marshall3
Member
For a long list of links to articles about Christians Bearing Arms....
http://www.mouseguns.com/cba.htm
http://www.mouseguns.com/cba.htm
I'll betcha that those folks put their pants on one leg at a time, just like the rest of us.
But fighting in itself is not the best response, only the most appropriate.
As a practicing Evangelical Quaker I have always wrestled with this one.
Those who truly accept Christ would not kill another who had wronged them, even if the alternative is for they themselves to die. "Those who love life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will have everlasting life".
Against those who want to not simply kill you, but destroy all that you hold dear, it is immoral NOT to fight against them. Not to protect yourself, your loved ones, or your property, but to ensure that even if you die, the great victory of mankind in all its diversity will endure in peace for ages to come.
These are hard words for many pro-gun people to hear; most I've talked to, and yes argued against, want firearms to protect their life, liberty and property against common criminals who want to take those things. That's not why you should have a gun. The reason the Founders gave you that right is so you can exercise it to protect the American way of life, even at the cost of everything else.
The idea behind 'turn the other cheek' was that you don't escalate a minor situation. Its not a call to let other people kill your sons, rape your women folk, burn your house and sodomize your dog.
That is an interesting concept that I have not before considered. Inaction is a choice that has consequences. Too many think they can avoid a tough choice by simply doing nothing, which is a choice unto itself.We teach that if you are in a situation where you must choose between two sins, you are to choose and sin boldly, knowing that you are forgiven.
Exodus 22:2-4 If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. 3 If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4 If the theft be certainly found in his hand alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; he shall restore double.
Q. 134. Which is the sixth commandment?
A. The sixth commandment is, Thou shalt not kill.
Q. 135. What are the duties required in the sixth commandment?
A. The duties required in the sixth commandment are all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves and others by resisting all thoughts and purposes, subduing all passions, and avoiding all occasions, temptations, and practices, which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; by just defence thereof against violence, patient bearing of the hand of God, quietness of mind, cheerfulness of spirit; a sober use of meat, drink, physic, sleep, labour, and recreations; by charitable thoughts, love, compassion, meekness, gentleness, kindness; peaceable, mild and courteous speeches and behaviour; forbearance, readiness to be reconciled, patient bearing and forgiving of injuries, and requiting good for evil; comforting and succouring the distressed and protecting and defending the innocent.
Q. 136. What are the sins forbidden in the sixth commandment?
A. The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in case of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defence; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life; sinful anger, hatred, envy, desire of revenge; all excessive passions, distracting cares; immoderate use of meat, drink, labor, and recreations; provoking words, oppression, quarreling, striking, wounding, and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.
God deals with sin and I think killing somebody, even in self defense, is sin's response to sin.
Those who truly accept Christ would not kill another who had wronged them, even if the alternative is for they themselves to die. "Those who love life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will have everlasting life".
Christian teachings advocate turning the other cheek, loving your neighbor (even when your neighbor is culturally or historically your enemy; the Jews and Samaritans Jesus uses in "The good Samaritan" parable were not on friendly terms), and general non-violence.
from www.liberty.edu
It is apparent that our God-authored freedoms must be defended.
Throughout the book of Judges, God calls the Israelites to go to war against the Midianites and Philistines. Why? Because these nations were trying to conquer Israel, and God's people were called to defend themselves.
from www.liberty.edu
Finally, some reading this column will surely ask, "Doesn't the sixth commandment say, 'Thou shalt not kill?'"
Actually, no; it says: "Thou shalt not commit murder."
There is a difference between killing and murdering. In fact, many times God commanded capital punishment for those who break the law.
We continue to live in violent times. The Bible tells us war will be a reality until Christ returns.
There is a difference between killing and murdering. In fact, many times God commanded capital punishment for those who break the law.