DB Responses

Chesney Watson

The concept of self-defense and defense of others within a Biblical context is complex and frequently discussed among theologians, scholars, believers, and many Americans in the context of the Second Amendment. While the Bible itself does not specifically give light to the modern persuasion of self-defense, the concept of self-defense is still clear and offers principles relevant to self-defense, such as the sanctity of life, justice, morality, and the protection of oneself and others, while still considering a Christ-like mission of peace and reconciliation whenever possible. I believe we exist in a broken world full of flawed and sinful individuals where evil is unavoidable and inevitable. It is Biblically evident this inevitable violence inflicted upon others has been present since the beginning of mankind when Cain first murdered his brother Abel in Genesis 4.

Can a person, biblically, justify the taking of another's life to save his or her own life? To save the life of another? With any purposeful act, there must be a justified purpose to defend the action taken. For example, with the use of deadly force in self-defense, “All people, including law enforcement officers, may use deadly force, but only if such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others” (Gardner, T. J., & Anderson, T. M., 2018, 6-1a). In the Bible, it is clear believers should “hate what is evil [and] cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9,  NIV), as well as “learn to do right; seek justice, defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless, [and] plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17,  NIV). Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to defend others against wrongful acts or attacks. If someone is fully unable to peacefully diffuse a situation without the use of force, I believe Scripture justifies the taking of another’s life to save one’s life or another’s, if the act of defense is grounded in good and right decision-making, while seeking justice and acting in love as Scripture commands.

Is carrying a concealed weapon biblical? In the garden of Gethsemane, and in John chapter 18, its clear the disciples carried swords after they were instructed by Jesus to “sell your cloak and buy one” in Luke 22:36b ( NIV). During Biblical times, swords were used for self-defense and were carried and concealed in sheaths. Biblically, “there are times in which self-defense to prevent us from suffering significant bodily harm is justified,” and there is clear, Biblical proof Jesus’s disciples carried a known weapon in Scripture (Grudem, W., 2018).

Are Stand Your Ground laws and the Castle Doctrine biblical? While there may not be direct, modern context to Stand Your Ground laws and the Castle Doctrine available in Scripture, I believe the foundational elements of justice and protection within these principles are inherently Biblical and backed by Scripture. Nehemiah 4:14 offers a strong Biblical basis for these self-defense doctrines: “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives, and your homes”  (NIV). This passage in Scripture is a clear calling for self-defense and the defense of others, which is a definitive in the Biblically tied Stand Your Ground laws and Castle Doctrine. 

Stefan Wlodarczyk

Self Defense is a topic which is addressed within the Bible, which shows Christians whether taking someone's life to protect themself or another may be justified. In Exodus 22:2, it says, "If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed." This references that lethal force within the defense of your home during the night is allowed. However, the verse which follows, Exodus 22:3 says that if the incident occurs after sunrise, resulting in the potential intruder's death, it would be considered bloodshed. The specific differences within such implied a unique distinction specifically based on the circumstances as well as timing of the potential threat. This specific reference suggests a potential nuanced view that considers the circumstances and timing of the threat (Gardner & Anderson, 2017). There is also a commandment which is often referred to regarding unlawful killing, however- does not specifically mention killing in self-defense. Exodus 20:13 says "You shall not murder." There is a unique distinction between murder and self defense, as one requires a malicious intent, while the alternative refers to the protection against one's immediate harm. In the New Testament, Matthew 5:39, Jesus tells Matthew "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." This specific verse is a reference towards not retaliating against someone else, and also forgiveness. Many may interpret this verse as a suggestion for the preference for non-violence. However, it's also often interpreted as addressing personal offenses, rather than an immediate life-threatening situation to which one may need to protect themselves. Carrying of weapons is seen within the Bible, where in Luke 22:36, Jesus told his disciples, "If you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." This verse is often interpreted as a reference towards preparing for possible self-defense. However, when one of the disciples used a sword to defend Jesus in his arrest, Jesus responded, "Put your sword back in its place... for all who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52), which complicates the overall view with regard to the use of weapons. The Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws are what allow citizens to be able to use force, which includes deadly force within self-defense without the "duty to retreat," specifically in their home or place of residence. These laws align with biblical references for defending your home as seen in Exodus 22:2. However, the Bible also focuses on the sanctity of life as well as seeking peaceful resolutions when able.

Chesney Watson

The concept of self-defense and defense of others within a Biblical context is complex and frequently discussed among theologians, scholars, believers, and many Americans in the context of the Second Amendment. While the Bible itself does not specifically give light to the modern persuasion of self-defense, the concept of self-defense is still clear and offers principles relevant to self-defense, such as the sanctity of life, justice, morality, and the protection of oneself and others, while still considering a Christ-like mission of peace and reconciliation whenever possible. I believe we exist in a broken world full of flawed and sinful individuals where evil is unavoidable and inevitable. It is Biblically evident this inevitable violence inflicted upon others has been present since the beginning of mankind when Cain first murdered his brother Abel in Genesis 4.

Can a person, biblically, justify the taking of another's life to save his or her own life? To save the life of another? With any purposeful act, there must be a justified purpose to defend the action taken. For example, with the use of deadly force in self-defense, “All people, including law enforcement officers, may use deadly force, but only if such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others” (Gardner, T. J., & Anderson, T. M., 2018, 6-1a). In the Bible, it is clear believers should “hate what is evil [and] cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9,  NIV), as well as “learn to do right; seek justice, defend the oppressed, take up the cause of the fatherless, [and] plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17,  NIV). Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to defend others against wrongful acts or attacks. If someone is fully unable to peacefully diffuse a situation without the use of force, I believe Scripture justifies the taking of another’s life to save one’s life or another’s, if the act of defense is grounded in good and right decision-making, while seeking justice and acting in love as Scripture commands.

Is carrying a concealed weapon biblical? In the garden of Gethsemane, and in John chapter 18, its clear the disciples carried swords after they were instructed by Jesus to “sell your cloak and buy one” in Luke 22:36b ( NIV). During Biblical times, swords were used for self-defense and were carried and concealed in sheaths. Biblically, “there are times in which self-defense to prevent us from suffering significant bodily harm is justified,” and there is clear, Biblical proof Jesus’s disciples carried a known weapon in Scripture (Grudem, W., 2018).

Are Stand Your Ground laws and the Castle Doctrine biblical? While there may not be direct, modern context to Stand Your Ground laws and the Castle Doctrine available in Scripture, I believe the foundational elements of justice and protection within these principles are inherently Biblical and backed by Scripture. Nehemiah 4:14 offers a strong Biblical basis for these self-defense doctrines: “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives, and your homes”  (NIV). This passage in Scripture is a clear calling for self-defense and the defense of others, which is a definitive in the Biblically tied Stand Your Ground laws and Castle Doctrine.