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Today seems to have news article after news article, is about bad thing after bad thing.
Sometimes tragedies on television appear preventable, and many of them are. But within the
chaos of life, there is hope. Hope from Jesus Christ to work through and eventually return to
make everything new. All the believing has this as an encouragement to live for the good of
others and for the glory of God. To combat complex issues and speak the truth. But what
happens when the problems of today are not black and white? Do Christians disagree with them?
involve life and death? While living set apart is something the Lord asks of His followers in the
Word, what that truly means may not be as clear as one may think. Self-defense is one example
of how many people today disagree on how to carry this out as believers. Through this paper,
clarity on what self-defense is and how Christian leaders should navigate this issue will be
addressed. Following current newsworthy examples from today. The world is a broken place full
of sin, but with the hope of Jesus Christ and His Word, this moral quest may not be as scary as
one may have previously thought.
The ethical issue of self-defense from a Christian worldview is a deeply complex, moral,
physical, and emotional scenario. Like all ethical issues, there is no clear one-size-fits-all answer.
Navigating self-defense from a Biblical worldview is the first step in leading within a Christian
context when it comes to defending oneself. Oxford Dictionary defines self-defense along the
guidelines of self-interest of protection through physical force and is permitted in some cases to
respond to a violent crime.1 This definition already shows the complex nature of the issue.
Where many ethical issues pose political views, this issue specifically does not align itself with a
1 Oxford English Dictionary . 2023. “Self-Defence | Self-Defense, N. Meanings, Etymology and
More | Oxford English Dictionary.” Oed.com.
https://doi.org/10.1093//OED//4772695023.
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particular party. Making this issue uniquely connected to morals and what is defined as truth by
the individual. Yet specifically from a court of law self-defense legally is, “threatening unlawful
force, serious bodily harm, or death; and. Uses the amount of force reasonable in relation to the
harm threatened”. 2 So where do people draw the line or how do individuals measure the gravity
of force? So, self-defense in terms of this paper specifically is the prevention of harm to a
person’s life caused by an external negative force in opposition. This definition clearly outlines
what is self-defense and what is not. Knowing this dissecting it Biblically is the next step.
Beginning in Genesis from the fall we see that man has chosen to against God and as a
result of sin enters the world. From that brokenness that came from the first murder in Genesis,
aggression run all over. Understanding in the Old Testament that the people are held under the
previous law. Many of the wisdom principles from this are still applicable today when it comes
to the issue of self-defense. The evil in the world is combatted with the truth of the Lord. Exodus
twenty-two references self-defense clearly. Using words such as “no guilt for the bloodshed”.
The Old Testament writers assume that the person who is in jeopardy has had a thief come into
their home by which they are guilty of breaking the law. So, the death of this person is justified.
But there are no details that clearly explain differing situations. There is also no context as to
what the invader is doing or why the person decided to kill the thief. And the time of day seems
to affect the situation as well. Making these pieces of scripture difficult to depend on fully for
defending this issue. Scripture does give a clear one-case scenario where self-defense is
justifiable. Looking forward to the New Testament the book of Luke outlines two direct
examples of self-defense. Luke twenty-two verses thirty-five and thirty-eight show Jesus telling
his disciples to let anyone who desires to take their money, clothes, and personal belongings
2 S McGhee v. Commonwealth, 219 Va. 560, 562, 248 S.E.2d 808, 810 (1978).
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have those things. But, at the same time, Jesus instructs them to have a special type of sword.
This kind of sword was meant for killing.3 It was never clearly said by Jesus to use for self-
defense; however, it can be interpreted that these could be used in preparation for Jesus’ death
and resurrection. However, many people believe that it is metaphorical. So, using this as
evidence to prove why self-defense involving murder is not wholly justifiable. Romans twelve
seventeen tells readers, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the
eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Furthering on what Jesus’ message is to be peacemakers. So, believers are instructed not to seek
revenge, but out of protection for the individual leaders should instruct people to only fight back
if their life is in harm’s way. Meaning your own life is at risk. So, what it comes down to is first
the law of the land, the purpose of defending oneself, and if it is justifiable with all the things
mentioned above from scripture. It is not always a one-size fits all situation. Throughout
scripture, there are examples of self-defense and tragedy where lives were ended. However,
looking at scripture as a whole self-defense can be justified only if the victim’s life is in
immediate danger. From what scripture says murder is not an option. Surely God forgives the
sins of people who repent and believe, but depending on scripture to support the death of an
image bearer is a weak argument.
Recently there was a shooting in Oklahoma of a twenty-four-year-old man that led to his
death.4 Biblically from what was walked through above this man did not carry out in a way that
3 Decker, Rodney J. 2016. “Self-Defense and the Christian.” Clarks Summit University. April 6,
2016. https://www.clarkssummitu.edu/2016/04/06/self-defense-and-the-christian/.
4 Parsons, McKenzy. 2023. “Northwest Omaha Shooting That Killed 24-Year-Old Was Self-
Defense, according to Douglas County Attorney.” KETV. November 8, 2023.
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was how it should be through scripture. Though understanding through the law, he had the right
to protect himself with a gun. He did not break the law of the land however it is tragic that
someone’s life was the cost of defending oneself. Another example from an article is where self-
defense turned into a protest. And not just any protest but a violent one. The author is trying to
justify that these actions are acceptable only if they match the first aggression. “I argue that
under certain circumstances, subjects may violently protest their treatment, where protest is
understood as an expression of rejection of those circumstances.”5 Which is contrary to what
scripture says according to the Biblical framework from above. The passage in Romans clearly
tells believers to not seek revenge. So, the heart of a believer would not be justifiable if this is the
way of thinking for someone looking to defend themselves.
As leaders navigating this topic, it may not appear in the physical sense described above
but potentially in a verbal sense. This can be a deeply personal issue because it has to do with the
self. Yet, leaders must as servants of the Lord guide people into the way and likeness of Christ.
In order to do that leaders must educate, model, and know how to carry out a biblical way of
self-defense as described above.
The value of focusing on this issue is great because not many leaders are educated or
have even been concerned with this issue. Knowing what self-defense is, the purpose and the
https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-shooting-that-killed-24-year-old-was-self-
defense/45769248.
5 Flanigan, Edmund Tweedy. 2021. “From Self-Defense to Violent Protest.” Critical Review of
International Social and Political Philosophy, January (January), 1–25.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13698230.2020.1870859.
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benefit of knowing these things can greatly impact a ministry. Understanding the context, that
scripture as a whole set up for navigating self-defense, leaders should work within those
guidelines to honor the Lord and to teach proper protection of oneself. Using the Bible as a main
source first and then looking into education. That could look like classes that leaders teach and
educate the local bodies. That could look like teaching the biblical framework from above. It also
could look like vulnerability within a close community group. This aspect brings accountability
and a consistent way for people to grow in their understanding. Leaders would be equipped with
questions for open conversations to occur within this context.
Many people will never face this issue. However, leaders especially need to understand
what God thinks of people how he views life in the word, and how Jesus instructs his followers
to treat others. Approaching the throne with boldness, but also having a gentle and lowly spirit,
just like Jesus. He is calm, kind, and understanding. While at the same time, He is full of justice
and righteousness. The character and tone that leaders use to explain and lead with this topic are
essential for how the people will respond.
Many situations’ people may find themselves in where self-defense is needed can be
prevented by living out the way of Jesus. Spending time in life-building activities and There are
many feelings that people have towards life and death situations. So being naive to the fact that
self-defense is an easy problem could cause many issues within the church. This division gives
leaders the opportunity to bring people together and help problem-solve, educate, and equip
people with the knowledge of biblically handling this issue. To not only know how to navigate
but, also to help more people through a multiplication model just like discipleship. This is where
truth meets grace because of the rarity of this issue, it is okay if it is confusing to leaders as well.
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It may even be a new concept for some. Educating through the Word of God and external
resources is one of the best ways for a leader to go about self-defense.
So, when trying to educate when trying to disciple when trying to lead people to
understand this idea, walking them through the Biblical framework is essential to the success, of
honoring the Lord, in all that is said, and done. God does not want bad things to happen. He is a
God of love, kindness, and peace. So, with this understanding, it breaks Jesus’ heart to know that
leaders must navigate this issue. Defending oneself may be necessary, and sometimes is the last
thing that the Lord wants us to do because already God fights the battles of his children. The
fight over life and death has already been won. But there’s still darkness and brokenness in this
world. He even tells us in this world we will have trouble yet as believers, He calls His followers
to be peacemakers. He calls his disciples to be doers of the word, and in the word, and through
that His fruit is displayed. These many commands are helpful in creating a world that the Lord
desires.
In an education sense as leaders, there are many classes and tools that ministry
organizations often provide for all kinds of people to access. These resources cover the what's,
why's and how's of self-defense. A main theme over all these teachings came down to one
scripture, knowing how to be in the world, but not of it. The morality of this issue makes it very
complex. But with the education tools and classes leaders can help people understand the truth in
God's Word and how to love people well while living here on Earth. Through these classes,
many lives could be saved. Including the people that are the problem.
Leaders can also pray in Jesus' name for protection over the people who may need to use
self-defense in the future. Recognizing the pain that people go through and the hardship that may
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Bibliography
Decker, Rodney J. 2016. “Self-Defense and the Christian.” Clarks Summit University. April 6,
2016. https://www.clarkssummitu.edu/2016/04/06/self-defense-and-the-christian/.
Flanigan, Edmund Tweedy. 2021. “From Self-Defense to Violent Protest.” Critical Review of
International Social and Political Philosophy, January (January), 1–25.
https://doi.org/10.1080/13698230.2020.1870859.
Oxford English Dictionary . 2023. “Self-Defence | Self-Defense, N. Meanings, Etymology and
More | Oxford English Dictionary.” Oed.com.
https://doi.org/10.1093//OED//4772695023.
Parsons, McKenzy. 2023. “Northwest Omaha Shooting That Killed 24-Year-Old Was Self-
Defense, according to Douglas County Attorney.” KETV. November 8, 2023.
https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-shooting-that-killed-24-year-old-was-self-
defense/45769248.
S McGhee v. Commonwealth, 219 Va. 560, 562, 248 S.E.2d 808, 810 (1978).
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