Jenna said:But Jesus told Peter to put his sword in its place in other words at his side. He didn't say toss it out altogether. After all, He had just ordered the disciples to arm themselves. The reason for the arms was obviously to protect the lives of the disciples, not the life of the Son of God. What Jesus was saying was't Peter, don't fight or defend yourself but rather, Peter, this ain't the RIGHT TIME for the fight.
Yr most obdt hmble srvt,
Jenna
Thank you, Jenna. You beat me to it.
Mrhnau, my point I wanted to make was what Jenna suggested. It wasn't the time. The soldiers wanted to arrest Jesus, they weren't threatening to kill him on the spot, so there is no cause at the moment for a swordfight.
mrhnau said:Is there a time for violence? I believe so... personally I can't see Jesus hitting anyone, or killing anyone. I look at the history of the church, the number of martyrs for the faith, how they died violent deaths for the sake of God and their faith. Jesus "did not say a word in his defense", almost all of the apostles died violent deaths. In the New Testament, I don't see alot of Christians defending themselves. Was it happening and just not written in the Bible? Perhaps...
One of the only violent episodes in the early Church I can recall is the death of Ananias and Saphira (sp), but Peter did not directly kill them himself, rather by God. My memory might be dull though
At what point should a christian defend themselves?
Jesus could very well do so. Some pointed to Jesus with the moneychangers at the temple and routing them out as proof that he certainly is capable of doing so. That is probably the closest act of violence visible in the Bible done by Jesus without hurting others.
At what point indeed? I think it's when in true self-defense (of family, friends, and self) against physical attack. Defense is not for money, not for claim of land (for conquest purpose), not for "honor", and not just because of "what is believed to be right" (considering that "being right" is subjective anyway). The last two, people may argue whether they are of value for injury or bloodshed. I am of the opinion that these are not.
Anyway, I need not to encourage leading this thread off topic. Basically, Sacred Warrior is running a dojo that serves a need for groups of people who want this--to learn martial arts among people who share the same views. He made no secret of what he is doing and why. It is possible his dojo is probably open to others who aren't of the same faith, if they are willing to train in that kind of environment.
- Ceicei