Is selfdefense righteous?

[zeth4500]

i mean, selfdefense, against basic assault- and against deadly assault
i believe one verse explains its a mans duty to give his family what it needs, and protection is part of that
but also that if someone strikes us we turn the other cheek and let them repeat it again so they can prove to god that theyre bad characters

 

[joestue]

If someone slaps you on the right cheek.. they did it with their left hand.

The hand they use to wpe their as with, to this day.

Its an insult. Not a threat to your life.

 

[zeth4500]

If someone slaps you on the right cheek.. they did it with their left hand.

The hand they use to wpe their as with, to this day.

Its an insult. Not a threat to your life.

what if they shoot you can you shoot them back?

 

[Garee]

i mean, selfdefense, against basic assault- and against deadly assault
i believe one verse explains its a mans duty to give his family what it needs, and protection is part of that
but also that if someone strikes us we turn the other cheek and let them repeat it again so they can prove to god that theyre bad characters

As apologist we defend that which defends us.

The living abiding word .Put on and keep on that armor .

Every religion has a hard drive as a defense made of their own oral traditons. Like the Catholics CCC. making the claim a person can serve two Devine good teaching master. The word of God (sola scriptura ) and the oral traditons of dying mankind

.It can be found in every what some call "sacred oral tradition" like that of the JWs and their oral tradition of its leader or the Mormons and their book of Mormon. which they hold above all things writen in the law and prophets (sola scriptura)

The Catholic Bible CCC (80-82) speaks of scripture and tradition in this way: “Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture…are bound closely together, and communicate one with the other. For both of them, flowing out from the same divine well-spring, come together in some fashion to form one thing, and move towards the same goal.

The same applies to all written creeds as personals summaries or private interpretations

 

[bdavidc]

i mean, selfdefense, against basic assault- and against deadly assault

From a biblical perspective, self-defense can be considered righteous when it aligns with the principles of preserving life and resisting evil without seeking vengeance. Scripture upholds the sanctity of life, and individuals are not condemned for taking reasonable action to protect themselves or others from harm. In Exodus 22:2, for instance, the law does not hold a person guilty for defending against a thief breaking in at night, suggesting that defense in life-threatening situations is permissible. When it comes to basic assault, responding with restraint and wisdom is encouraged, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:39 to "turn the other cheek," which calls for a heart inclined toward peace and mercy. However, this teaching does not necessarily prohibit all forms of defense; rather, it discourages retaliation born from pride or revenge. In the case of deadly assault, defending oneself or others to preserve life can be seen as a just response, especially when motivated by love and a desire to uphold justice, not hatred. Ultimately, the heart behind the action matters—self-defense becomes righteous when it reflects a desire to protect life without crossing into hatred, vengeance, or excessive violence.

 

[MedicBravo]

i mean, selfdefense, against basic assault- and against deadly assault
i believe one verse explains its a mans duty to give his family what it needs, and protection is part of that
but also that if someone strikes us we turn the other cheek and let them repeat it again so they can prove to god that theyre bad characters

There's common sense in this.
Word insults no matter how bad are simply that.
Threats are a different thing but with no action = empty words.
Defense of self, loved ones, and those that can NOT defend themselves.
Ex: Unborn babies. Elderly. Disabled.

Sadly, it's to the point where stopping a threat will include the death of others.
The odds of non-violent takedowns are low.

 

[zeth4500]

The living abiding word .Put on and keep on that armor .

so were only allowed to put on infinitely thick armor, hence why the pope always drives around encapsuled in bulletproof glass?

ltimately, the heart behind the action matters

i would say yes logically, our body is our temple and if we ourselves may not violate it- then we shouldnt let anyone else violate it- but can we find scripture beyond the times of moses to support this? the new testament?
i think best bet is still- being married having a duty to stay alive for your wife and family which naturally needs you

Word insults no matter how bad are simply that.

no need to defend against words, theyre just that- at worst theyre spells but you cant curse a christian, only a christian can curse himself.

Threats are a different thing but with no action = empty words.

well if someone points a gun at your head its just a slight squeeze away from death, it can even happen accidentally, thats crossing the line into needing immediate action imo

Defense of self, loved ones,

yes- but you as the man is the backbone of the family, the head of your wife- so by no means can you the man of the house be destroyed because that would cause the destruction of your loved ones as well, like a tree that falls, naturally brings down the branches as well.

 

[bdavidc]

i would say yes logically, our body is our temple and if we ourselves may not violate it- then we shouldnt let anyone else violate it- but can we find scripture beyond the times of moses to support this? the new testament?
i think best bet is still- being married having a duty to stay alive for your wife and family which naturally needs you

You're right to seek clarity from Scripture, especially from the New Testament, and it’s wise to think beyond just logic and into what God’s Word says about life, responsibility, and righteousness. While the New Testament doesn’t give us a direct command saying “defend yourself,” it absolutely affirms the value of human life and our responsibility to care for others—including ourselves and our families.

In Luke 22:36, Jesus told His disciples, “Let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” This wasn't a call to violence, but an acknowledgment that danger exists and being prepared is not inherently unrighteous. When Peter later used a sword to strike in defense of Jesus, Christ told him to put it away—not because self-defense is always wrong, but because Jesus was willingly laying down His life to fulfill the Father's will. That was a unique situation tied to His mission to die for sinners.

Paul, too, appealed to Roman protection when he was in danger (Acts 22:25–29), showing he did not simply accept harm when it could be lawfully avoided. And 1 Timothy 5:8 tells us, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Providing doesn’t just mean food and shelter—it includes protection. If we love our families, we will seek to guard their lives as well as our own.

So, self-defense—when it’s rooted in love, not hatred or revenge—is consistent with Scripture. It’s not about returning evil for evil (Romans 12:17), but about valuing life as God does. The key is the heart: we are called to live peaceably with all, as much as it depends on us (Romans 12:18), but protecting life, especially those entrusted to us, can be a righteous expression of that love.

 

[Garee]

so were only allowed to put on infinitely thick armor, hence why the pope always drives around encapsuled in bulletproof glass?

The armor is sola scriptura The Pope is a false teacher.

 

[Garee]

And these "angels of war" are all very Powerful. One is enough for a whole army of humans.

The word Anglos is sent messenger (apostle human ) not the fake word angel not coined until the 10th century to give the illusion of multiple disembodied spirit gods in the likeness of men.

No such creation of angels .God is not served by the peanut galley.

He can use a Ass as a apostle to prohecy, Ass represents unbeliever.

Numbers 22:28 And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?

 

[zeth4500]

1 Timothy 5:8

eeexactly man that was the one that echoed in my mind.

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

take up the sword... i get from this context... to fight a war, while its not necessary to battle the world?

Soo.. what i get from all this is, its fine to acutely protect but not walk into a warzone and try to be a hero, to put up the sword, to battle large groups

just watched star wars and if you replace "the force" (first movie) you got some very firm believers, but it could also be confused with newage "you are god" mentality, although the evil forces do have a hexagram symbol and also resembles chaos magick symbolism, and naturally black uniforms

 

[amateurscholar]

You're right to seek clarity from Scripture, especially from the New Testament, and it's wise to think beyond just logic and into what God's Word says about life, responsibility, and righteousness. While the New Testament doesn't give us a direct command saying "defend yourself," it absolutely affirms the value of human life and our responsibility to care for others—including ourselves and our families.
In Luke 22:36, Jesus told His disciples, "Let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one." This wasn't a call to violence, but an acknowledgment that danger exists and being prepared is not inherently unrighteous. When Peter later used a sword to strike in defense of Jesus, Christ told him to put it away—not because self-defense is always wrong, but because Jesus was willingly laying down His life to fulfill the Father's will. That was a unique situation tied to His mission to die for sinners.
Paul, too, appealed to Roman protection when he was in danger (Acts 22:25–29), showing he did not simply accept harm when it could be lawfully avoided. And 1 Timothy 5:8 tells us, "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Providing doesn't just mean food and shelter—it includes protection. If we love our families, we will seek to guard their lives as well as our own.
So, self-defense—when it's rooted in love, not hatred or revenge—is consistent with Scripture. It's not about returning evil for evil (Romans 12:17), but about valuing life as God does. The key is the heart: we are called to live peaceably with all, as much as it depends on us (Romans 12:18), but protecting life, especially those entrusted to us, can be a righteous expression of that love.

Throughout Christian history, we've seen this tension between pacifism and protection play out in various ways. Early Christians (pre-Constantine) generally avoided violence completely, even in self-defense, seeing their witness as more important than survival. But after Christianity became more established, thinkers like Augustine developed the "just war" theory that included principles for legitimate self-defense.

What's interesting is how Scripture acknowledges our natural instinct for self-preservation without either condemning it or making it the highest value. This balanced approach helps us integrate our natural responses with spiritual principles.

I'm reminded of how Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrestled with these same questions during the Nazi regime. As a pacifist who eventually joined a plot against Hitler, he concluded that sometimes protecting others required difficult choices. The key, as you mentioned, is the heart motivation.

When I talk to families dealing with threats or danger, I emphasize this heart check: Are you motivated by fear, revenge, or by love and protection? The action might look the same externally, but the internal state makes all the difference spiritually.

The biblical examples you've cited show this nuance. Jesus instructing disciples to buy swords while also telling Peter to put his away demonstrates that Scripture doesn't give us simplistic yes/no answers but calls us to discernment in each situation. I also appreciate how you connected 1 Timothy 5:8 to protection, not just provision.

 

[zeth4500]

or by love

sure- and the love for christ should always be supreme - hence why i question if its righteous, which is hard to decipher.
so its kinda like a very low tier sin to defend your life and your family..?

The Word of God as a Sharp Sword.

yes shortly before i became christian i realized the bible is basically a spellbook that works against evil spirits (and people possessed by those spirits), or maybe, command book to override suboordinates to gods power (the devil is below god, demons below the devil etc)

The War zone is huge. Jehovah showed us in Jesus in Mat. 23 who we war against. The beast and the false prophet and all on their side. But you only enter it as a Bride when you enter Adult Life in God. Only they are Anointed to War. And they do Conquer to the Glory of God. Even if they are only One Person and the beast and the false prophet and their followers are thousands.

i dont understand, you have to be specially selected to wage war against those who dont support god- but its not war im asking for its selfdefense, if i wage war then i would be leaving my wife, abandoning her and violating my vows- while im asking for selfdefense to uprighthold my vows to not leave her or let her leave this world prematurely

the bible can work to throw away people who are highly possessed, but those who are lower ranks and not controlled by either god or the devil but only influenced, low conciousness humans that sin - for instance, lets say a burglary took place and youre facing some drugged up thief with a gun- you wont have more than a minute at best to act on and praying for someone so disconnected from everything will not be the right choice, using direct physical force would however quickly turn the situation the right way

 

[backNforth]

for instance, lets say a burglary took place and youre facing some drugged up thief with a gun- you wont have more than a minute at best to act on and praying for someone so disconnected from everything will not be the right choice, using direct physical force would however quickly turn the situation the right way

Did you know that same scenario is detailed for our benefit in the Holy Bible?
(Exo. 22:1-4)

From the OP:

IS SELFDEFENSE RIGHTEOUS?​

Soo.. what i get from all this is, its fine to acutely protect

It is a required part of our walk.

 

[Garee]

the bible can work to throw away people who are highly possessed, but those who are lower ranks and not controlled by either god or the devil but only influenced, low conciousness humans that sin - for instance, lets say a burglary took place and youre facing some drugged up thief with a gun- you wont have more than a minute at best to act on and praying for someone so disconnected from everything will not be the right choice, using direct physical force would however quickly turn the situation the right way

There is no in-between (limbo)

Two possible influences sola scriptura or the oral traditions of dying mankind under the authority of the god of this world.

Three times ant the beginning of the ministry of two the dynamic dual, Father and Son of man, Jesus team.

In weakness the Son of man Jesus the apostle prophet not eating 40 days he had become delusional .

Satan the father of lying signs and wonders as if true prophecy brought the illusion of all the kingdom of this world and all their glory .The father strengthening the Son of man gave Jesus living words as it is written (sola scriptura ) again and again

Strike three back to the bottomless dugout .Never saw the faith ball (unseen things of Christ) coming

 

[zeth4500]

Did you know that same scenario is detailed for our benefit in the Holy Bible?

yes the old testament is a bit lax on killing people and punishing people by death- however when jesus came the old testament was in many ways invalidated. in the OT there are verses saying to murder people who are found guilty of practicing beastiality - but we cant go out and kill people like that based on the New Testament

There is no in-between (limbo)

i disagree, when i was taking drugs on the regular i wasnt possessed but i found christianity silly in many ways - ie, i was influenced by evil spirits to a lesser degree, but i didnt have a fullfledged demonic possession going on teleporting me outside my door without clothes on or sleepwalking or becoming violent towards christians or speaking in weird languages
the equivalent of that would be to claim that there are no demons, but only satan and that there are no ranks of the demons in hell

Never saw the faith ball (unseen things of Christ) coming

oh they know something is coming, thats why they arent just rolling it all out immediatedly, its why they built huge underground bases that are connected by superfast trains underground. they KNOW something is gonna happen

 

[Garee]

yes the old testament is a bit lax on killing people and punishing people by death- however when jesus came the old testament was in many ways invalidated. in the OT there are verses saying to murder people who are found guilty of practicing beastiality - but we cant go out and kill people like that based on the New Testament


i disagree, when i was taking drugs on the regular i wasnt possessed but i found christianity silly in many ways - ie, i was influenced by evil spirits to a lesser degree, but i didnt have a fullfledged demonic possession going on teleporting me outside my door without clothes on or sleepwalking or becoming violent towards christians or speaking in weird languages
the equivalent of that would be to claim that there are no demons, but only satan and that there are no ranks of the demons in hell


oh they know something is coming, thats why they arent just rolling it all out immediatedly, its why they built huge underground bases that are connected by superfast trains underground. they KNOW something is gonna happen

Yes, the father of lies knew something would happen. He was just not given the faith of Christ to know what or how .and is why he continued to make bad guesses.

It's easy to see Lucifer knew not which son of man would represent the Son of God. His choice was Peter the son of man used as one of the many antichrists who rebuked the unseen Holy Father and forbid the Son of man Jesus from doing the will of God.

Mathew 4:3And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Mathew 4:6And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge

Mathew16:22-23 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

 

[Christ4Ever]

what if they shoot you can you shoot them back?

Only if they're a bad shot.

 

[zeth4500]

Because God's Kids always conquers.

that i can agree with any time.

Or you can try and defend yourself and then He stands back and allow you to suffer the consequences of your lack of Faith and fighting foolishly against what you can never conquer. .

yes i understand this is the ideal way to play it if youre a monk and no one else is your responsibility- but i have others that depend on me, ill have to agree to disagree on this

avenge not yourselves,

it is not to avenge, it is to avoid death. if one is even able to avenge, then it wasnt death

When you enter the Holy War they will most probable leave you as my wife and kids and friends and family and nation did.

im sorry to hear that, until they do so i will have to secure their existence as its my duty

 

[backNforth]

Or you can try and defend yourself and then He stands back and allow you to suffer the consequences of your lack of Faith and fighting foolishly against what you can never conquer. .

Your body is not your own; you were bought with a price (1 Cor. 6:20). Even the heathen recognize that, which is why suicide is still illegal in most areas (although euthanasia is creeping in). Death is an enemy; The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (12 Cor 15:26).

Self-defense is permissible if the person uses wisdom, understanding, and tact to decide when they should fight back. A couple relevant verses:

If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. (Exo. 22:2-3).

They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. (Neh. 4:17-18).

Yes, you are to "defend yourself," as you are not your own, and dead believers make poor evangelists. First and foremost, it is a spiritual battle. While the physical is after the fact, yet it also must be attended to.

Jesus himself tells us to take up swords.

Luke 22: 36 - He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.

Jesus is speaking literal here. Earlier in his ministry, Jesus tells his disciples to go out with nothing, including no moneybag (Luke 9:3). However, now he is saying that once the Scriptures come to pass, they will need more supplies, including ways to defend themselves because his followers will soon be persecuted in his name.

Jesus is talking about literal moneybags and knapsacks in Verse 36 so there is no reason to think that he isn't also talking about literal swords. Not to mention that the very fact Simon Peter had a sword at all when the guards came for Jesus suggests that the disciples had swords on them normally, meaning that Jesus did not prohibit swords (means of self defense) before the cutting off of the guard's ear.

it is not to avenge, it is to avoid death. if one is even able to avenge, then it wasnt death

Indeed.

m sorry to hear that, until they do so i will have to secure their existence as its my duty

Amen.