I believe that armed self-defense is an extension of the Christian’s mandate to protect the innocent, to “watch over widows and orphans in their distress.” No one doubts that a policeman who carries a gun and watches over society can do such things and still be a Christian: Why, therefore, is there any doubt that an armed individual like me can carry a gun and watch over a small portion of society (my family) and yet still have a deep, abiding faith in God?
The Biblical Basis for Self-Defense – Ricochet
Go read the whole thing.
I like to say I am the most peaceful man you will ever know, but I am not a Pacifist. Not understanding that difference can be hurtful to your health and ability to remain above room temperature. This does not counter the doctrine of the Catholic Church or any real Christian belief. It does piss off something fierce the Lefties using alleged Christian values and political jump points for the most antichrist behavior they can think of.
“Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”
Luke 23:36
And then one of the disciples stated they have two swords, and Jesus said, “It is enough.”
I always interpreted that to mean that not everyone is called to use force and righteous violence to defend innocent life, but that if you are you should keep the means handy.
But that’s just my opinion.
“The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men. Blessed is he who, in the name of charity and good will, shepherds the weak through the valley of the darkness. For he is truly his brother’s keeper and the finder of lost children. And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know I am the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon you.”
Ezekiel 25:17
Only lefty asshats twist the Bible around to make a point for gun control. IF you have a brain you will know that God tells you that protecting your family IS a Christian value… duh. The original Commandment says thou shalt not murder….
One school of thought is that when Scripture forbids an act, it also commands the opposite act.
Thus, the prohibition on murder — taking innocent life — is also a commandment to protect innocent life.
It’s not enough to simply not commit murder; one must do what he can to prevent it.
I spent a while helping Rolf Nelson with some bible texts he wanted to understand deeply for a novel he was plotting (“Heretics of St. Possenti — recommended). One was the well known “if you live by the sword you will die by the sword” which is often used as an argument against self defense.
But if you study the original Greek it is clear that the meaning is more precise: if you reach for the sword all the time, you will die by the sword. In other words, a good translation is “the swordsman will die by the sword”. But the wording very clearly does not touch the person who has a weapon for self defense but uses it only when necessary. English and Latin don’t capture the distinction easily, but (classical) Greek does.
Weird how that understanding is echoed in so many Westerns.
Some of the most common bronze-age archaeological discoveries are swords, axes, spears, and knives thrown into water. The Museum of London has a 20′ long case with only the best that have been recovered from the Thames; there are hundreds more. There’s even an echo of it in the King Arthur myths, when he throws Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake.
The prevalent theory is “religious purposes”, but I think it’s “I’m done with killing; I’m not going to carry my weapon any more”, like a gunfighter hanging up his six-shooter.
I had heard one hypothesis was that when you are trying to retreat across a body of water, you are slowed down. Dropping everything you can to help you move faster makes a good deal of sense.
I like yours better, though.
I covered this topic for a teaching in our messianic synagogue a few years ago using verses from both the Old and New Testaments.
http://torahwalk.blogspot.com/2015/05/thou-shalt-kill.html
Mr Huff’s quotation of ‘scripture’ is actually nothing more than the horseshit twisting and semi-quoting of the verses, written in the script of the movie Pulp Fiction.
The ACTUAL scripture – easily found by any online search engine – is, in context the prophesy of Ezekiel rebuking the peoples who were against Israel.
11 And I will execute judgments upon Moab; and they shall know that I am the LORD.
12 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because that Edom hath dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and hath greatly offended, and revenged himself upon them;
13 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also stretch out mine hand upon Edom, and will cut off man and beast from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; and they of Dedan shall fall by the sword.
14 And I will lay my vengeance upon Edom by the hand of my people Israel: and they shall do in Edom according to mine anger and according to my fury; and they shall know my vengeance, saith the Lord GOD.
15 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred;
16 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.
17 And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them.
I’ve read that there is a place in the Torah that states that you have not only the right, but the responsibility, to protect yourself, you family, and your people.
I’d guess that is greatly frowned upon by leftists.