Bullies and bullying- how close to home is it?

[berkeley]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Should our kids be taught to fight according to Jesus?

nope

[Sasha]

Originally Posted by berkeley

nope

I agree.

[Sasha]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Should our kids be taught to fight according to Jesus?

How did Jesus tell kids to fight?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Should our kids be taught to fight according to Jesus?

Do you believe self defense is unchristian?

[Esaias]

David was taught directly by God how to fight.

Psalm 144:1 Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

[Michael The Disciple]

Well the case for it in the New Testament seems rather small?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

Well the case for it in the New Testament seems rather small?

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

...

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

...

32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

According to the apostle, these are among the God-ordained examples of true faith. Those examples include people who fought and waged war (far more 'exciting' than dealing with a playground bully).

Luke 22:36
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Did Jesus command his disciples to obtain deadly weapons, and yet be ignorant as to how to use them properly?

Unnecessary violence is condemned throughout all scripture, but the NT does not teach pure pacifism.

As for the 'NT witness being rather small', the apostles spoke of the OT as 'the Word of God', which it is. And all God's words are pure. And man shall live by EVERY WORD that proceeds out of the mouth of God. The NT is the record and teaching of Jesus, who restored to Israel the original TORAH. It is not a 'replacement' for the Word of God.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

...

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

...

32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

According to the apostle, these are among the God-ordained examples of true faith. Those examples include people who fought and waged war (far more 'exciting' than dealing with a playground bully).

Luke 22:36
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Did Jesus command his disciples to obtain deadly weapons, and yet be ignorant as to how to use them properly?

Unnecessary violence is condemned throughout all scripture, but the NT does not teach pure pacifism.

As for the 'NT witness being rather small', the apostles spoke of the OT as 'the Word of God', which it is. And all God's words are pure. And man shall live by EVERY WORD that proceeds out of the mouth of God. The NT is the record and teaching of Jesus, who restored to Israel the original TORAH. It is not a 'replacement' for the Word of God.

I get the point made by the Hebrews verses. Its just in all that was done to the saints in Acts there was never any self defence. If there were any examples it would be good.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

I get the point made by the Hebrews verses. Its just in all that was done to the saints in Acts there was never any self defence. If there were any examples it would be good.

I have certainly noticed that fact. Here's how I understand it - I believe every individual has a right to self defense, and that it is biblical. I also believe every man has a DUTY to protect those under his care - wife and children, parents, etc. And that duty may extend to self defense against robbers, thieves, murderers, brigands, etc.

But I do believe that every christian who is PERSECUTED BY the 'powers that be' JUST FOR BEING A CHRISTIAN is called to die, assuming a greater harm would not come from it (ie leaving your children to starve, for example).

I notice in Hebrews, those mentioned who were martyred were said to have chosen martyrdom preferring a better resurrection. Thus, I believe there is a choice involved.

But I make a distinction between persecution for the gospel's sake, and simple self defense against common criminal elements.

[Esaias]

Also, I learned a long time ago, that the primary purpose for learning how to kick butt and take names is so you don't HAVE to. Mastering the skills of being a Deadly Do-Right empowers a person to identify dangerous situations, make a (more likely) correct estimate of the situation, and generally have more options available.

Better to have and not need, than to need and not have.

imo.