Self Defense
☩Biblical Examples
Scripture shows accused persons being given opportunity to speak in their own defense. Jesus was questioned by Pilate; Paul defended himself before the Sanhedrin, Felix, and Agrippa. Jewish law required 'no man be condemned before he is heard.'
☩Principles
The secular law allows defense of person and property, requiring only that violence used be proportionate to the threat. The question arises whether this conflicts with the gospel, or whether a Christian should rather suffer wrong. It is generally held that where life is at stake, one may defend even at the cost of the aggressor's life—for the aggressor forfeits his rights by committing felony.
☩Moral Considerations
Everyone has the right to defend his life against unjust attack, using whatever force is necessary—though no more than necessary. Material goods may also be defended, as neither justice nor charity require sacrifice of possessions to preserve the life of one who wantonly exposes himself while doing injustice. It is lawful to defend another's life on the same conditions as one's own.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Self Defense," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Self Defense," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Self Defense," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Self Defense," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 5.Charles G. Herbermann et al. (ed.), "Self-Defense," in The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. XIII (Robert Appleton Company, 1907–1912).
- 6.Charles G. Herbermann et al. (ed.), "Self-Defense," in The Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. XIII (Robert Appleton Company, 1907–1912).