The Defender Position

In this blog I intend to provide an alternative position for Christians that rejects pacifism and encourages active defense of the innocent.

This question is not answered conclusively in Scripture, as there are passages that appear to support either side of the argument (“appear” as many verses are taken out of context and are therefore unfairly used to support one side or the other).

Even the commandment -- “Thou Shalt not kill” -- requires examination for original word meanings and intent (If this command is absolute why does God then follow this command with law that includes offenses punishable by death?).

Therefore proof texting one side or the other of this argument is a flawed approach (as it usually is).

The Bible is intentionally vague or silent on many issues, including the Trinity, what life will be like in heaven, the purpose of the other galaxies, the details of creation, God's providence and apparent human freedom... the list is extensive.

This means we are either not supposed to know (“Will we have pets in Heaven?”), or meant to struggle with in our time with the current church body (“What does the Bible teach about the nature of God?”). These questions require engagement with the Scriptures, with each other, with historical precedent, the current situation and facts, and with the larger community.

Therefore there is no "proof text" that supports the Defender position. Rather, the position is the result of extensive study, varied experience, a significant understanding of the state of the world and of man, and reliance on the ultimate justice of God.

There are few iron-clad positions this side of eternity, so we must make a case based on a variety of factors and then apply it consistently and dispassionately.

Isn't Christianity Pacifist?

The simple answer is no, Christianity is not pacifist (even though some Christian denominations have embraced or encourage pacifism).

"Pacifist" is a recent word, coined by the 19th century French activist Émile Arnaud. Only a few Christian denominations are pacifist, and it has remained a minority view since the early church.

The pacifist position holds that any form of violence is incompatible with Christianity. Pacifists tend to define “violence” broadly, encompassing oppression, compulsion, injury, and killing. Pacifists believe Christians should not be violent, since Jesus instituted a New Covenant in which “turning the other cheek” and suffering for the sake of the Gospel were marks of the sanctified believer.

I join the majority of Christians who reject pacifism for a number of reasons (which we'll explore in another post).

But for the purposes of this short post I'm going to assume it's not enough merely to against, as we must clearly articulate what we are for, and what a pro-defense position should be.

There are several reasons pacifism is not required or even expected for all Christians at all times:

• Rules and Intent: There is a very short list of forbidden behaviors in the New Testament, and defensive force is not on that list.
• Salt and Light: Christians are commanded to be salt and light in the World, in the world, but not of the world.
• Commanded to Act: Christians are commanded to act, not merely believe.
• Called to Act: The Church Body has many members, with many spiritual gifts, spirit enablements, and talents.

As there is no simple description for “those that disagree with the pacifist position,” I’ll use “Defenders” to describe an alternate Christian view.

I'll address each of the four supporting reasons in a separate post.