Those who follow Christ cannot take up arms
By urbandekay
@urbandekay (18278)
August 10, 2011 12:29pm CST
When confronted with evil, we are tempted to think the most important thing is to stop the evil act or divert its consequences, we may even be tempted to wish the evil consequences on the perpetrator of the evil act.
But this is not Christ's way, Christ was concerned with changing the mind of the perpetrator, regardless of the physical consequences that might ensue. This is the essence of 'Turning the other cheek.'
Those that attempt this must be prepared to go down, as the front ranks of an army go down storming a stronghold. It is not certain to convert an evil mind but it is the only method so to do
all the best urban
3 people like this
9 responses
@earningmember (914)
• Canada
10 Aug 11
Actually, by changing the mind of perpetrator isn't how it done but rather changing his soul! That's why it's important praying for those!
@ParaTed2k (22940)
• Sheboygan, Wisconsin
10 Aug 11
Exactly, Christ never said to pray that people will spitefully use you, He said pray for them.
@urbandekay (18278)
•
10 Aug 11
Earning... Yes, change the mind, heart or soul. It matters little what word you use, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
Yes, prayer is also important
all the best urban
1 person likes this
@urbandekay (18278)
•
10 Aug 11
"Exactly, Christ never said to pray that people will spitefully use you, He said pray for them."
And no one is suggesting he did, try and refrain from the non-sequitor
all the best urban
@carolscash (9492)
• United States
11 Aug 11
We can take up arms even if we follow Christ. I know the Bible talks of turning the other cheek, but it also speaks of an eye for an eye. That is why I feel that defending ourselves is not wrong. I feel that Christ expects us to stand up to our enemies.
@urbandekay (18278)
•
11 Aug 11
29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.—Luke 6 KJV
39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also Matthew 5 KJV
all the best urban
@PageTurner (2825)
• United States
4 Jun 12
When the Bible speaks of 'an eye for an eye' it is doing so in a very specific context, regarding the loss of an infant due to neglect. Furthermore, the Christ IS the WORD, therefore, the hermeneutic through which all scriptural interpretation takes place. As such, Jesus' command to love your enemies as yourself, makes all other retaliation moot.
@urbandekay (18278)
•
3 Jun 12
Those who fought in the old testament followed a different covenant and where unaware of Christ
all the best urban
@thanks1961 (7035)
• India
11 Aug 11
I like the principles and teachings of Jesus to live here as a good person. However, the life here have no relation in any manner out of the world. If it is applicable to men (human beings) why not for any creature other than human beings. So, anything or everything what we think or act is only based on our own thoughts and decisions. Perhaps we may have read from books and passed historical facts to all of us, but whenever a living being take birth due to geographical phenomenon, it has no relation with any super natural control in any manner. If we think there is something, all are our own assumptions and nothing more. Many of us have this concept with their own views and culture, religious and natural guidelines, which doesn’t mean that it should be right.
If we start talk on this topic, it is an ever ending one and a strong debate also make no fruit at the end. So, act according to everyone’s faith and belief is the source out if it and there lies people peace of mind.
Thank-s
@akhileshebay (416)
• India
11 Aug 11
Dear Friend
you are correct that those who follow christ cant take up arms
but its not total truth
the whole universal truth is that whosever follows the basic principle of humanity and love and follow religion in real terms can't take up arms.
as religion is all about to preach love and not hatred.
@donquack03 (131)
• Guam
11 Aug 11
Jesus also said only Repay evil with love. Pray for your enemies. The sun and rain fall on both the just and unjust but He loves us all.
I also believe it is wrong to be in war, especially with Christ. We should pray for our enemies and pray for conversion, not force it. The hardest of stones in hearts can convert through prayer. Fasting improves prayer but prayer is best.
As a Catholic, I highly recommend praying and honoring The Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Jude. They love us from Heaven though the grace of God and can provide help
@urbandekay (18278)
•
12 Aug 11
I agree with your first two paragraphs but praying to the Virgin Mary or saints is forbidden and makes a mockery of Jesus. Jesus sacrificed much to be the mediator atween God and man. I must also ask you, where is it written that man can say who is and is not a saint?
all the best urban
@bonankdisini (41)
• Indonesia
11 Aug 11
When we follow Him that means we have to ready for all of the consequences. And the most important thing is Sacrifice. Love our enemy, and pray for them.
