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32 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
Peacemakers or Pacifists?
Rendered in the English Standard Version, Jesus told Peter to "put your sword back in its place." Wilsbach explained, "That place would be at his side. Jesus didn't say, 'Throw it away.' After all, he had just ordered the disciples to arm themselves. The reason ... was obvious—to protect the lives of the disciples, not the life of the Son of God. Jesus was saying 'Peter, this is not the right time for a fight.'"
It's interesting to note that Peter openly carried his sword, a weapon similar to the type Roman soldiers employed at the time. Jesus knew Peter was carrying a sword. He allowed this, but forbid him to use it aggressively. Most importantly, Jesus did not want Peter to resist the inevitable will of God the Father, which our Savior knew would be fulfilled by his arrest and eventual death on the cross. Scripture is quite clear that Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5
), and to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-40). Thus, any aggressive or offensive violence was not the purpose for which Jesus had instructed them to carry a sidearm just hours earlier.
Life and Death, Good and Evil
A sword, as with a handgun or any firearm, in and of itself is not aggressive or violent. It is simply an object; it can be used either for good or for evil. Any weapon in the hands of someone intent on evil can be used for violent or wicked purposes. In fact, a weapon is not required for violence. The Bible doesn't tell us what kind of weapon the first murderer, Cain , used to kill his brother Abel in Genesis 4. Cain could have used a stone, a club, a sword, or perhaps even his bare hands. A weapon was not mentioned in the account.
Weapons in the hands of law-abiding, peace-loving citizens can be used for good purposes such as hunting, recreational and competitive sports, and keeping peace. Beyond self-defense, a person properly trained and prepared to use a firearm can actually deter crime, employing the weapon to protect innocent lives and prevent violent offenders from succeeding in their crimes.
More at the link.
http://christianity.about.com/od/whatdoesthebiblesay/a/The-Right-To-Bear-Arms_2.htm
Rendered in the English Standard Version, Jesus told Peter to "put your sword back in its place." Wilsbach explained, "That place would be at his side. Jesus didn't say, 'Throw it away.' After all, he had just ordered the disciples to arm themselves. The reason ... was obvious—to protect the lives of the disciples, not the life of the Son of God. Jesus was saying 'Peter, this is not the right time for a fight.'"
It's interesting to note that Peter openly carried his sword, a weapon similar to the type Roman soldiers employed at the time. Jesus knew Peter was carrying a sword. He allowed this, but forbid him to use it aggressively. Most importantly, Jesus did not want Peter to resist the inevitable will of God the Father, which our Savior knew would be fulfilled by his arrest and eventual death on the cross. Scripture is quite clear that Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5
), and to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-40). Thus, any aggressive or offensive violence was not the purpose for which Jesus had instructed them to carry a sidearm just hours earlier.
Life and Death, Good and Evil
A sword, as with a handgun or any firearm, in and of itself is not aggressive or violent. It is simply an object; it can be used either for good or for evil. Any weapon in the hands of someone intent on evil can be used for violent or wicked purposes. In fact, a weapon is not required for violence. The Bible doesn't tell us what kind of weapon the first murderer, Cain , used to kill his brother Abel in Genesis 4. Cain could have used a stone, a club, a sword, or perhaps even his bare hands. A weapon was not mentioned in the account.
Weapons in the hands of law-abiding, peace-loving citizens can be used for good purposes such as hunting, recreational and competitive sports, and keeping peace. Beyond self-defense, a person properly trained and prepared to use a firearm can actually deter crime, employing the weapon to protect innocent lives and prevent violent offenders from succeeding in their crimes.
More at the link.
http://christianity.about.com/od/whatdoesthebiblesay/a/The-Right-To-Bear-Arms_2.htm
What high-impact ammo is. it says deadlier than ammo normally used for hunting. Ammo for hunting is designed to swiftly kill the animal on the first hit; that being the most humane way to harvest game.
How much more dead can you get after you are dead?
I wonder how many who ridicule people who believe in a sky-fairy and want religion to stay out of social issues will suddenly applaud this foray into an issue.
You seem more like the atheists I am familiar with. We can happily allow each other our respective belief without ridicule and discuss the nature of a supreme creator vis a vis bing bang theory and evolution over a beverage or two.
I have a grounding in physical sciences and can integrate that knowledge with 90+% of my faith without contradicting either. Yet at the same time I can acknowledge I have 0% proof of a higher being so cannot tell anyone with a different belief 'you're wrong'.
We live and let live with an agreement to meet in the afterlife to see who was more correct. If no one shows up I will be pretty embarrassed.
over a beverage or two
you have met them 
