Poohbear said:
...Self Defense???
Let's say if this dangerous person was trying to rape you or kill you. If you shot him dead in order to protect your life, would God be displeased with you or would God rather you let him have his way???
Good question! I personally would not/dont have a gun but if a person attacked me and
I could not get away, then I would have to defend myself until I could get away. If that individual dies at my hand...then they have "reaped what they sowed".
Again forgive me for not quoting directly but the principle can be applied here that was discussed in Exodus where a woman was in the field and a man raped her...she was to "scream" during such an attack. That does not mean though that if you dont scream you have consented to rape...the
principle is...you fight back to live.
Jesus did state, "Those who live by the sword will die by the sword". So those that choose a violent way of life, usually end up with a violent death.
Protecting yourself during an attack would be a natural act in a violent world. I would not invite danger into my life (going to dangerous places deliberately, putting myself in dangerous situations, or hanging with people who always end up in fights) but if someone attacked me I would:
Try to get away.
Relinquish material possessions to protect my life.
Fight with all my might if cornered into an attack...not to kill, but to get away.
I even saw an article once that showed, rapist want you to be quiet and go with them willingly. You are too much trouble if you scream, fight and refuse to go to another location.
If a rapist says, "Get in the trunk or I'll kill you!", your attitude should be...you aint going to take me anywhere secluded to do what you want...I'm going to fight or die trying RIGHT HERE!!!! They want you to leave that area or stay quiet, because they know it is not secure and they dont want a scene.
Even if rape or violence occurs...it is not YOUR fault. There is no need to feel that God caused it, or that you are now "guilty" for some reason.
He will repay those for violent acts...He will repay.