Saturday, August 20, 2016

Christians and Self Defense



This question comes up every so often and I'd like to hit it from a slightly different angle. When discussing any topic and using the bible as the final authority people tend to raise the objection - "That's only your interpretation, after all you can make the Bible say anything you want it to."

There are many methods that could be used to interpret any document. Some of these methods are so familiar that you naturally follow them without even realizing it.

Others are quite strange and include things like reducing each word to a numerical value in an effort to see hidden meanings in the text! It all depends on what you believe to be true about the document you are studying.

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Now in all of this, please do not miss the fact that the Jewish and Christian scriptures are not primarily about the use of force, though they do give us moral law that governs its use. The central teaching of the Bible is that mankind, all of us, are in rebellion against God and we need to lay down our arms and turn to Him for forgiveness. Fortunately, that does not mean you have to be a chew toy for the evil beasts that stalk this earth.
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2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, I am a Christian and in my home study of the old testament the issues of self defense are what I have been studying for the last couple of months only for a refresher. I take it very literally as written. there is no reason to confuse what it says very clearly with opinions. The command in Revelation 22 verses 18 and 19 make it very clear you do not add or change or take anything away from what is written. a lot of things in the Bible are written in parables because the reasoning can be used in so many different applications. When it is not a parable it is a fact. Seeking vengeance can lead to murder. self defense is not murder it is a command. Only God has the authority to collect souls. If he gets on your case You have a serious problem. anyone can repent up to their last breath, the problem is no body knows which breath is their last. Do it now and beat the rush.

Timur said...

Exodus 22:2
"If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him." God established the Castle Doctrine in the Mosaic Law. Man has a God given right to protect his home, family and even belongings.