Can you defend?
This website shows whether Christians are allowed to physically defend themselves or not.
Does the bible allow a Christian to defend themselves, or family from an attacker?
Some Christians think that Jesus forbids self-defense, and that Christians are meant to be defenseless.
They think this, because they misunderstand this quote from Jesus in the bible:
Matthew 5:38 [NIV]
38 ''You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'
39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other [cheek] also.
40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles''
40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.
41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles''
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I've even heard Atheists on occasion, use the above quote against Christians, to claim that Christians are not allowed to defend themselves.
However in this quote, Jesus didn't literally mean to turn the other cheek and put yourself in danger when someone attacks you. Or to give someone who sues you, even more. After all, Jesus himself objected when he was struck by one of the officers of the Jewish high priest. Jesus did not literally turn his other cheek to get whacked again. [John 18:22-23]
Jesus in this quote was simply using an exaggeration, to teach us a lesson in non-retaliation.
He was talking about the act of personal revenge, hence why he brought up the example of ''Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'' That it's not up to you to seek revenge and get even, eg. ''eye for an eye'', if an evil person commits a wrong against you. But instead, not seek revenge - hence why Jesus brought up the exaggeration of, ''turn to him the other [cheek] also.'' It's about preventing a cycle of revenge and retaliation.
The other quote in the bible that is misunderstood is:
Matthew 26:51 [NIV]
51 With that, one of Jesus companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.
52 ''Put your sword back in its place,'' Jesus said to him, ''for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.''
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Here, Jesus was referring to one of his companions, Peter, taking matters into his own hands by attacking the servant of the high priest with a sword offensively (not self-defense).
Yes, someone may claim this was a case of defense as Jesus was being unjustly led away to die, and Peter simply tried to intervene and prevent it. However Jesus was sent down to earth to die for our sins anyway - Hence Jesus did not need anyone, such as his companions, to get in the way and stop himself from being led away and eventually be crucified.
What Jesus said about self-defense
In the bible, Jesus makes it clear that a person can defend themselves from an attacker, that threatens them physically or their life:
Luke 22:36 [NIV]
36 He [Jesus] said to them [his disciples], ''But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.''
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Here, Jesus knew when the disciples were going preach Christ's ministry down the track, their lives and physical well being would be in constant danger. Hence why Jesus instructed them to carry a sword.
Therefore showing that defending yourself is perfectly fine according to Christianity.
Click on picture to enlarge
The Archangel Michael who defended heaven, and defeated Satan in a war.
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