I have had several people tellme that Christians are allowed are kill in self-defense or in the name of a rightious cause, yet how can this be? Jesus always said to turn the other cheek, and when he was arrested Peter tried to defend him with a weapon but Jesus said “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52). How can you advocate violence when Jesus was clearly against it? Shouldn't you emulate the actions of Christ?
2006-09-20 08:49:34 · 24 answers · asked by Shinkirou Hasukage 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If someone wants me to read parts of the bible, please write them down b/c I gave mine away
2006-09-20 09:06:09 · update #1
You know ... that is a very good question. In the Old Testament there are definitely verses to substantiate the viewpoint of self-defense. However, Jesus did act differently. That would be a good thing to study out. I suppose it all depends on a person's personal convictions.
2006-09-20 08:53:08 · answer #1 · answered by Mrs J 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
You need to study The Bible text that survives a bit better... Jesus came to fulfill The Law...not to abolish it... Those of The Church of which Jesus The Christ is The Head are given, in The teaching of Christ on earth, a simpeler way to obay God's commandments... But the permission for self defence, from what we call "The Old Testiment", is still valid... but violence should always first be avoided if it is possable... but if your home is being invaded you may defend to the extent needed to save your family.
2006-09-20 08:56:11 · answer #2 · answered by IdahoMike 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Scripture does not contradict Scripture. Romans 13 tells that God Himself set up the Governments ( of which we are obliged to follow until they deviate from the laws of God, and remember Gods people killed in times of war) Turn the other cheek has a teaching when you are personally wronged not the Country. It is the same with the death penalty... an eye for an eye does not mean that I am suppose to go hurt someone because they hurt me.. it is how it has been given to the Government to discipline offenders... hope that helps
2006-09-20 08:58:15 · answer #3 · answered by 57chevy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Jesus Kingdom is Spiritual. It is not won by the sword.
The only thing this war is accomplishing for Jesus Kingdom is the freedom of religion now in the Afganistan & Iraqi constitutions. You can not kill some one for leaving Islam or having any other faith, according to their constitution now.
Christians don't emulate violence. The war is an American war against terror. The Christians in the military are fighting for our country because they believe it is the right thing to do.
I admire them for it. They are doing it to protect us in America & those innocent in other countries.
2006-09-20 09:48:49 · answer #4 · answered by t_a_m_i_l 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The bible tells us not to shed innocent blood, but it does not tell us we are not to protect our own.. Big difference than from shedding Innocent blood. IT also tells us if you live by the sword then you shall die by the sword.. and we are to defend each other at all cost, even if that means we have to kill to do it.. We as Christian men and women would never want to take an other life, but if it came down to it, ,we would. Christ laid down his life for me and I would not hesitate to put mine on the line for my own, .. my earthly family or my Christian family..you need to get another one so you can learn about what you are asking.
2006-09-20 09:06:36 · answer #5 · answered by littlecwoman 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need to look at all of Scripture (Old and New Testament) together as a whole. Jesus didn't seek retribution or defend himself against those who were attacking him because it was part of the ultimate plan and he was submitting to the Father's will. There are instances where people defended themselves in Scripture (David) or ran and hid (David and Elijah). There were other times when they were killed (Stephen). All these are individual cases.
The Christian's relationship with Jesus is very personal and individual. We must walk with the Lord and seek to follow his will in our lives. That may mean that sometimes we fight back against injustice and defend ourselves and that at other times we "turn the other cheek."
I don't see anywhere in Scripture that allows for individuals to step up and kill in the "name of a righteous cause" although God did allow the nation of Israel to go to war (and to kill) to protect themselves and their property and to acquire what God had promised to them. No where are we told to kill in order to try to convert others to Christianity.
2006-09-20 09:05:22 · answer #6 · answered by happygirl 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In the old testament, the Jews was all for violence to solve their problems in any shape and form, but in the new testament, when Jesus Christ came around, he started to preach non-violence, the jews did not like this at all, because they were being oppressed by the romans and they wanted someone to come like Moses to lead them out of Roman rule. But, the history of Jews is many violence, but, in our culture of Christianity, we should believe in non-violence like Mahatma Gandhi did in India in order to overthrow the British rule over India. So, when Jews wanted to use the adage of "eye for an eye", Jesus Christ wanted passive resistance to any bad situation that you were in like an abusive relationship or even an international war.
2006-09-20 08:58:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think you need to talk with your pastor or bishop.
No matter how many times that you ask this question you are going to get an arguement.
I believe that killing is wrong, including abortion. I dont have the right to kill anyone under any circumstances. The bible says "Thou Shalt Not Kill" (Exodus)
I pray personally pray that I never am faced with the choice of kill or be killed.
Peace be with you.
2006-09-20 08:57:13 · answer #8 · answered by OfficeMom 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Depending on the time in history, the scriptures have alternately told believers to kill, and not to kill, to take many wives and to have only one wife. It is an individual thing, and those who hear God speak to them are hearing personal revelation, and those who consider this a mental illness, I'm sorry for them
2006-09-20 08:54:43 · answer #9 · answered by LatterDaySaint and loving it 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
How many victims under the name of Jesus are? Not all the christians have the Jesus in the heart...
2006-09-20 08:55:26 · answer #10 · answered by Zef Z 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋