In this article we are going to take a look at the biblical view on self- defense, the use of force and violence, and how the subject is viewed within Christianity. As a lifelong police officer I was once approached by a middle aged lady in the very liberal church that I was attending at the time. She said to me “how is it possible to be a Christian and a police officer at the same time”? The message that I took from this statement was that Christians were to be pacifist, who would never use force apparently even in the apprehension of dangerous criminals. Biblically speaking we know that we are commanded to hold criminals accountable for their actions.
I have found over the years that the greatest obstacle in addressing this topic is the “fear factor”. This is a common problem with probably 98% of men, women and pastors. So how do most address this problem? Generally they run from the subject and seldom discuss it. They put blinders on, fingers in ears, pray and hope for the best. That’s really not a defensive strategy, it’s a receipt for disaster.
If we are truly in the last days then we know that times are not going to improve. The Apostle Paul gave us a preview of coming attractions. Read what he had to say in the second book of Timothy and you will find nothing good in these verses. In verse 3 we see the word “brutal”.
2Ti 3:1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
2Ti 3:2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
2Ti 3:3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,
2Ti 3:4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God–
2Ti 3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
A person only needs to watch the evening news to see the soaring crime rates not only in the United States but around the world. In 2023 we see open borders and who knows what sort of tragedies will unfold from that. With millions of young men coming into the country do we really believe that they are coming here to pick our vegetables? Talk about a racist statement from many politicians. No they are coming here to get rich. So as the economy continues to falter, jobs are cut and inflation soars what will become of most of these people? Will they go back to their home countries or turn to a life of crime with you as the victim? It’s your guess.
I personally believe that the same “fear factor” that sows weeds into this subject also drives the “pretribulation rapture” view within Christianity. In the book of Revelation we see many terrifying events unfold. So in Christianity are we told to prepare for these events or let the “fear factor” control and put the blinders on? That’s right, don’t discuss it and hopefully it will never happen.
So with that being said, let’s now look at the biblical view on the subject. First keep in mind that we are generally talking about defense with the view that sometimes the best defense is a good offense or being proactive is the best defense. With that said the bible discusses several types of defense and the use of force. We have governmental use of force, verbal use of force, group use of force, personal use of force and the use of force in the protection of others and property. Let’s first examine the governmental use of force.
The Apostle Paul thoroughly covered this subject in the 13th chapter of the book of Romans. We may not like it but we are told to try and live according to the requirements of our government and if we don’t, government officials have God’s permission to use force against you. There is nothing within these next few verses that exclude Christians from being a part of governmental force. In fact verse 4 tells us that these are God’s servants and agents of wrath.
Rom 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Rom 13:2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
Rom 13:3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.
Rom 13:4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
Rom 13:5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
After reading the above verses it should be evident that this applies not only to what we call the criminal element but also those who have rebelled against their own governmental responsibilities and authority. They are perhaps the most evil amongst us. That is, those who have been elected to office with the primary purpose of not prosecuting the criminal element. Where does that leave 98% of the population? That’s right, to fend for themselves. With that said let’s now examine verbal defense.
In the next few verses we see that verbal self-defense is permitted. Paul made his defense against the government. It might be noted at this point that a physical confrontation seldom starts without an initial exchange of words between two combatants. So a person should use discretion when verbally defending themselves against non-governmental persons.
Act 22:1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.”
Act 24:10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.
Jesus also spoke on the subject.
Luk 12:11 “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,
Luk 12:12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
The Prophet Isaiah tells us to “defend the oppressed”. Did he mean verbally only? There’s no indication of that.
Isa 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Now let’s move on to actual defense of oneself. I have always found the next 3 verses very interesting. Jesus was speaking with his disciples and instructs them to arm themselves. Jesus considered ownership of a sword more necessary than owning a cloak. One disciple responded that they had 2 swords to which Jesus replied “that’s enough”. This tells me that at least some of us should be armed. Keep in mind that this is a physical, metal type, of sword used in combat. A sword was never used for hunting animals but mostly as a combat tool for humans. Our modern day combat tool is a firearm.
Luk 22:36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.
Luk 22:37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”
Luk 22:38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That’s enough!” he replied.
Here in the first book of Corinthians Paul tells us that “love” means many things, one being that it always protects. So was Paul talking about verbal protection only? I think not.
1Co 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
1Co 13:5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
1Co 13:6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
1Co 13:7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1Co 13:8 Love never fails.
Next let’s examine what the word tells about group defense and defense of a city or nation. In the book of Nehemiah we see Jerusalem under threat of attack. Then we see a very detailed defensive plan. This should serve as an example of how a Godly group of people had no plans of being caught off guard by their enemies. They were not only armed but anticipated an attack.
Neh 4:8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it.
Neh 4:9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
Neh 4:10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.”
Neh 4:11 Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.”
Neh 4:12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.”
Neh 4:13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows.
Neh 4:14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t 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.”
Neh 4:15 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.
Neh 4:16 From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah
Neh 4:17 who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other,
Neh 4:18 and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.
Neh 4:19 Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall.
Neh 4:20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”
Neh 4:21 So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out.
Neh 4:22 At that time I also said to the people, “Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.”
Neh 4:23 Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.
The Prophet Ezekiel in chapter 14 of his book tells us that if a country sins against the Lord, the Lord may very well bring the sword, famine and plague against that country.
Eze 14:12 The word of the LORD came to me:
Eze 14:13 “Son of man, if a country sins against me by being unfaithful and I stretch out my hand against it to cut off its food supply and send famine upon it and kill its people and their animals,
Eze 14:14 even if these three men–Noah, Daniel and Job–were in it, they could save only themselves by their righteousness, declares the Sovereign LORD.
Eze 14:15 “Or if I send wild beasts through that country and they leave it childless and it becomes desolate so that no one can pass through it because of the beasts,
Eze 14:16 as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, even if these three men were in it, they could not save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved, but the land would be desolate.
Eze 14:17 “Or if I bring a sword against that country and say, ‘Let the sword pass throughout the land,’ and I kill its people and their animals,
Eze 14:18 as surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, even if these three men were in it, they could not save their own sons or daughters. They alone would be saved.
In chapter 14 God speaks of bringing a sword against a county. Here in chapter 33 I believe that we are commanded to see the sword approaching and take action. Apparently if God sends a sword through a country it may not be intended for everyone.
Eze 33:1 The word of the LORD came to me:
Eze 33:2 “Son of man, speak to your people and say to them: ‘When I bring the sword against a land, and the people of the land choose one of their men and make him their watchman,
Eze 33:3 and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people,
Eze 33:4 then if anyone hears the trumpet but does not heed the warning and the sword comes and takes their life, their blood will be on their own head.
Eze 33:5 Since they heard the sound of the trumpet but did not heed the warning, their blood will be on their own head. If they had heeded the warning, they would have saved themselves.
Eze 33:6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet to warn the people and the sword comes and takes someone’s life, that person’s life will be taken because of their sin, but I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.’
Eze 33:7 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.
In examining the view of one’s property I think that it’s important to distinguish between a property crime and a crime against a person. Do you really want to have to live with killing a 16 year old for stealing a weed eater from your yard? That’s far different than perhaps shooting and killing a person who unlawfully enters your home at 2 a.m. Below are a few verses on the subject.
Luk 11:21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe.
Luk 11:22 But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up his plunder.
Exo 22:2 “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed;
Exo 22:3 but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed.
I think from what we have seen, we are not biblically forbidden from protecting ourselves and those around us. In fact I have seen many Christians and pastors make statements like “I would die to protect my family”. Most likely would die in their failed attempt to protect their family against an evil person. Why? Because they are neither physically or psychologically equipped for such an encounter. David understood the importance of preparation.
Psa 144:1 Of David. Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
Psa 18:34 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
I recently talked with a fellow government worker who does not work in the area of law enforcement. He told me that recently his agency brought in trainers to train him and his small staff with regards to active shooters. He was very impressed by the training. He told me that they were taught to use whatever was at their disposal for defensive purposes. Throwing books, staplers and chairs were all permissible when dealing with active shooters. I then asked him “why not just shoot back”? He replied that guns were forbidden on the property. I then stated to him, “you mean the same government that forbids you from carrying a firearm on that property to defend yourself is now encouraging you to throw stuff at someone who is trying to kill you with a firearm”? I think that he was so impressed by the training that my push back actually angered him. I advised him as I do others that when the shots are fired most will do one of two things. They will either freeze in place or run. Only a very small percentage of the population will be equipped with the proper tools to counter such an attack. We have seen in recent times that even well equipped police departments fail during such events. One of the reasons for the police failure is that they are in a safe location looking in from the outside unsure of what is occurring. If you are unlucky enough to be in an area where the active shooter is located you will see and know for yourself what is occurring. If you are properly equipped and in the situation the odds are that you will fight back.
So considering all that we know at this point, what should a person do with regards to crime, violence and the use of force? This will certainly differ person to person, city to city and state to state. It might be best at this point just to make a list, so here we go.
1. Every person who might choose to defend themselves and those around them must understand the laws regarding self-defense and use and carrying of weapons in their particular city or state. These laws vary wildly across the United States. These laws can generally be found with a quick google search.
2. If you live in a city or state that does not permit the carrying of defensive tools, I recommend moving if you have the means to do so. The criminal element can recognize a law abiding person and will know you are unarmed and just another easy target.
3. If you live in a city or state where the politicians have created a situation where criminals are treated as victims, I would recommend moving from that city or state if you have the means. This is obviously a green light for the common criminal.
4. If you live in a city or state where the population has been convinced that defunding the police is a smart thing to do, I would recommend moving from that city or state if you have the means. Again, another green light for the career criminal.
Obviously most people will not have the means to simply move from their current living arrangements. So what can they do avoid criminal activity or becoming a victim.
1. Practice situational awareness. Put your phone away, remove your earbuds and observe what is occurring around you. Are the people approaching you a group of senior citizens or perhaps a group of young males that appear to be up to no good? Is the man coming at you on the sidewalk carrying a machete? Recognizing a problem 50 feet away is much better than recognizing the problem when it’s 2 feet away. Situational awareness is not paranoia and should be one of your primary defensive strategies. Don’t forget what the psalmist said:
Pro 27:12 The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
2. If you are required to be in an area considered a high crime area, try and conduct your business as early in the morning as possible. Most criminals stay up late and sleep late.
3. Try and travel in groups. The typical criminal isn’t really interested in a confrontation with a group of people. He’s usually only interested in making a living with free stuff.
4. If you have no business on the wrong side of town don’t go there. Don’t invite trouble into your life, avoid it.
5. If you are traveling within a city in a vehicle leave your windows up and the doors locked. This will help deter car jackings when you are forced to stop your vehicle.
6. If you stop at a convenience store or for gas remove the keys from the ignition and place them in your pocket before departing the vehicle. This is especially true if there are other people or pets in the vehicle that you don’t want to lose. If a carjacking is attempted run away from the vehicle. The bad guy will likely check the ignition and then run himself. Remember he’s usually after your vehicle not your wife and kid’s. By leaving the keys in the vehicle, you may have enabled the abduction of your own children.
7. Try and be in the security of your residence before sundown. Most criminal activity is carried out under the cover of darkness.
8. Stay away from locations where alcohol is consumed. Police officers will tell you that in most violent crimes the person committing the act will be under the influence of alcohol or some other illegal drugs. Late night use of alcohol away from your residence is generally always a receipt for confrontation.
9. Dress down. You may be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars but you don’t have to let the bad guy know it by wearing expensive cloths, jewelry or driving fancy cars. If you are forced to go into a high crime area it might be advisable to wear the jeans with holes and drive the worn out Toyota. This is called being “gray man”. Don’t invite a robbery.
10. Don’t leave things in your car that are visible from the outside. Your daughters play purse may leave you with a $300.00 bill for your broken side window. The bad guys won’t know that the purse is only a play purse until they have possession of it.
11. If you are female always have a purse or some type of carry bag with you when you exit your vehicle. The bad guys are scoping you out. They know if you exit the vehicle without your purse there is a high possibility that it is somewhere within the vehicle. This mistake can generate you another $300.00 broken window bill and the loss of purse and its contents.
12. If you are older remember, the bad guys on the street are generally after cash and not debit or credit cards. If you are over 50 years of age the bad guy knows that you may have several hundred dollars in your possession. Younger people carry little cash and prefer to use debit cards.
So what should a person do if they suddenly find themselves in a violent situation? This is a rather broad question and the answer would vary with the situation. Perhaps it’s best to make a list of things a person might do.
1. If you are elderly or in some way physically handicapped and are unable to flee the criminal act, your best bet may be to be flat on the floor not moving as though you are dead. Many have survived this way. This could apply to an active shooter situation or a simple robbery. Live to fight another day.
2. Run. If you have no ability to effect the outcome of a violent situation running may be the best option. This is especially true if the end result of your staying means nothing more than another dead body for the authorities to deal with.
3. In the case of shots being actively fired the answer is still run. I know from experience that hitting a moving target with a firearm is a difficult thing to do. The more distance you put between you and shooter the less likely you are to be hit. Remaining in a prone position on the floor and presenting yourself as a fixed stationary target may be the biggest factor in being killed. The shooter simply walks around the area and treats the situation like shooting fish in a barrel.
4. Never allow yourself under any circumstances to be pulled into a vehicle. If someone attempts to abduct you in the store parking lot and you cannot run, simply fall to the ground. An abductor likely won’t take the several minutes need to drag and load you into his vehicle. Even under the threat of death fight to stay out of the vehicle. If he is willing to kill you in a parking lot he will certainly have no problems killing you after he has finished sexually assaulting you in a secluded area.
So what about the person that has a firm conviction to stand and fight? How can that person prepare? As a veteran of few blood baths I can assure you, the novice, that what you believe about a violent encounter is probably very inaccurate. Remember, it’s very likely that your first action will be nothing more than a reaction to the bad guy’s first action. His first action may result in a bullet traveling through the persons head next to you leaving you with a face full of that person’s brain matter. Trust me, It happens, it’s just not talked about. So that’s your starting point. In one second you have went from trying to locate the canned food isle to being decorated with brain matter. It’s a little gruesome but here on this site we deal in the truth only. So once again let’s make a list.
1. It’s absolutely vital that you understand the laws of your city and state with regards to self-defense, the use of force and the carrying of weapons. A lack of knowledge in this area may very well turn you into the bad guy.
2. Understand that you must live with the consequences of discharging a firearm at a person. You may hit the bad guy but did you also hit the small child that was 30 feet behind the bad guy?
3. If you choose to arm yourself with a firearm seek out instruction in its use and then practice until that firearm is mastered.
4. Don’t mix and carry firearms. Find a suitable firearm then train with and carry that firearm. Mixing the various kinds of pistols and revolvers might very well cause a delay of several seconds during a crisis due to a difference in parts. It’s like driving many types of vehicles on a rainy day. You are always looking for the windshield wiper switch in the wrong location.
5. Understand that carrying a firearm is like carrying a ball and chain. It’s uncomfortable and most people who obtain a conceal carry permit will eventually abandon the practice of carrying due to this. Just remember if you start the practice of carrying a firearm then abandon it and an incident occurs where you could have made a difference you will have to live with knowing that people may have died due to violation of your personal comfort level.
6. Again, train. Try and master what you are doing. Training also includes all types of videos. Youtube is full of training videos addressing the subject. Also train your psychological side. Youtube has many videos where veterans discuss their experiences in combat. A lot can be learned from these old guys.
7. If firearms are not possible in your situation, consider other defensive tools such as pepper spray. As a law enforcement officer I have used pepper spray approximately 2 dozen times on violent offenders. Each time the actions of the offender were immediately halted when hit by the spray. Hit an offender with pepper spray and at a minimum he will likely try and remove himself from the area and the end result is that no one is killed or seriously injured.
Hopefully this short article has been helpful in your decision making on the subject. It’s a difficult topic that might leave you and your loved ones dead or you charged with a crime. In the police world there is an old saying, “it’s better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6”. Good Luck.
Jeff
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