That’s right. Follow Jesus and the apostles.
Because the Roman Empire was an occupying force.
That’s not the reason Jesus and the apostles gave for not killing their enemies.
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Because the Roman Empire was an occupying force.
@Riven I invite you to watch this one minute clip.
What we’re seeing here is the veneration of relics (specifically, the skull of a woman who lived in the 3rd century) by the Catholic Church.
It isn’t New Testament Christianity.
The Crusaders fought to defend the practice.
What do you think about it?
This doesn't contradict the idea that defending yourself, your family, or even your nation, is a moral and civic duty.
I doubt it. But then again, who is pleased with Catholicism? Look at all those gay outfits they wear. They look like Liberace.Did you watch the clip @Riven? Do you think God is pleased with the practice?

I doubt it.
But then again, who is pleased with Catholicism?
None. Do you think me some kind of bloodthirsty tyrant?How many people have you killed in fulfillment of what you believe to be your “moral and civic duty”?
Riven were you able to watch the video? Raymond Ibrahim talks about "doormat Christians" in it. He says there needs to be a balance in our Christian faith...that sometimes Jesus also overturned tables and made a whip.Riven you might find this video interesting. Raymond Ibrahim is a Christian of Egyptian ancestry. He is a historian and writes books about the Crusades and why they happened.
If you think about it, if the Crusaders hadn't pushed back the Muslim invaders, Europe would have been overtaken by Islam. North Africa, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey used to be Christian nations.
None.
Do you think me some kind of bloodthirsty tyrant?
How many innocent people would you allow to be killed before you intervened?How many people have you killed in fulfillment of what you believe to be your “moral and civic duty”?
How many innocent people would you allow to be killed before you intervened?
It is also interesting to consider what was going on in John 18:6 when Jesus made the men who came to arrest Him fall to the ground ... which gave his disciples time to flee.Riven were you able to watch the video? Raymond Ibrahim talks about "doormat Christians" in it. He says there needs to be a balance in our Christian faith...that sometimes Jesus also overturned tables and made a whip.
The Bible does teach there is such a thing as righteous anger. For instance if you see a child being abused, one doesn't just stand there and let it happen.
Hi, Debbie. I didn't watch this one. However, I agree with the message. However, there is a difference between flipping tables and killing a man. The crux of the issue is, can Christians kill other people is Jesus commanded us to do otherwise?Riven were you able to watch the video? Raymond Ibrahim talks about "doormat Christians" in it. He says there needs to be a balance in our Christian faith...that sometimes Jesus also overturned tables and made a whip.
The Bible does teach there is such a thing as righteous anger. For instance if you see a child being abused, one doesn't just stand there and let it happen.
Hi Riven,,,,This doesn't contradict the idea that defending yourself, your family, or even your nation, is a moral and civic duty.

It is not one's moral and civic duty to murder. I know you don't draw a distinction between self defense and murder, but most other people do.I’m glad to hear that, but what happened to your moral and civic duty argument?
I think you're right.I think you would be if given the opportunity.
Both Jesus (John 8) and Paul (Acts 23) intervened to prevent a person's death.How many innocent people did Jesus and the apostles allow to be killed before they intervened?
There's a difference between muder and killing.Hi, Debbie. I didn't watch this one. However, I agree with the message. However, there is a difference between flipping tables and killing a man. The crux of the issue is, can Christians kill other people is Jesus commanded us to do otherwise?
Matthias, to his credit, has been fairly clear on this. To paraphrase his words, he doesn't believe a Christian has the authority to kill another human being under any circumstances.
So what do you think? Let's try to imagine we're all sitting in the same room together with Jesus discussing this issue.
It is not one's moral and civic duty to murder.
I think you're right.
Both Jesus (John 8) and Paul (Acts 23) intervened to prevent a person's death.
In the Temple and in the Garden Jesus used physical force.
Paul asked for an armed escort to go from Jerusalem to Caesarea (Acts 27)
But I assume the answer to my question is that you would allow an unlimited number of little children in a school to be slaughtered rather than intervene.
I think it depends on each individual circumstance. But in the case of protecting others or myself, sometimes one needs to fight back. I'm talking about a physical fighting back. And if someone should die in that fight, sometimes it does happen.Hi, Debbie. I didn't watch this one. However, I agree with the message. However, there is a difference between flipping tables and killing a man. The crux of the issue is, can Christians kill other people is Jesus commanded us to do otherwise?
Matthias, to his credit, has been fairly clear on this. To paraphrase his words, he doesn't believe a Christian has the authority to kill another human being under any circumstances.
So what do you think? Let's try to imagine we're all sitting in the same room together with Jesus discussing this issue.
There's a difference between muder and killing.
If a father's child was about to be murdered...
and he murdered the killer first...
that would not be a sin.
It is a father's duty to protect his family and not allow them to be massacred, if at all possible.
We have extreme pacifists on this board.
If they would rather not kill and be killed,
that is their prerogative.
That is NOT what Jesus taught.
When He sent out the Apostles the second time He told them to buy a sword.
Luke 22:36
36And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one.