Well...
Here is some good scriptural information for the ones who advocate for the "shoot 'em right between the eyes" option....
http://www.plowcreek.org/bible_pacifism.htm
The problem with those verses quoted in the link is that none of them actually support a pcifistic view when it comes to self defense, and defense of the home. Some of them don't have anything to do with the discussion at hand at all.
For instance:
Col 1.16 for in him [the son] all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him.
Heb 1.2-3 In these last days [God] has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Lu 6:37 "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
Mt 7:12 In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets
Lu 6:42 Or how can you say to your neighbor, ’Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye.
Isa 31:1 Alas for those who go down to Egypt for help and who rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel or consult the LORD!
Rom 5.8,10 8 But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.... 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.
Eph 6.12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
2 Co 10:4 The weapons with which we fight are not human weapons, but are mighty for God in overthrowing strong fortresses.
John 8.7 But when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Rom 8.37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
None of those verses has anything at all to do with the subject matter at hand.
Now, let's look at the verses that could be construes to mean how some are taking them:
Mt 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
Lu 6:27 But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also;
Lu 6:35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.
These verses don't have anything to do with self defense. Also, it never says not to defend yourself against people. You can love someone, and still shoot them. When I had to shoot the Taliban, it was with a heavy heart, and I wished that I didn't have to do it. I still hold out the hope that I never have to again. I will if it comes to it, but I hope it does not.
But, also, these verses are talking about being a righteous person, and doing good, even though people hate you. It is not talking about a literally, physical enemy.
Lu 12:22 And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on.
This is simply saying "Don't Worry". I am not worried. If an intruder breaks into my house with intent to harm me or my family, I know God will protect me through the use of a firearm.
Mt 26:52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.
I can see how this could be taken to mean don't defend yourselves. But this is clearly a situational thing. Firstly, they were trying to impede God's will. They didn't know this, and were actually doing a good thing by trying to defend Christ. But, if they would have fought, they would have died, as they were surrounded by Roman soldiers. So, if they would have taken up a sword, they'd have died by the sword.
:9 Do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing.
Ro 12.17-21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 No, "if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads."
1Th 5:15 See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.
These are self explanatory as well. These verses obviously do not go against the principle of protecting what you have. It is talking about not seeking vengeance. Vengeance does not equal justice. It also does not equal protecting what you have.
29 If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also;
This is the only verse that I can see where people might be able to make a solid case against self defense. But even then, if you want to interperet it that way, it's only talking about yourself.
The Bible clearly says that if we know to do good, and don't, we've sinned. It's good to stop a rapist from raping, so do it. It's good to protect your family, so do it.
In my case, if an intruder enters my house, if he's unarmed then I simply stop him. If he's armed, I shoot him, and even then only after giving him a chance to surrender. I am not bloodthirsty, and do not wish to kill anyone. But I will if I have to.
Even the Bible quoted in that link says
18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
If it is possible and
as it depends on you. It doesn't depend on you if a man comes to harm. He's crossed that line that puts it on you, and it's on him at that point.
I am pretty open-minded in most areas. But this is one area that I am not. If you want to put yourself in danger by not resisting an intruder/attacker, then so be it. But to put your wife or your kids in danger is sin. It is not protecting what God has given you. It is the highest form of apathy (as opposed to love) that you can show a family member. It is dangerous, and it is un-Godly.
raying:
