Christianity and Self-Defense: A Biblical Perspective: Difference between revisions
Christianity and Self-Defense: A Biblical Perspective (view source)
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(Created page with "'''The Christian Perspective on Self-Defense and Trusting in God''' Throughout history, many Christians have debated whether self-defense aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ. This discussion stems from key passages in the Bible that emphasize non-resistance, love for enemies, and absolute trust in God rather than worldly means of protection. ==Jesus’ Teaching on Non-Resistance== One of the clearest teachings on this matter is found in **Matthew 5:39-40 (KJV):**...") |
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==Jesus’ Teaching on Non-Resistance== | ==Jesus’ Teaching on Non-Resistance== | ||
One of the clearest teachings on this matter is found in | One of the clearest teachings on this matter is found in '''Matthew 5:39-40 (KJV):''' | ||
''"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. | ''"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. | ||
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Here, Jesus instructs His followers to adopt a posture of radical non-resistance and selflessness. Rather than fighting back or asserting personal rights, believers are encouraged to go beyond what is demanded of them, displaying grace and surrender rather than retaliation. | Here, Jesus instructs His followers to adopt a posture of radical non-resistance and selflessness. Rather than fighting back or asserting personal rights, believers are encouraged to go beyond what is demanded of them, displaying grace and surrender rather than retaliation. | ||
Further reinforcing this idea is | Further reinforcing this idea is '''1 Peter 2:23 (KJV):''' | ||
''"Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously."'' | ''"Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously."'' | ||
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==Love Your Enemies== | ==Love Your Enemies== | ||
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus goes even further by commanding love toward enemies. | In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus goes even further by commanding love toward enemies. '''Matthew 5:44 (KJV):''' states: | ||
''"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."'' | ''"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."'' | ||
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==The Issue of Self-Defense== | ==The Issue of Self-Defense== | ||
Despite these teachings, some Christians argue that self-defense is distinct from revenge or retaliation. One commonly cited passage is | Despite these teachings, some Christians argue that self-defense is distinct from revenge or retaliation. One commonly cited passage is '''Luke 22:36 (KJV):''' | ||
''"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."'' | ''"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."'' | ||
This verse is sometimes interpreted as an endorsement of armed self-defense. However, shortly afterward, when Peter uses a sword to defend Jesus, Christ rebukes him in | This verse is sometimes interpreted as an endorsement of armed self-defense. However, shortly afterward, when Peter uses a sword to defend Jesus, Christ rebukes him in '''Matthew 26:52 (KJV):''' | ||
''"Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."'' | ''"Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword."'' | ||
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The Bible repeatedly emphasizes trusting in God rather than worldly solutions for security: | The Bible repeatedly emphasizes trusting in God rather than worldly solutions for security: | ||
- | - '''Psalm 118:8-9 (KJV):''' | ||
''"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. | ''"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. | ||
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."'' | It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes."'' | ||
- | - '''Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV):''' | ||
''"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. | ''"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. | ||
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==Pray, Do Not Trust in the Flesh== | ==Pray, Do Not Trust in the Flesh== | ||
The alternative to trusting in weapons or self-defense is to rely on prayer and God’s guidance. | The alternative to trusting in weapons or self-defense is to rely on prayer and God’s guidance. '''Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV):''' instructs: | ||
''"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. | ''"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. | ||