Hi
@APAK,
Thank you so much for your detailed replies.
From what I can tell, you are viewing this topic as a matter of 'self defense'. I'd like to not change this thread to a topic of individual self defense unnecessarily (ie, defending your home or family from invaders, rapists, murderers, etc) and keep it focused on going out and up against (and killing) those in government. I agree their can certainly be overlap - but I'm wanting to remain focused solely on the rebellion itself.
So for the sake of this topic at this point - let's say that my current understanding I see this as been a matter of self defense against criminals (against a home intruder, robber on the road, rapist or murderer) that I agree with you. Even with that viewpoint - I'm struggling to see where this then turns to rebellion against authority itself.
I also thank you very much for the bible verse references that you have posted too. And thank you also for your detailed reply on 'not to resist an evil person' in regards to offense! I believe I have heard another scholar mention the same before!
What's going through my mind at the moment:
If the disciples were to fight the authority - not one is recorded as having seeing this instruction in that light.. From what I understand Peter was crucified, Paul beheaded. Matthias was burned, Steven stoned - none of them resisting the government in a violent way.
I see the disciples did indeed take a sword - however I see no evidence of them using the sword against authority (apart from with Christ that once).
Were all the disciples wrong with what they did? Did none of them understand that they were to fight authority?
And if we are to fight authority - where does that line start? Over taxing? Slavery? Oppressive regulations? Or when they start invading homes, murdering and raping? (If this was happening and the cause of the revolution I'm not aware of it but I know I also know little about the revolution so maybe this was happening?).
America is in an interesting position now - because it could be argued that to be obedient to the authority (the constitution) - it's your duty to take up arms against enemies, both foreign and domestic - and to keep the governing institution accountable. That by resisting the government (if it becomes tyrannical) - you're actually being obedient to the authority (the constitution). But again - that is another topic because I want to remain focused on the initial rebellion at this point. (I can see many cans with man worms opened up if we stay in other areas - so i want to remain focused solely on the revolution).
So - prior to America being founded, the constitution was not a factor. Defense of country is not a factor - because it wasn't external invaders - it was a rebellion.
Then it's a question as to whether it could be classes as 'personal self defense', and if so - on what grounds justify killing? To protect another life, or 'unfair' laws?
So my questions to you with what you have written if you don't mind answering would be:
1) At what line do you see 'self defense' drawing the line, and do you have scripture you could apply please?
2) If we are to take Christ's "buy a sword" as meaning resisting authority - how do you reconcile that with not a single disciple actually doing this and all getting that wrong?
(Please don't take my post as being argumentative - they're genuine questions - and I write in length to try and express my current 'thought pattern' as an attempt to be an open book).
Thanks so much
Scoot