Author	Thread: Turning The Other Cheek, Self-Defense?
Admin	Turning The Other Cheek, Self-Defense? Posted : 20 Oct, 2012 03:47 AM I thought I'd ask something I wondered about. It's sort of more of a theological question rather than a philosophical question. I don't know how to word it, so I'll put it as well as I can. Well here's the discussion or example of a debate I've seen on this. Man 1: Jesus said to turn the other cheek, that is put up no resistance. Man 2: Yes, he did... but is it Christian to allow someone to harm someone else, perhaps a member of your family or a loved one and not fight back, or put up resistance? Man 1: If you belong to Christ, and are a child of the Lord then the Lord will be your protection and would not allow these things to happen to you or your family. Okay, that's all. Which of these things these men are stating is right? Feel free to post any scriptures that come to heart. This is not a question about gun ownership and whether or not that's good or bad, it's more about like the very idea of self-defense and what the Lord says about it. If you don't want to post something here publicly, feel free to message me privately. Post Reply
View Profile History	Turning The Other Cheek, Self-Defense? Posted : 31 Oct, 2012 02:05 PM Ex 22:2 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. Now, if we have the right to defend against theft with lethal force, do you think we have less of a right to defend against rape/murder? Post Reply
KiwiMav View Profile History	Turning The Other Cheek, Self-Defense? Posted : 31 Oct, 2012 08:00 PM John 2:15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables. We must remember that Jesus used premeditated force. This is why I am not an absolute pacifist. If force is allowed then I am also prepared to kill somebody if need be. This said I pray that I will never be put in the position. Another point is that serving in an army means that I make an oath to serve Man over God for me at least is false. And I would pray that it is false for all believers. God willing I will serve Him first. Something else that shouts at me, is that if a man is spiritually dead, and I make him physically dead, oh woe is me. For I have taken his chance to change. This being said I think it is clear that violence should not be the focus of heart. Irrespective of that, we should not repay evil, with evil. God willing, in such horrible situations God will use us to further his will. Post Reply
KiwiMav View Profile History	Turning The Other Cheek, Self-Defense? Posted : 31 Oct, 2012 08:32 PM That being said, there is a difference between killing someone in self-defence and responding to a hooligan who threatens you. Such an event happened in the last few months. I was walking to the bus times at the bus terminal, and a guy who is dressed in typical gangster clothes, he was on a 90 degrees on my right. So he wasn't in front of me nor was there eye contact. And of the blue he strongly, loudly and clearly says to me "f*** you." Being the good Christian that I am I replied "f*** you too" and continued walking normally. To which he replies in a manner that was taken aback that I had responded to him "have you got a problem with me?" To which I swung around finger pointing while speaking to him, speaking strongly and aggressively "I don't have a problem with you" - the next bit I don't remember clearly but the message was clear - if you want to make a problem thats your decision and if you do, then cops will be involved, and finished with "its your decision, make it now." Then turned around and continued walking normally. By the time I reached the timetable board I was convicted for not having a loving attitude towards the guy. But the information wasn't there so I had to go back to the Terminal building, which meant that I was going to probably walk past him - and I wasn't not going to do this just because he was there. Yes my prideful sin further demonstrated. Sure enough he is still there and starts to walk up to me, I'm thinking "here we go," and then he walks up and says "Hey I want to apologise" - I didn't expect, and was thankful that I had the opportunity to apologise too which he responded with don't apologise, where do I get the right o speak to you like that. He said that he had gotten out of jail yesterday (whether true or not God knows) and that he was edgy. So we reconciliated and I was on my way. But God willing I willing I have repented of that attitude and if I do find myself in such a situation that I will be able to see them through Christ's eyes and that my carnal may will not rise up. And thank Him for what I see as His mercies in allowing that to come to an encouraging resolution. So should we be keen to fight? 1 - What has been helpful to me is that you don't go looking for it. 2 - Try talk your way out of it. 3 - Don't be afraid of it/don't run away from it. In my experience that has been helpful to produce harmonious interactions. Post Reply

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