SELF DEFENSE

[Bollweevil]

Why do so many people ignore the teachings of Jesus? Self defense is not a Christian principle. In fact God teaches just the opposite for how He wants us to live. I realize this is hard to accept for most people, it was for me at first, yet it is the clear truth. If one wants to be a follower of Jesus then the truth should be the most important thing; overcoming our own traditions, previous beliefs, and desires.

 

[BSM1]

Why do so many people ignore the teachings of Jesus? Self defense is not a Christian principle. In fact God teaches just the opposite for how He wants us to live. I realize this is hard to accept for most people, it was for me at first, yet it is the clear truth. If one wants to be a follower of Jesus then the truth should be the most important thing; overcoming our own traditions, previous beliefs, and desires.

Then why did Jesus instruct his disciples to sell their packs and buy a sword?

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Then why did Jesus instruct his disciples to sell their packs and buy a sword?

He also said to not resist an evil man, and when struck to turn the other cheek rather than retaliate.

 

[BSM1]

He also said to not resist an evil man, and when struck to turn the other cheek rather than retaliate.

But...but...after that he seemed to change his mind.

 

[shunyadragon]

Why do so many people ignore the teachings of Jesus? Self defense is not a Christian principle. In fact God teaches just the opposite for how He wants us to live. I realize this is hard to accept for most people, it was for me at first, yet it is the clear truth. If one wants to be a follower of Jesus then the truth should be the most important thing; overcoming our own traditions, previous beliefs, and desires.

In reality the 'Arts of Way' unfortunately called 'Martial Arts' as shame ways of 'Self Defense' taught in the West was not the intend of the original 'Arts of the Way' of Buddhist traditions which had more inner spiritual meaning in the disciplines of meditation to avoid conflict within and without. Ancient warrior Arts like those that arose from Shinto were later corrupted into Martial Arts with the unfortunate arts of 'Self Defense.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

Sorry Jesus if someone is attacking me I'm gonna attack back! Our biological systems are designed to "fight or flight"

 

[Father Heathen]

Why do so many people ignore the teachings of Jesus?

Sins only matter when it's other people committing them.

 

[Axe Elf]

I think it kind of depends on how dire the emergency. Somebody wants to slap your face, offer them the other cheek and then walk away. Somebody breaks into your house at night, you can off the bastid.

"If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no blood shed for him." --Exodus 22:2 (Amplified Bible)


And if it's a matter of defending your families and community...

"I looked [them over] and rose up and said to the nobles and officials and the other people, Do not be afraid of the enemy; [earnestly] remember the Lord and imprint Him [on your minds], great and terrible, and [take from Him courage to] fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes." --Nehemiah 4:14 (Amplified Bible)

 

[Bollweevil]

Then why did Jesus instruct his disciples to sell their packs and buy a sword?

Luke 22:35-38 And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.” And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and [whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘And He was numbered with transgressors’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”

Jesus explains why He said that in the same breath; it is so the prophecy would be fulfilled that He was among transgressors, Isaiah 53:12. Also what matters is the disciples actions. Jesus did not say what to do with the swords, He did not say to harm anyone. Therefore we can't read into the scripture something that's not there. Also shortly after when Peter did use the sword, Jesus rebuked him and said to put it away. There are numerous examples in the teachings and examples of Jesus and the disciples directly related to not retaliating or defending oneself or repaying evil with evil.

 

[Bollweevil]

Sorry Jesus if someone is attacking me I'm gonna attack back! Our biological systems are designed to "fight or flight"

Yes we are designed for self preservation; yet Jesus taught us a different way: to be servants, to not repay evil with evil, to regard others as more important than ourselves. Jesus is our example; when He could have been justified in defending Himself He didn't. Neither did any of the disciples.

 

[Kelly of the Phoenix]

Why do so many people ignore the teachings of Jesus? Self defense is not a Christian principle.

Depends on the verse, though.

Jesus wasn't assaulting people at the Temple in any kind of defense. He was just throwing a tantrum with a whip. It's probably the most realistic reason for the Romans killing him. You just don't do that. He had a habit of inciting the people. Trouble followed him wherever he went. No wonder his family didn't like him.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

Yes we are designed for self preservation; yet Jesus taught us a different way: to be servants, to not repay evil with evil, to regard others as more important than ourselves. Jesus is our example; when He could have been justified in defending Himself He didn't. Neither did any of the disciples.

How is defending myself evil? Evil requires being malevolent. There is nothing malevolent if I'm trying to preserve my life.

 

[Bollweevil]

How is defending myself evil? Evil requires being malevolent. There is nothing malevolent if I'm trying to preserve my life.

I addressed this. Harming others goes against the teaching of Jesus. Jesus expects us to sacrifice our life constantly for the sake of showing love to others regardless of whether they deserve it or not just as Jesus showed us love when we were His enemies, He died for us.

 

[Epic Beard Man]

I addressed this. Harming others goes against the teaching of Jesus. Jesus expects us to sacrifice our life constantly for the sake of showing love to others regardless of whether they deserve it or not just as Jesus showed us love when we were His enemies, He died for us.

Well it doesn't apply to me as I'm not Christian......Nice to know that you'll give your life willingly....I hope you don't have children with this mindset especially someone who wants to do harm to you and your family.

 

[Deeje]

Then why did Jesus instruct his disciples to sell their packs and buy a sword?

The fact that they had to buy swords on the day that Jesus was arrested proves that they were previously unarmed.

They had only two swords when an armed mob, led by Judas came to arrest Jesus. The swords were obviously not for defending Jesus....but rather it was for the opposite reason. Even though they had weapons, they would not resort to violence. When Peter did, Jesus rebuked him.

When Jesus was threatened, he did not retaliate, but simply left the scene. The night of his arrest he was willing to go quietly, to fulfill his assignment to lay down his life.

 

[BSM1]

Luke 22:35-38 And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.” And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and [whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘And He was numbered with transgressors’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”

Jesus explains why He said that in the same breath; it is so the prophecy would be fulfilled that He was among transgressors, Isaiah 53:12. Also what matters is the disciples actions. Jesus did not say what to do with the swords, He did not say to harm anyone. Therefore we can't read into the scripture something that's not there. Also shortly after when Peter did use the sword, Jesus rebuked him and said to put it away. There are numerous examples in the teachings and examples of Jesus and the disciples directly related to not retaliating or defending oneself or repaying evil with evil.

Seriously? This is what you're going with? What do you think they used a sword for back in the day?

 

[9-10ths_Penguin]

Then why did Jesus instruct his disciples to sell their packs and buy a sword?

Because - IMO - the Gospels are a contradictory mess, maybe?

The Bible: it has something for everyone.

 

[BSM1]

Because - IMO - the Gospels are a contradictory mess, maybe?

The Bible: it has something for everyone.

Everyone has to find their own truth, even when it comes to Biblical interpretations. I'm sure you've heard that if three people read the same verse, you'll get four interpretations.

 

[Bollweevil]

Seriously? This is what you're going with? What do you think they used a sword for back in the day?

Yes,this is what I'm gong with: the explicit quote and explanation of Jesus, not my opinion.