A Christian View of Self Defense

By: Dave Heuthe

We live in a world that is dangerous. We read in the papers, hear on the radio and see on the TV about attacks robberies, rapes and murders. Maybe you have personally witnessed or been a victim of an attack. As Christians we know that the source of all this is sin. Man has a sinful heart which causes him to do sinful things. We read this in Romans 3. In verse 15 it states “they are swift to shed blood”. So what are we to do?

The Bible tells us in the sermon on the mount to” turn the other cheek”. Does that mean that if we are physically attacked we can’t defend ourselves? If we see someone being attacked are we just to yell for help and do nothing to rescue the victim? Would it be sin to intervene if it meant attacking the attacker? These are important questions. One of the reasons this is important to think about now is because if we are ever in that type of situation we won’t have much time to think. Either you act or you don’t.

The scripture in the Sermon on the Mount seems to be referring to someone being insulted because of the use of the word slap which would do little physical harm but would hurt a man’s pride. There are some scripture verses that seem to promote self defense such as Luke22:35-38 where Jesus tells His disciples to buy swords for protection. This would indicate that Jesus approved of using weapons in self defense. On the other hand Jesus did rebuke peter for cutting off the servant’s ear. I think Jesus’ reply gives us insight into how He looks at this issue.

In Matthew 26: 47-54 we have the story of Jesus’ betrayal by Judas. As the crowd tries to seize Him Peter drew his sword and cut off a servant’s ear. Jesus heals the servant and rebukes the disciple. Then He said,” Do you not think I cannot appeal to My father in heaven and would not send 12 legions of angels. But how then should the scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” It seems clear that the reason for the rebuke was because it was God’s plan that Jesus should go to the cross and die for our sins not because He is against defending yourself or a loved one.

As I said before we live in a dangerous and sinful world. We as believers are called to stand up for what is right and against evil. God has given us the civil government with its laws and officials to protect us, but they can’t be everywhere. There may be a time when you have to step up. What if you or a loved one is attacked would you be able to defend yourself or protect a loved one? Will you be ready? This is a thorny issue, but don’t let that keep you from searching the scripture, your heart and God. I do believe that the scripture does teach that we can defend ourselves and others from evil.

This does not mean that we go around looking for fights or that we should feel we are responsible to protect everyone. This does, however mean that we should search the scripture, your heart and God. The scriptures teach that a man should be convinced in his own mind on issues that are not clearly forbidden or approved. I ‘m convinced that the scripture does teach that we can defend ourselves and others from evil.

Published by: Dave Heuthe, American Kobe Jiu Jitsu Federation Black Belt & Certified Instructor. Dave provides group personal defense classes where lessons are taught in various locations, privately, at Bob Malvagno’s School of Self Defense, and through in-house work programs (e.g. -Fire Department, employer, churches & synagogues, community centers, etc.) in the Nassau County and Sufflok County, Long Island (LI), NY area. Dave’s business is to provide programs that help his students (adults, seniors, teens & children) master self defense. BECOME A CLASS MEMBER TODAY!

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