Christian Violent Self Defense - Is Such a Thing Possible?
Readers of the Kaiyo series are often surprised at the grittiness of the stories. The books are not for young children. The expectation of a book about a bear is, quite naturally, often of something sweeter and lighter in tone. That is the way many stories with intelligent animals are. With a few notable exceptions like the Chronicles of Narnia, very few stories feature smart, talking animals that frequently become engaged in violence. But the readers know that Kaiyo and his friends can be quite dangerous to those that wish to harm them or the McLeods. Likewise, the McLeod’s are often compelled to arm themselves to prevent evil from occurring to them or to the “Specials.”
And they were right to fight when they did.
But the world is quite violent too. And the Bible addresses when and whether Christians should resort to violence. Abram followed and attacked the kidnappers of Lot and his family and servants. (Genesis 14:13-16). The Book of Esther is about the Hebrews defending themselves, often with great violence, from conspirators and others determined to slaughter them.
Among other instances, the Book of Judges tells the story of Samson who frequently had to defend himself from his enemies.
First, we start with Exodus and the use of deadly force.
“If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed. Anyone who steals must certainly make restitution, but if they have nothing, they must be sold to pay for their theft.”
Exodus 22:2-3 (NASB)
So, what is the difference between a day theft and night theft? God quite surely contends that there is indeed a difference. Nighttime clearly brings heightened confusion and fear. A shadowy figure may well generate understandable terror and the thief’s presence may seem to be a menace to life. Nobody comes in and says, “I’m just here for your TV set.” God understood that and in such a case, deadly force is authorized, though not necessarily encouraged.
But God clearly values the life of the thief. And because of that, we should too.
I confess that my thoughts have always been that if a thief wants to stay safe, then he should stay outside and on the street. There he is perfectly safe, at least from me. But if he comes into my house, well that puts his life in question. My approach seems like common sense but it could, in some situations, still be wrong. God’s approach comes with full knowledge of all that can be and all that will be. And he wants people to live perhaps so that they may chose redemption in the future. Because of that, I really do not want to kill anybody over the theft of a TV set or some other personal property. But if someone choses to burn down my home, which is just property, then maybe I would do anything necessary to keep that from happening. And questions remain.
Upon his discovery by me, does the thief have to flee to stay safe? Thinking of the safety of my family, I think so. But if he stays against orders, does he become less of a simple thief and more of a dangerous threat? Probably. If he threatens me or my family or if he comes at me or my family, then does he become an active threat to my life who just happens to be a thief? Again, I think so. And in at least two of those situations, self-defense is warranted.
Theologians J. P. Moreland and Norman Geisler say that “to permit murder when one could have prevented it is morally wrong. To allow a rape when one could have hindered it is evil. To watch an act of cruelty to children without trying to intervene is morally inexcusable. In brief, not resisting evil is an evil of omission, and an evil of omission can be just as evil as an evil of commission. Any man who refuses to protect his wife and children against a violent intruder fails them morally.”1
Resisting evil is not only a moral imperative, it can also be an act of love. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 (KJV)
The examples are in keeping with God’s acceptance of the defensive use of deadly force at night. In short, if it is reasonable for me to assume that my life or the safety of my family is in danger, then the defensive use of [up to] deadly force would seem to be warranted by God.
Take a quick look at Luke 22:35-38 (NASB)
Then Jesus said to them, “When I sent you out with no money bag or traveler’s bag, or sandals, you didn’t lack anything, did you?” They replied, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now, the one who has a money bag must take it, and likewise a traveler’s bag too. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me is being fulfilled.” So they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” Then he told them, “It is enough.”
In this passage, Jesus reminds his disciples of earlier missions when their food, shelter and their safety were provided. But Jesus is telling them that those days were over. From that day forward, their lives would be in peril, and they would need to provide for themselves. Requiring a sword (a defensive weapon as compared to a spear or a bow and arrow) would be needed. It is interesting that Christ tells them that two “is enough.” That acts as solid proof that rebellion is not being requested. Twelve men and two swords would not last very long against governmental forces. But two men with swords can adequately defend themselves and the others from bandits or other criminals.
But there are rules. Self-defense is not revenge. We must limit self-defense to those situations where we can prevent a crime from being committed to ourselves or to others. What we cannot do is punish another for a crime they committed. Assuming the immediate threat to the safety of ourselves or our families has passed, punisher is not our role. While that may be exceedingly difficult, punishment is reserved solely to God and to God’s instrument, the State. In fact, we are told, as a direct command, not to seek vengeance.
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written: "Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord." Romans 12:19(NASB)
As stated, vengeance is for God only and God may well choose the State to exercise vengeance on his behalf. In fact, this happens (imperfectly) every day in thousands of courtrooms across America. In the book of Romans, Paul explains it nicely.
“Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities…. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it [Authority] does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Romans 13:1,4 (NASB)
And remember, while neither the Old nor the New Testament prohibits self-defense, a locked door is better than a loaded gun. Pray that you never need both though that day may come. But if you are willing to defend your castle with your life or the life of the transgressor, then your exercise of that simple wisdom may change someone’s eternity to the glory of a wonderfully wise God.
1. Does Jesus Christ Support Self-Defense? 1-3-20 Larson