Is that what he wanted - for us to be pansies and get smacked around by criminals and theives?
The ten commandments pretty much say we shouldn't kill etc. What about animals? Is it OK to kill them? I mean, we could live without eating them.
Why isn't it OK to seek retribution in this corrupt world?
I'm a Christian by the way, but that part kind of gets to me because I'll go to Hell before I let someone hurt my child.
2006-08-02 05:24:59 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Protect your loved ones with all that you can muster. They're all any of us really have. The ten commandments also say you can't make graven images, so take it with a grain of salt.
Having said that, retribution is a slippery slope. It breeds more retribution. Punishment is one thing, but to enact vengeance for your own personal satisfaction is not right. You are responsible for rising above the corruption of the world.
2006-08-02 05:31:57 · answer #1 · answered by Schmorgen 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dear Bonny,
As Christians, we ought to act with all humility, even as Christ commanded. With that said, there are long traditions of actions which Christians may take, just war and self-defense being two of those, which are not considered unGodly.
As for retribution (as opposed to self-defense), the Lord said that vengeance would be his, and that justice would be seen to be done. Without imminent threat to self or society, it seems that retribution is left to the Lord.
The commandment not to kill dealt with Humans alone, as the Jews themselves ate animals at the time of the commandments. Also, textually, all the other commandments deal with human relationships, so it is reasonable to assume that this one does as well. Finally, this would seem to be a command to avoid killing without justice, as the Jews could and did kill based on God's command, and in self-defense.
-j.
2006-08-02 05:32:36 · answer #2 · answered by classical123 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are Biblical stipulations to the "Thou shall not kill."
We are to do our best to love our enemy and turn the other cheek, but there are times when force is needed to defend ourselves or our family.
We needent kill to justify anything or to revenge upon anyone though. Justice and vengence are Gods to deal out.
Keep it simple. If a man grabs your child and runs. You get that child back by whatever means you have at your disposal. If you can get the child back without killing...then do it. If not, then sobeit. Once you get that child back...justice and vengence are not yours. Yours is that child. By all means get the police involved and through them perhaps God will work Justice.
As for retribution....it isn't necessary. God has got you covered.
2006-08-02 05:34:51 · answer #3 · answered by tjjone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty much the same way. Let someone hurt my child or any of my loved one, THEIR (the criminal's) family is gonna be the ones picking out their casket. I'm a Christian as well.
In general, by bringing justice upon those who deserve it, you are taking on the role of God, and by doing that you have basically told Jesus that he isn't capable of giving retribution, undermining his power.
2006-08-02 05:33:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the following passage should answer the question for any true Christian...
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matthew 5:38-42, NIV)
2006-08-02 05:31:55 · answer #5 · answered by ChaosPet 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God doesn't want us to be walked all over but he wants us to forgive eachother. Remember what God said. "Vengence is mine" We are to put that in his hands. I am confident that he will handle things just fine. Even if we don't get the satisfaction of being there when it happens. I do believe we have the right to defend ourselves. As far as the animal thing---I believe that we have the right to kill animals as a food source only. Not for sport. It's just my opinion. Anyone got a scripture quote on that?
2006-08-02 05:38:58 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not up to us to judge sin, or even repay it, but humanly speaking who knows what we, even christians, would do in certain situations... especially if someone close to us is mistreated.
Being a pushover isn't what God wants from us, but to use judgment in our actions. I wouldn't just sit there and turn the other cheek while my kids were being mistreated. Questions like these require much prayer that God shows you what you are on the inside.
There are laws in place to handle such things as murderers and rapists and such. We are not to take the law into our own hands, but let justice be served.
It is hard when you see someone like O.J. get off, when all evidence supports his guilt. But that is how it works, God can still save him, and though contrary as it may seem, if Nicole wasn't saved when she died, no matter how cruelly it happened, and if O.J. did in fact do it, she be in hell. Where as O.J., if he accepts Christ as his savior before he dies, he will go to heaven.
That doesn't seem fair, does it? God's requirements are quite simple - he wants to save you. Let him. Take care.
2006-08-02 05:38:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turn the other cheek: (I will speak for myself)
If a comment, or a slap is to me about me, I will turn the cheek. perhaps I did not make my self clear, or was misinterpreted. It may have been something I said or did and is my fault!
Strike my wife, child, friend. Say something untrue about someone else, that is uncalled for, and you will THINK you have angered GOD himself. I will destroy you, any and all ways I can.
I will ask for forgiveness latter! and even go to their funeral!
2006-08-02 05:49:48 · answer #8 · answered by Grandreal 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not our job to judge or be judged or go looking for "retribution" as you call it. There is a thin line between taking care of your own and revenge.
2006-08-02 05:29:25 · answer #9 · answered by Jennifer P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is just the reason why Jesus said that whosoever does not hate mother/father,brethren,children,husband/wife,houses,lands...for His name's sake then they are not worthy of Him & will not enter into His Kingdom because He commanded us to love one another as He loved us & gave His life for us,to love our enemies,if someone does us anything wrong we are to turn the other cheek...to forgive as He forgives us when we repent & turn from our sinful ways(He forgives & casts our sins into the sea of FORGETFULNESS).It is also written "To obey is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams"(Samuel the prophet told King Saul this when he disobeyed God & it applies to us as well).You have to ask God to give you the love that He has,through His Holy Spirit and then it'll be as natural to you as breathing.God bless you.
2006-08-02 05:41:23 · answer #10 · answered by child of God 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋