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The Principles of Nonresistance vs our Rights [message #3820]

Sun, 19 October 2008 19:57

james
Messages: 2142
Registered: April 2008
Location: Birmingham, AL

Senior Member

I'd like to introduce a thread discussing the principles of nonresistance as taught in The Word; verses what our rights are as given us in the constitution and readily acceptable in our society.

When do we turn the other cheek passively, and when are we allowed to take an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth?

What is a christians position concerning war; what do we do if drafted by the military to defend our nation against foreign threats coming against us? Is being a conscientious objector really being a coward?

What is our view as christians in reguards to lawsuits? Our rights as citizens allow us to have our 'day in court'. In fact we're encouraged to use 'due process' to settle matters of dispute.

Our constitution gives us the right to bear arms, and the right to defend our lives and property.; to respond with force when threatened....Should we? Is there any situation when taking a life is justified before God?

What is our duty as U.S.citizens to obey our leaders, and how does obeying all authority work when we're to obey God rather than man? How do we reconcile patriotism with being members of another kingdom?

We all know the many scriptures on this subject; many spoken directly by Jesus. I'm not going to refer to all them because, like I said, we know them. But just to paraphrase a few:
Blessed are the peacemakers; resist not evil but turn the other cheek; whosoever sues you for your coat, give him your cloak too; Love your enemies; Thy shalt not kill; and many, many more...

According to mainstream thinking in America, including almost all churches; the principles taught by Jesus of nonresistance are not meant to be taken literaly. Most believe it is our responsibility and duty to exercise our 'rights', defend ourselves, bear arms, serve in the military, utilize our court system, and teach our children to do the same.

I remember a lot of what we were taught by HEF 25-30 years ago; but is it something that was taken to extreme, should we re-examine our positions on this, or is it just as applicable today as when it was taught?

“But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us,”

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