Christians and Self-Defense, Exercises of Medicine

Download Christians and Self-Defense and more Exercises Medicine in PDF only on Docsity! Christians and Self-Defense “What Does The Bible Say About Self-Defense?” Persons who believe that Christians cannot raise a hand in self- defense will be unhappy with this lesson. Persons who believe that Christians must defend themselves will be unhappy with this lesson. But as it is my purpose to make the Lord happy with this lesson, | do not plan to be concerned about the first two. As you examine the word of God and the arguments presented in this study, do not listen for that which only confirms your present viewpoint We are not considering civil government and Christians serving as police officers or soldiers, nor capital punishment, euthanasia, or any other loss of life other than related to self-defense. Do not treat these matters as the same question “What Does The Bible Say About Self-Defense?” ¢ And there are many passages that speak about war and violence that appear to show God’s approval: — David and Goliath - 1Sam. 17 — Israel and the conquest of Canaan “What Does The Bible Say About Self-Defense?” * There appears to be an apparent conflict in Jesus instructions before His crucifixion: get a sword, but don’t use a sword — Luke 22:36, 38 - “Then He said to them, But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one... 38 So they said, Lord, look, here are two swords. And He said to them, It is enough.” — Luke 22:49-51 - “When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, Lord, shall we strike with the sword? 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered and said, Permit even this. And He touched his ear and healed him.” “What Does The Bible Say About Self-Defense?” ¢ The Bible says little of self-defense when one’s life or property is threatened — Ex. 22:2-3 - “If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. 3 If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for alm daly “What Does The Bible Say About Self-Defense?” * 1,800 felons serving time in prisons across the nation were questioned 81% agreed the smart criminal will try to find out if a potential victim is armed 74% said that burglars avoided occupied dwellings for fear of being shot 80% of felons using handguns had encountered armed citizens 40% didn’t commit a specific crime for fear the victim was armed — 34% were frightened off or shot at by armed victims — 57% said that the typical criminal feared being shot by citizens more than he feared being shot by police “What Does The Bible Say About Self-Defense?” ¢ Annually since 1974, 1,500-2,800 felons were legally killed in self-defense or justifiable shootings by civilians, and 8,000- 16,000 criminals are wounded. This compares to 300-600 justifiable homicides by police. It is estimated that each year Americans use guns for protection from criminals more than 2.5 million times annually (U.S. Department of Justice). Rushforth, et al., "Accidental Firearm Fatalities in a Metropolitan County” 100 American Journal of Epidemiology 499 (1975). Rushforth, et al., "Violent Death in a Metropolitan County,” 297 New England Journal of Medicine 531, 533 (1977). Kellermann, et al., "Gun Ownership as a Risk Factor for Homicide in the Home," New England Journal of Medicine 467 (1993). Polsby, "False Promise of Gun Control,” Atlantic Monthly, March 1994.Wnght and Rossi, Armed and Considered Dangerous: A Survey of Felons and Their Firearms (N.Y.: Aldine de Gruyter, 1986). Kleck, interview, Orange County Register, Sept. 19, 1993. “What Does The Bible Say About Self-Defense?” ¢ That’s okay for a secular nation that grants armed self- defense as a civil right to its citizens. Although, the fact that civil government grants this right does not necessarily mean that God authorizes it. ¢ The question for Christians to ponder is this: Even though we benefit from living in a society where gun ownership is a constitutional right, are we justified in intentionally harming or killing another human being? What Is Written In The Old Testament? * God recognizes a third classification: accidental killing resulting from the intent to protect oneself from intruders at night — Ex. 22:2-3 - “If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. 3 If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution; if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.” What Is Written In The Old Testament? ¢ There were times that God wanted Israel to be armed and to defend itself — Prov. 25:26 - “A righteous man who falters before the wicked Is like a murky spring and a polluted well.” — Judges 5:8 - “They chose new gods; Then there was war in the gates; Not a shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel.” What Is Written In The Old Testament? ¢ 1Sam. 13:19-20, 22 - “Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make swords or spears. 20 But all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen each man's plowshare, his mattock, his ax, and his sickle;22 So it came about, on the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan. But they were found with Saul and Jonathan his son. What Is Written In The New Testament? ¢ John 15:20 - “Remember the word that | said to you, 'A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.” John 16:33 - “These things | have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, | have overcome the world” 1Thes. 3:4 - “For, in fact, we told you before when we were VUidaMVelOmMar-lMNVeMnVOle lo MUlicclamaalelll tlie lame lUi mimi happened, and you know.” 2Tim. 3:12 - “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” What Is Written In The New Testament? ¢ 2Cor. 11:23-28 - “Are they ministers of Christ? --l speak as a fool--| am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. 24 From the Jews five times | received forty stripes minus one. 25 Three times | was beaten with rods; once | was stoned; three times | was shipwrecked; a night and a day | have been in the deep; 26 in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness-- 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.” What Is Written In The New Testament? ¢* Rom. 8:36 - “As it is written: For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter” 1Cor. 15:30-31 - “And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 | affirm, by the boasting in you which | have in Christ Jesus our Lord, | die daily.” 2Cor. 4:11 - “For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” What Is Written In The New Testament? ¢ 1Thes. 5:15 - “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” 1Peter 3:9 - “Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” (based on Prov. 20:22) However, the text speaks of responding with evil; it has yet to be established that self-defense is evil; do not assume What Is Written In The New Testament? ¢ “Vengeance is God’s prerogative” — Rom. 12:19 - “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, | will repay, says the Lord.” ¢ However, the text says vengeance, not self-defense; the first is motivated by malicious intent, the second is forced upon one by another’s evil intent What Is Written In The New Testament? ¢ “Punishment is the government’s responsibility” — Rom. 13:4 - “For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” * However, the context speaks of punishment of evil, not defense from it What Is Written In The New Testament? * These passages shed light on a Christian’s disposition toward ending a life, but say little if anything about oLoy amon a1) ee (oka It is presumptuous to assume that because the text does not specifically forbid the use of violence in self- defense, it gives permission to do so. In scripture and Bible authority, apparent silence does not give consent What Is Written In The New Testament? The Divinely approved and most successful way to both overcome evil and change the evil person is by reacting with active good will How God seeks to change the world — Rom. 5:8 - “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” — John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” What Is Written In The New Testament? * How Jesus sought to change the world — 1Peter 2:21-25 - “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth; 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” What Is Written In The New Testament? ° It distinguishes Christians from sinners — Luke 6:32-34 - “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.” What Is Written In The New Testament? ¢ It makes us like our Heavenly Father — Luke 6:35-36 - “But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” What Is Written In The New Testament? * It brings us blessings — 1Peter 3:9-12 - “Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.” What Is Written About Self-Defense? ¢ If it is authorized at all, it is authorized by permissive authority and not by restrictive authority — Illustration: Extending our lives with extraordinary medical means is permitted by God, but He does not require it * If it is authorized by permissive authority, permission is set aside when there is a conflict with restrictive authority or a higher spiritual priority — Eating foods offered to idols is permitted, but must be set aside for the weaker brother if it leads him to sin What Is Written About Self-Defense? ¢ “It can be considered part of providing for one’s family” — 1Tim. 5:8 - “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” * But we are not told how much one must provide beyond the necessities; the amount of provisions are not mandated; one is permitted to provide abundance and not just essentials; however, not when abundance interferes with spiritual needs What Is Written About Self-Defense? ¢ All throughout the dispensations of time, God’s people found it necessary to defend their homes and families in a world without an active police force or a standing militia ¢ There were many means of doing so apart from physical force; the means used were left up to the providers While God did not mandate in any dispensation that one use force, His commands governing its use clearly imply that He permitted it for those who chose to use it - Ex. 22:2 What Is Written About Self-Defense? ¢ There is an obligation to protect others in danger ¢ But the means, method and extent are left to the individual; physical violence may be permitted but is not mandated — Psalm 82:4 - “Deliver the poor and needy; Free them from the hand of the wicked.” — Prov. 24:11 - “Deliver those who are drawn toward death, And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.” What Is Written About Self-Defense? ° Ez. 33:6 - “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood | will require at the watchman's hand.” Deut. 22:8 - “When you build a new house, then you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring guilt of bloodshed on your household if anyone falls from it.” What Is Written About Self-Defense? ° Ex. 21:29-31 - “But if the ox tended to thrust with its horn in times past, and it has been made known to his owner, and he has not kept it confined, so that it has killed a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death. 30 If there is imposed on him a sum of money, then he shall pay to redeem his life, whatever is imposed on him. 31 Whether it has gored ason or gored a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him.” What Is Written About Self-Defense? ¢ “The Lord often uses military language to depict spiritual things” — Zech. 9:14; Psalm 7:13, 18:14, 21:12, 64:7; Hab. 3:11; Deut. 32:42 2Sam. 22:15; Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16, 2:16, 19:15 If this were an argument justifying the use of physical violence, it would justify the use of physical violence in spiritual endeavors. That which proves too much, proves nothing. What Is Written About Lethal Force? * Guns, knives, weapons are merely tools, and none of these things can guarantee protection, any more than owning a fire extinguisher guarantees that your house won't burn down. — Psalm 44:6-7 - “For | will not trust in my bow, Nor shall my sword save me. 7 But You have saved us from our enemies, And have put to shame those who hated us.” — Neh. 4:14, 20 - “And | looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses” — 1Sam. 17:47 - “Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD'S, and He will give you into our hands.” What Is Written About Lethal Force? ¢ When it is proper to employ lethal force? ¢ Never in hatred, revenge, jealously, or anger — 1Sam. 25:32-33 - “Then David said to Abigail: Blessed is the LORD God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! 33 And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand.” — Titus 1:7 - “For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent...” — Rom. 12:19 - “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath” Christians and Self-Defense Keep the right perspective in this matter. Though there is approval and permission in the scriptures to possess and to use weapons if necessary, three things must be remembered: In the New Testament, there are no examples of believers taking up a weapon in self-defense. The emphasis in the New Testament is not on physical self- defense or righteous use of lethal force. Rather, emphasis is on Godly living, suffering affliction and persecution for Christ, and teaching by word and example the precious Gospel. Possession of weapons and acquiring the skill to use them in self-defense is permitted, but not required by Scripture Christians and Self-Defense ¢ If we are governed daily by the scriptures, when the need for self-defense arises, we will know whether, and to what extent, we should use it — Rom. 14:16 - “Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil” — 2Cor. 8:21 - “Providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” Christians and Self-Defense ° 1Thes. 5:15 - “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.” ¢ 1Peter 3:9 - “Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”