel, and he deals with him violently or sells him, then that thief shall die.

 

[mutanar]

(Walking out of the Areas of protection), God is all around you are always protected, when entering into new ground you must cover yourself with the blood and have no fear.

Heb. 13:20-21, May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

[Nietzscheiswrong]

I think the Church doesn't teach self defence. Which is why so many Christians around the world die in the first place.

They are told to literally turn the other cheek. Or always accept any sufferings inflicted from other people. That's just being passive. One thing is knowing that you will be persecuted for the faith as Jesus forewarns, another is sitting there passively getting beat.

The faults of this "theology-interpretation" are widespread unfortunately and for everyone to see. Even questioning about self-defence is a signal that we are taught to remain passive regardless. Otherwise we wouldn't be even making these sort of questions. No it is not like in Rome or in other pagan countries like in the beginning or Christianity. Whole communities are being wiped out.

This must stop. Enough is enough. It is us which have to pressure priests/ministers to not preach passiveness. Because it is the laymen which are being killed more often. As statistically there are far fewer priests than lay people...

We are easy target. Thats why christians are so easily persecuted in third world countries where laws are non-existant. If we were told to react to our oppressors instead of remaining passive I don't think there would be so many martyrs in the first place!

Self-inflicted martyrism that's what it is. Its causing despair among us. Not a good thing. The fruits of this interpretation-thology are not good. It leads to death.

If all christians in a community die no more christianity in that community very simple. In muslim countries practically all christians have fled or died...

I pray priests/ministers open their eyes. Even better would be to write emails to them in vast numbers..

 

[AnnCook]

I highly support self-defense when needed to the point that I left my former denomination over the issue.

I for one recognize the difference between turning the other cheek in matters that really don't need self-defense ( name-calling, someone starting a fistfight, etc) and defending my family ( if someone's going to try to kill my husband during a robbery).

I think knowing the difference between dying in the name of The Christ when faced with forced conversion and letting a playground bully beat you up every day for 5 years is needed for understand the concept of 'turn the other cheek'. Got to love those run-on sentences.

 

[s_s]

See, as many times as I read it, I can't find where Jesus did anything about the soldiers kicking him or punching him or banging nails into him. I can't find where Paul resisted being wrongfully arrested or even complained much about being locked up for years with no hearing. Seems like Peter was a tough old sausage and yet he ended up with nails holding him up too. Stephen managed to not react while they threw stones at him.

Protect yourself, by all means, but offensive 'defence' is wrong.

 

[s_s]

We are easy target. Thats why christians are so easily persecuted in third world countries where laws are non-existant. If we were told to react to our oppressors instead of remaining passive I don't think there would be so many martyrs in the first place!

No laws in 3rd world countries eh? You need to do more research.
If Christians reacted to their oppressors more, there would be a hugely diminished witness.

Self-inflicted martyrism that's what it is. Its causing despair among us. Not a good thing. The fruits of this interpretation-thology are not good. It leads to death.

Death is victory. Death is gain. You assume death is bad.

If all christians in a community die no more christianity in that community very simple. In muslim countries practically all christians have fled or died...

This is not true.

 

[woodpecker]

I do not see one incident in the NT where they physically fought back to protect themselves from the harm of persecution. I do see them fleeing from persecution, they would not stay in a town or place when they had information evil men were looking for them.

Jesus says to dust your feet and leave towns and homes that do not welcome the Gospel

I was kidnapped and had to injure (I knew self defense)the man who attacked me, in doing so I got away, and he was arrested, now this attack was not for spiritual reasons, but rape.

Very confusing to know what to do, for Jesus and Paul tells us to love our enemies, feed them, cloth them, in my heart I believe we are not to kill for our faith when we are being persecuted, Jesus warns us this would happen when we follow Him.

I believe we are to be martyrs for our God, but when its not a faith issue, not sure. Can,t believe it was not right to protect myself from an abductor.

 

[Alive_Again]

I have meditated on this subject and the church could use some clear cut teaching. There is nothing authoritative and we are entering into a time where the world is a darker place than ever before.

The Lord has believers in the armed forces and local police units. They are agents of "vengeance". They carry out the judgments of the Lord in the natural realm. It is not wrong for them to use violence within the established parameters of their job.

John the Baptist did not rebuke the soldiers for being soldiers. The were told to be content with their pay.

Their are times the enemy goes berserk through some possessed person and they would kill anyone if they had the chance. These people are often restrained and imprisoned. Many of these people walk the streets. The right trigger sets them off. Christians have authority over the enemy, but it is sometimes appropriate to defend yourselves from them.

You mentioned the critical element of staying within the peace and Lord's protection. Outside of that, you're somewhat on your own, or in considerable peril.

Abiding in the shadow of the almighty is where the perfect protection is. Since so few walk there at length, we sometimes need protection in the natural.

My personal feeling is that if you're being persecuted for the cause of Christ, it is an honor. Turn the other cheek. If you're suffering because of your own wrongdoing, resort to natural protection if available, or if the devil is just on the loose (a killer), use the weapons at hand in the spirit. I think the wisdom of God will provide a clear picture of the difference. If you're hearing is not up to the point of true faith, use natural wisdom and commit your soul to God.

 

[Cactus Jack]

"Then said he unto them, "But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.". " - Jesus Christ (Luke 22:36)

 

[Lady Derelict Content]

To the OP, learn Situational Awareness. Much good info can be found on the internet. Being situationally aware can save you a lot of hassle in avoiding trouble spots when out in town. Use shop window reflections to check if you are being stalked. Of course, once learnt, you will be much safer when out and about.

In my country where thugs are savvy in taking people to court for Grievous Bodily Harm (they will try anything if it means getting monetary compensation!), I learnt Taekwondo, which effectively "throws away" your attacker, rather than bashing them in self defence. However, a poke in the eye works wonders, as does firm pressure of a thumb in the soft part behind an attacker's earlobe. It hurts. Or a swift kick in the shins. Nice.

I don't believe in turning the other cheek. If someone is going to maim me, why I should I allow them? My father used to beat me up, viciously abusing me in drunken rage until I was unconscious. Until I learnt to fight back. He never touched me after that.

If that makes me a lesser Christian, then so be it. But at least I survived to tell this tale.

 

[woodpecker]

so what did Jesus mean by turn the other cheek? Maybe it means hit me again I do not care, I stand strong in faith, and will protected myself from harm...

 

[lemon-aid stand]

in matthew 5:39, our Lord speaks of this.. He said, " do not resist the one that is evil. if a man strikes you on the right cheek. turn to him the other also".. again in matt. 5:44, He says, " love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you.. He also told peter, when he struck the man with a sword.. to stop, and that the man that lives by the sword must die by it.. you see, it really doesn't matter what we think.. what matters is doing what our Lord has commanded us to do.. look for your answers to lifes questions in the bible.. make Christ the standard for your life.. not a bunch of lost sheep.. who can do nothing on our own.. but, only what our master tells us to do.. in Christ.. dale

 

[lemon-aid stand]

How do you guys feel about the idea of Christians using self defense?

And what do you know of how Christians physically defended them selves in in biblical times?

Any defensive arts ? Besides the defense brought to us by Jesus via the word and the bible which helps guard our souls and keep us in the ways of the lord.

What about physical defense?

I believe this question directly relates to us . As Christians are being persecuted by the vengeful Satan who is bothered knowing he will loose his battle and wants to dam as many souls to burn with him as he can.

He's evil , he's jealous and he wants to confuse and plant the seed of doubt in the christian people people. Causing us not to physically fight . Having us get mauled over and over.

Believing in things like i walk with god and he will always protect me are very true . But if you go into places where you are walking out of the boundaries of the lords protection ,PLACES WHERE YOU CANT HEAR HIM/HIS VOICE/HIS MESSAGE clearly then there is not much that can be done when he says" hey come back this place is no good for you"

Why? because you have walked out of the areas where the lord can offer you his guidance and protection and into the domain where Satan deeply rules and abides.

you hear it all the time "the devil is trying to muffle out the message of the lords so that people do not hear the lords calling "


The bible says god helps those who help them selves. And if your not making an effort to watch where you step then you are not really doing to much of a job helping your self.

being under the protection of the lord does not mean you can walk through any place you have no business being at . Hence clubs/bars/hanging with people who do drugs or promote activities which are not wholesome to the christian body and soul.

Parts of self defense are situational awareness . Meaning learning to read social cues and being aware of sourroundings and stuff like that. watching the news observing how the crimes occured and learing how not to make the same mistakes that led victims of certain crimesto the point of being a victim(hence lately people hear more and more on the news of how people are being assualted and somestimes killed over jewlry),checking on crime statistics , etc.


self defense is not completey physical strength and techniques. That is only a small part of it (and not completely validated the part of physical strength) and even though it is a small and extremely tough part of self defense. The larger portion of self defense is being aware of things and how not to place your self in situations where you will have to use it. should the moment come then you should use it with accordance to the laws of man dictated by what ever state you reside in . and the laws of god.

I believe there is a direct correlation between the lord and our right as Christians to defend our self's . not saying we should walk around looking for trouble NO! definitely not. We should walk around confident while going about or daily tasks though .

As Satan has his minions poeseesing the bodies of many human beings on earth,and those deamons are causing these people to do things that strike fear in the heart of anyone looking to jesus. Via music that does not severve the lords purpose ,television,CAUSING PEOPLE TO ACT AGRESSIVE TOWARDS US AND TO NOT ACT OR THINK WITH CONFIDENCE . MAKING US FEEL WE ARE SMALL IN NUMBERES AND INFERIOR HENCE "WIERD" THAT WE ARE GOODY GOODIES AND THAT WE SHOULD GET DOWN AND DIRTY.NEXT THING YOU KNOW YOUVE GIVEN IN A BIT AND GOTTEN SO DIRTY THAT YOU HAVE WALKED WAY OFF THE PATH OF THE LORD.

I do no promote violence i do promote the work of the lord . The lord wants us to act wisely ,humble and confident. If we are confronted by a difficult situation where self defense may need to be incorporated he wants us to know that he will be by our side but needs us to further listen to him so that we way make act in the heart of love, given to us my the lord all mighty ,and see things out with the eyes he has opened for us as christian.


See things out and realize that at that moment if we really need to practice our right to physical self defense , how much of it will do how much will sufise. AND HE WANTS US TO LISTEN TO HIM THROUGH OUT IT ALL SO THAT WE DO NOT GIVE INTO THE PANG OF EVIL AND LATE AN UN JUSTLY RAGE TAKE OVER OUR MINDS AND SOULS CAUSING US TO DO UNNECESSARY HARM, OR EVEN ENGAGE IN BATTLE SHOULD IT NOT BE NEEDED.

DON'T LET THAT FROGGY FELLING RULE YOU. FEELING FROGGY? jump? NO! FEEL THE LORD HE WILL TELL YOU WHEN ITS TIME TO JUMP.


Please feel free to contact me .

hey.. i just wanna add that satan has already lost the battle and he is fully aware of it.. you did mention that he wants to damn as many of us as he can.. before we are saved, we are already damned. if satan did nothing other than deceiving adam and eve in the garden. we would all still be damned.. its completely what Christ did on the cross. by taking our sins upon Himself, a paying our sin debt in full.. that keeps up out of hell. and its His righteous blood covering our unrighteousness that gets us into Heaven.. so, please do not be fooled. the devil is on a very short leash.. focus more on the Lord and leave satan to Him.. in Christ Jesus.. dale

 

[apache1]

I know that Jesus said to "turn the other cheek", but I hate having both cheeks slapped off. Myself, whether sinful or not or whether you agree with me or not, I say stand up for yourself, don't be a doormat, cripple, maim, or even kill if you have to, but only if no other course available, most important of all, try not to put yourself in situation where you have to. Being a martyr or doormat ain't my idea of a good time.

 

[misalvador]

i believe that you should only defend yourself if you are going to die from the attack

 

[VolRaider]

If you let yourself be maimed to death by an attacker, then how are you going to spread the Gospel? You ain't talkin if your dead.

 

[apache1]

If you let yourself be maimed to death by an attacker, then how are you going to spread the Gospel? You ain't talkin if your dead.[/quotFinally someone with some sense here!

 

[Cactus Jack]

i believe that you should only defend yourself if you are going to die from the attack

And if you aren't going to die, you just take it? All the punching and kicking?
I don't care what any church says about it- I'm gonna defend myself PERIOD! It's the other guy that best start praying!

 

[VolRaider]

And if you aren't going to die, you just take it? All the punching and kicking?
I don't care what any church says about it- I'm gonna defend myself PERIOD! It's the other guy that best start praying!

What if you're not sure you're gonna die? I mean, would one seriously ponder this question while somebody beats the living tar out of them?