So, Actual Final Words Again, in this case, I am not arguing against pacifism at the “personal conviction” level. Of course, any human might determine that it is wrong for them to engage in almost kind of activity; examples might include sex, gambling, drinking alcohol, smoking, reading certain books, etc – that may be completely…Continue reading Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part VIII
Tag: pacifism
Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part VII
Working Towards Final Words Matt 5:39-42 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces…Continue reading Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part VII
Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part VI
Continuing to engage in the common arguments for Christian Pacifism Swords (John 18:10-11) 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant and cut off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup…Continue reading Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part VI
Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part V
Continuing to Engage with the Biblical Arguments for Pacifism Don’t fear death This argument, based on Matt 10:28 (“do not fear those who kill the body…”), says that Christians should not defend themselves because of what Jesus teaches here about us not “fearing death.” Here in the midst of Jesus’ instructions to His Apostles before…Continue reading Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part V
Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part IV
The Arguments So, we examine the passages used to defend Christian Pacifism. So, let me make clear, I am not at all saying that killing is always right (even in times of war, execution or self defense), but am just making the case that it CAN be right. I am not going to try to…Continue reading Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part IV
Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part III
The Description of Government Further, the Christian pacifist needs to explain why it is apparently morally responsible for governments to engage in the violence of being “an avenger who bring wrath on the one who practices evil” (Romans 13:4) in God’s eyes and that Christians are to subject themselves to that government – that to…Continue reading Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part III
Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part II
Character of God I agree and yearn for the day when apparently predator/prey relationships of all kind are abolished. I cannot wait for a day when the will of those I live for eternity with have no desire to sin, even if they are free to. That day is coming. There is coming an existence…Continue reading Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part II
Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part I
Nehemiah 4:9 “And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” In debate, there is a focal point of debates called “burden.” I am starting this conversation with what I see to be the burden of the Christian pacifist. I will warn you, this part isn’t short. …Continue reading Christian Self Defense or Pacifism Conversation Part I
Can a Christian be a soldier?
Hey Chris, “I mentioned to you once on the ultimate Frisbee field that I was doing some of thinking on the idea of Christian warfare, especially given what Christ says about turning the other cheek, or how the Kingdom of God being one in which the lion and the lamb will lay down together and…Continue reading Can a Christian be a soldier?