biblical self defense

All-

This has been a very informative thread. I think Helen and I would agree that we are looking through the lens of Christ's actions and words as to how we are being led on this issue (Helen, if I am wrong, I apologize.)

The arguments against us have been, for the most part, based on Old Testament scripture.

Perhaps we are all "right." Perhaps it is God who has led Helen and I to different convictions than the rest of you.

Robert -

I want to make one more thing very clear. I am not a person who wants to deny people their right to own firearms. Indeed, I own many hunting rifles and go pheasant, deer, and turkey hunting every year. (My family eats everything I kill, however. I feel quite differently about trophy hunting).

 

ROBERTGUWAPO, Well I guess that condemns Jesus and a number of martyrs to self-murder. And please consider that while 'nature' may teach something, nature itself is in bondage to decay and that is probably not the wisest teacher to learn from when one has a choice between the Author of life and the subject in bondage to decay.

Dr. Bob, the Jews are not Christians. We have a different set of marching orders under Christ. You either trust Him or you don't.

In addition, the Jews of Esther's time were slated for attack but were not yet being attacked. Their killing of others was pre-emptive and commanded by the state. This situation is unique in history to the best of my knowledge and therefore not to be used as an example to hold up regarding a general rule or idea. And while the genocide of a people anywhere, in Poland, in Russia, in Serbia, or wherever, is evil and horrid and to be repudiated at every turn, we are talking about Christians here, aren't we? People who trust Christ and follow Him....

One comment Barry has had about this thread is how "American" it is. People are not even allowed to carry guns or own them in Australia. Excessive force, even against an intruder, is punishable by law. Very different from us. Not necessarily right, but very different. In other words, I think he may be right when remarking that a lot of what is being fought about here involves the American West culture -- a heritage of cowboys and Indians and such -- and has nothing to do with anything in the Bible. We have a reputation abroad of being gun-toting, hair-trigger temper people, ready to shoot another at a moment's notice. I know that comes from the movies, but we do seem to want to imitate that, don't we?

Christ teaches and lived something a little different. One has a choice.

 

This has been a very informative thread. I think Helen and I would agree that we are looking through the lens of Christ's actions and words as to how we are being led on this issue


That is our goal. God bless.

 

I found this article interesting. Granted it uses an OT passage as a proof text, yet Christ did say that on these two commandments (love God, love your neighbor) hang all the law and the prophets. Seems to pretty much encompass the OT. Also, Christ came to fulfill the law, not destroy the law.

http://www.natreformassn.org/statesman/97/biblaw.html

These article helps in understanding Jesus use of the phrase "turn the other cheeck" and other arguments used against self defense.

http://www.ronrhodes.addr.com/qselfdefense.html

http://www.lawandliberty.org/defense.htm

Food for thought.

 

I work in the outdoor sports industry (ie hunting, fishing, etc.). I perused the articles more than read them, so don't know the exact context of the quote, however it is roughly true. Gun control advocates usually present distorted data to garner support for legislation that is ineffective in fighting crime, but cripples law abidding citizens from what was once a legal means of protection.

A case in point is the bill prohibiting so-called assault weapons. Makes these guns sound like a weapon a terrorist would use - we sure should prohibit them...until you find out that it really prohibits certain calibers of firearms or certain styles (design) of firearms. Many of them are not a firearm of choice for a terrorist. And a terrorist does not care about law.

So, back to the quote. Guns are "controlled" to the point that only law enforcement is allowed to use them. My defensive options are extremely limited. Do I protect my family from a gun armed intruder with a steak knife?

I advocate sensible gun control. But gun control in our society is not always sensible.

 

I can't believe God would revoke my salvation for protecting my family or myself from intruders that threaten our lives. However, there is a very fine line here. How do you know if someone plans to kill you, or just rob your house? If it's the TV they want...they can have it. If it's my life they are after, they can take it...right after I run out of ammo...and I have a goodly supply.

I advocate gun control...gun control is being able to hit your target...and not the innocent person standing beside it or directly in back of it behind the wall in the next room. If you are going to protect yourself with a gun, be sure you have the right tools for the job and know how to use them properly.

"Sensible Gun Laws"...a liberal term that will lead to confiscation. The Second Amendment is not about duck, deer, or rabbit hunting. It is about the right of the people to protect themselves from not only criminals bent on your destruction, but also from a rogue government bent on your destruction. Refer to American history and the thoughts of our founding fathers, which, our modern government now call "terrorists" for fighting against the English crown.

I believe we are not run directly by the UN at this time only because of the second amendment. Instead we (this country) are run indirectly by the UN...because of our government. I will protect myself, with whatever means available.