Self-defense In Christianity

[Yuujin]

Hello. I'm new here and this is my first post, so I'll give my background a little.

 

I'm a Japanese living in America. (so, pardon my poor English)

I'm also a novice to religion. I grew up agnostic as most Japanese are nonchalant toward religions (I think most follow Shinto and/or Buddhist rituals, merely as a cultural thing). I wasn't at all interested in religions when I was in Japan...

 

But recently, I came to the realization that God indeed exists. Now I'm fascinated with this new realm of "faith in God" and especially with Christianity (Jesus is incredibly awesome!), and eager to learn more and more. I was so glad to find this site where I can ask scholars my questions, since I've just started studying the Bible.

 

Here's my first question:  Self-defense in Christianity

 

I had a talk about it with a friend of mine, a devout Christian. To my surprise, he said he would not kill even a deranged gunman shooting at his family. His rationale is that he knows all of them will go to heaven. If he kills even a crazed man, he stains his hands with blood which violates the teaching of the love of Christ. I actually think he has a point. But I know I'd do anything to stop the man including shooting him, if that was the only way left. Is this wrong, from the Christian perspective?

 

For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. — Matthew 26:52

But it doesn't say if you perish by the sword, you won't receive God's Grace, or is that what Jesus meant? I believe there's a legitimate reason to take a weapon, protecting the innocent is one of them.

 

It is also Jesus who said;

 

And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. — Luke 22:36

He urged his disciples to get a weapon. Did he mean it only as a deterrent, so bandits will stay away, and did not mean the sword to be actually used?

Edited August 5, 2014 by Yuujin

[Theoketos]

The defense of the innocent against an aggressor is approved of by the Church.  

 

There is a long history of just war theory, which basically states that as a last resort for serious reasons violence may be used to defend the innocent. 

 

However, there is, as you point out, a presumption against violence in the life of Christian. War and all violence have as their cause personal and social sin. 

 

And the martyrs witness to the true value of peace. 

 

Check out the Catechism on this topic.