Is self-defense Biblical??

As a martial artist who’s also a minister, I frequently get this question in some form or another.

“Didn’t Jesus say to ‘turn the other cheek’?”

“How can a Christian practice martial arts when martial arts is about hurting people and Christians are supposed to love their enemies?”

Unlike other Christians who are martial arts or MMA fans, I don’t believe Jesus was a “macho” “cage fighter” or any of the other unbiblical and cliche stereotypes that some have embraced in their desire to reach and minister to men. In fact, I’ve written two articles on Christianity and the sport of MMA:

“Ultimate Fighting…Jesus??”

“Qualifying Mark Driscoll’s defense of MMA”

But the deeper question remains…how can a Christian believe in actual self-defense in real life (as opposed to sporting) situations when someone’s life may be on the line?

From my previous posts criticizing current U.S. foreign policy, readers my get the impression that I am a Pacifist in the theological sense of the word and oppose all violence in all circumstances.

However, while I have great respect for the position of Christian Pacifism and can very much sympathize with the views of those who hold to various forms of it (such as my friend Kurt Willems or scholars whom I respect immensely such as Ben Witherington and N.T. Wright), I cannot fully embrace a total nonviolence/pacifist position.

This doesn’t mean that I automatically embrace classical Just War theory, as many Christians over the centuries have. I think war is almost always unjustified.

Almost.

But aside from the military/war discussion, I believe that there is actual Biblical warrant for Christians practicing loving and Spirit-led self-defense.

Not ‘retaliation’.

Not ‘vigilante justice’.

Not ‘stand your ground’.

Not ‘defending your honor’.

But the actual seeking of a preservation of shalom. Wholeness. Peace. Well-being. For yourself and those in need.

Much could be said about this, and indeed many volumes have been written by capable and Godly theologians on all sides. But I wanted to share two posts written by one of my dearest friends, Olatunde Howard. Olatunde is a law enforcement officer and writes over at his blog Cru. Here are a few excerpts from his posts that I found especially profound in terms of this topic:

“Turning the other cheek,” and “loving our enemies” never negates the governing authority of self-defense.  When Jesus commanded to turn the other cheek, He spoke of a well understood personal insult of his day (and today as well.)  The point is not to seek revenge or retaliation, but reconciliation.  Now notice SOMETHING ELSE He taught and demonstrated.  He told His disciples to confront those who sin against them, first alone, then with two witnesses, then before the church.  If the sinner refused to repent, then there was to be separation, because the sinner refused to repent and refused reconciliation….

Of course, as Jesus said, “those who live by the sword will die by the sword.”  We are not to be lovers of violence, because God Himself hates violence, and blessed are the peace makers, those called children of God.  Yet Jesus also said, “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”  So though we do not live by bread alone, WE STILL NEED BREAD.  We don ‘t live by or for bread alone, but we legitimately need it, and are told by Jesus to pray for it daily.

In the same way, though we are not to live by the sword or by bread, WE NEED BOTH, AND GOD GIVES BOTH.  In Romans 13, the sword of the governing authority (our modern day gun, if you will) is given by God, and the authorities are known as God’s avengers.

[From “A Biblical Defense of Self-Defense – Part 1“]

Yes, we are to be peaceful and peacemakers, as it is written, “If at all possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  But this verse ASSUMES, that it MAY NOT be possible and MAY NOT depend on you.

What do you do in those moments?

We see the necessity defense via violence with the Hitlers and Osama Bin Ladens of the world.  Yet what we do with them on a global scale is no different from what we should do with tyrants on a personal scale–RESIST!   If we had to stop Hitler’s world domination, surely we must stop the bully’s individual domination.  We consider it OUR DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITY to resist national tyranny, but somehow make individual tyranny an exemption.

God forbid.

Resist evil, all evil, every evil.  As it is indeed written, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Yet we forget that justice is good and injustice is evil.  We should overcome injustice with justice, unmercifulness with mercy.  And we should NEVER make the mistake of pitting mercy and justice against each other.  Think of this scripture, “If we confess our sins, God is faithful AND JUST to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of our unrighteousness.”

God is JUST in granting FORGIVENESS, meaning it would be UNJUST for God to refuse forgiveness to the one who confesses sin BECAUSE OF JESUS’ DEATH.

God’s justice is merciful, and His mercy is just.

Indeed, we should not seek to harm or hurt anyone, IF IT IS POSSIBLE, AND AS FAR AS IT DEPENDS ON US.  But if someone seeks to cause us physical harm or death, and it is not due to a governing authority persecuting us as Christians, where is it a scriptural principle to let violence happen us, or any evil for that matter?  Christ Himself refused to let violence happen to Him.  We as His followers should not unnecessarily allow harm or death to ourselves either.  Until it was time for Jesus to die for our sins, He resisted violence and death.  Until our time comes, we should resist violence as well.

Resist all evil, physical and spiritual.
Avoid.
Evade.
Resist.

[From “A Biblical Defense of Self-Defense – Part 2“]

Again, much more could be said on this topic and I invite readers to comment below or over on Olatunde’s blog.

Whatever your position, let us strive to find the proper balance in all things, while remaining true to our conscience and to the Lord whom we serve as faithful Spiritual samurai.

After all, “samurai” literally means “one who serves”…

Blessings from the Dojo,

JM

PS: Be sure to read the entire posts by Olatunde at:

Part 1 – http://spiritslave.blogspot.com/2012/07/biblical-defense-of-self-defense.html

Part 2 – http://spiritslave.blogspot.com/2012/07/biblical-defense-of-self-defense-part-2.html

Posted by jm on July 13, 2012.

Categories: Biblical Theology, Blog, Martial Arts, Theological issues

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