V - SHOULD CHRISTIANS DEFEND THEMSELVES?
The persuasion that I
have been developing is one that is obviously not pacifistic; nor should it be
viewed as "hawkish". The
question, however, is often asked, "Should a Christian defend
themselves?" We are often taken to
the teaching of Christ where He said, “But I tell
you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn
to them the other cheek also.” (Matthew 5:39, NIV) . So is "resistance" evil? A few things should be noted:
1. The Bible is
harmonious. Where God gives the right of
government to take up the sword, there is never any indication that individuals
have that same blanket authority. This
passage is referring to individual conduct.
2. Secondly, we
note that Christians are restrained by the propensity to take revenge. This is not self-defense. This is confirmed in Romans 12:19 (NIV), "Do not
take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is
written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord."
3. Matthew 5 is not referring to self-defense. "If anyone slaps
you on the right cheek pictures a backhanded slap given as an insult."[1] Insulting behavior is to be
responded with pacifism. This is not a
life-threatening situation.
Erik Raymond[2]
offers some good points on the issue of self-defense in his article posted on
the Gospel Coalition Blog. Here I quote:
"As
Christians we are called to value the image of God in the lives of others even
as we protect the weak and vulnerable (Ps. 82:3-4; Prov. 31:8-9; Isa. 1:17; 1 Tim. 5:8;
etc). In some cases the defense of the weak may require intervention with an
attacker. Though undesirable, this action could prevent further loss of life.
In both testaments we see example of believers
taking steps to defend themselves, even arming themselves, in the face of
potential danger. In Exodus 22:2-3 we see God speak to the acceptability of
defending one’s home against a thief. In Nehemiah
4:16-18 when the city was being rebuilt the men divided the labor in
such a way that some took up spears, shields, and bows while others worked.
Those who carried the loads or built the wall did so with their weapon readily
available. Jesus himself instructed his disciples to sell their cloak and buy
swords (Lk.
27:36). Furthermore, Jesus regularly used word pictures and stories about
self-defense in order to make a broader spiritual point (Lk. 11:21; Mt. 12:29).
The biblical narratives seem to assume the right of sober self-defense."[3]
"Jesus’ words should not be taken to prohibit self-defense . . . for
often a failure to resist a violent attack leads to even more serious abuse.
Acting in love toward an attacker (Matt. 5:44; 22:39) will often include taking
steps to prevent him from attempting further attacks."[4]
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