self defence.christian or not: Re: Re: Re: Re: is self defence allowed in the Bible

» reddeer20 - Re: Re: Re: Re: is self defence allowed in the Bible

In response to message posted by purplestar:

Pardon me, I did not include any footnotes because they are not inspired Scripture. At times they can be useful when they explain certain customs, monetary units or measurements of the time. However in this case the footnote is clearly the opinion of men.

I recognize that Jesus often used allegory and spoke in parables, and it is usually very clear when he did this. But he also spoke in plain English (so to speak) at certain times. He says here, " If you have a purse, take it, and also a bag. If you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." What could be more clear? If he just wished to warn them of danger he could have been just as clear in saying it that plainly.

How do I answer the original question? I can't satisfactorily. Perhaps the very presence of a visible sword being carried would deter those who would attack. Or perhaps Jesus simply was saying it is okay to defend yourself if necessary. But I will not put words into the mouth of Jesus that he simply did not say.

-- posted by reddeer20