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

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

In response to message posted by reddeer20:

Theologians J. P. Moreland and Norman Geisler say that "to permit murder when one could have prevented it is morally wrong. To allow a rape when one could have hindered it is an evil. To watch an act of cruelty to children without trying to intervene is morally inexcusable. In brief, not resisting evil is an evil of omission, and an evil of omission can be just as evil as an evil of commission. Any man who refuses to protect his wife and children against a violent intruder fails them morally."

"Jesus's words on acquiring a sword (v. 36) should not be taken literally; they are a sign of the conflict and opposition which the disciples will face."{ Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, Elwell; 1989 Baker }
"These instructions are most certainly not to be taken literally, as the disciples at that time seemed to take them."{ The Layman's Bible Commentary}

Christians of our day have no problem taking Christ's command to secure moneybag and knapsack literally. They are quick to admonish their congregations to provide for their family, and especially for the needs of the church. When it comes to the sword,why refuse to believe Christ meant what He said?

Then there is the appeals to verse 38 "It is enough." Those who reject the literal interpretation of the sword read a rebuke into this phrase.

"So 38. `They said, Lord, look here are two swords!' As if Jesus had been talking about the necessity of having and using literal swords! No wonder that his answer is curt and decisive: `He said to them, Enough of that !' This reply prevents any further conversation about that subject." THE NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY; by William Hendriksen

THE INTERPRETER'S BIBLE, Pierce & Smith 1952, dissents:
The disciples took Jesus literally and any hypothesis that they were mistaken is too subtle to be probable. 'It is enough' was His comment that their resources were adequate for their immediate needs. as does Lenski in his INTERPRETATION OF ST. LUKES GOSPEL, p.1068

So Jesus tells the apostles to buy a Roman short sword, if necessary, even at the price of their outer robe. It is better to freeze at night than to be killed...(t)he language is not figurative...The injunctions are concrete and simply use specific examples to indicate a complete course of conduct.

I think it best to take jesus at his literal word here.

-- posted by Hyperionous