South End Church of Christ :: Article: A Christian and Self Defense

South End Church of Christ 4001 Taylor Blvd Louisville, KY 40215

	A Christian and Self Defense Aaron Erhardt We live in an increasingly dangerous society. Recent examples of this include the movie theater shooting in Colorado, the shopping mall shooting in Oregon, and the elementary school shooting in Connecticut. Fox News reports that 6 of the 12 deadliest shootings in American history have occurred since 2007. This raises an important question: "Can a Christian bear arms for self-defense?" When we speak of self-defense, we are talking about the use of lethal force to protect oneself from serious harm. It is much different than premeditated killing, which is clearly condemned (Romans 13:9). The best answer to this question is found in Luke 22:36. In that text, Jesus instructed the disciples to buy swords for protection. Hence, we have divine approval for a Christian to bear arms and practice self-defense. Some have a hard time reconciling the above passage with what the Lord taught about turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39). However, we must understand that Jesus was dealing with minor insults and offenses in that text, not life-threatening situations. Though Peter was rebuked for misusing his sword when Jesus was arrested, that does not negate the fact that he was armed that evening (John 18:10). How then can any say that such is sinful today? There is an interesting passage in the Old Law that may shed some light on how God views a man defending his home from nightly intruders. It says, “If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him” (Exodus 22:2). Hence, he would be justified in his use of deadly force (also see Matthew 24:43). If it violates a person’s conscience to own firearms or other lethal weapons, then they should not do so. However, it is not sinful for a Christian to bear arms and practice self-defense.