Last week, an acquaintance -- we'll call him Mike -- was hanging out at my home church with the worship leader, Paul, a good friend of mine. Mike just got a new gun and was telling Paul all about it. Paul really wants a gun for protection. He was hesitant about it because he has a three year-old in the house, and it made him nervous. I asked him why he needed a gun, and his answer was for "protection." We live in a town of, according to the 2010 census, 10,400. We don't have a lot of violent crimes, and there is really nothing you need protected from.
When I brought this up to him, he said, "I need it in case of the Zombie Apocalypse." I really don't know if he was joking or not. Paul is the type of person to sometimes be serious and sometimes be joking about this kind of stuff. For a few months, I thought he really believed the end of the world was in 2012. But, this isn't really the reason why I'm writing this story.
It came up in our ensuing conversation about the Zombie Apocalypse that Mike had almost shot someone.
Mike has a conceal and carry permit, so he carries his gun around with him sometimes.
A friend of his was home alone one weekend while his parents were out of town, and the neighbor knew this. Paul works as a delivery person, so he drives around a big box truck. After work, he drove his box truck to his friends house to watch movies, play Xbox or whatever 20-something single Christian men do.
While Mike went inside, the neighbor saw a giant truck pull up to a seemingly empty house and thought someone was burglarizing the home. When Mike came back out to get something, the neighbor popped out of the bushes. Mike went for his gun and asked what he was doing. The neighbor asked the same thing of Mike.
Mike told us he was thinking -- and this isn't an exact quote -- "I don't want to have to kill someone today." He ended up telling the neighbor he was a friend of the family, and he was hanging out with the son. The neighbor let him go back inside, and all was well.
My girlfriend asked Mike why he couldn't have just shot the neighbor in the leg. He replied, "If I'm going to shoot someone, I'm going to shoot to kill."
Mike is a really great guy, but I don't think his reaction to the neighbor is a good one, even if he weren't a Christian. His first instinct was to reach for his gun, and the neighbor wasn't armed or even dangerous. Somewhere along the way, we've decided self-preservation is a Christian Discipline.
What do you think about Mike's reaction to the neighbor? Is it a proper reaction for a Christian? What would the proper response look like?
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Comments (25)
I would ask Mike what examples he sees in the Gospel of God's people being instructed to protect themselves or others with lethal weapons/force. That's a good start for the discussion. That is, if we respect the authority of scripture more than our opinions and fears.
i don't think his reaction has anything to do with being christian and i'm not sure how you're putting those two things together. his reaction has to do with his instinct as a human, NOT his instinct as a christian. smh.
Think of it as being a legitimate threat...that the thieves did have guns and the christian neighbor surprised him and did not have a weapon for defense. Christians die too. I don't think I would have shot unless I felt threatened myself, but I am not going to wait to grab my gun until I find out whether or not I am going to be threatened. How can you forgive a sin seventy times seven or turn the other cheek if you are dead?
Ultimately, his decision was to NOT shoot. I think that was the correct decision. I'm more worried about the girlfriend's thought process.
@beebizzle@xanga - How can how we live day to day, interact with others, and every element of our life not be connected to our being Christian? Being Christ-like (Christian) deals precisely with how we live. It deals precisely with how we react to people and situations. Christ's Spirit should touch every bit of our lives.
@mommachatter@xanga - How can you turn the other cheek or extend true forgiveness to those we have already killed? By shooting and killing don't we choose directly to not turn the other cheek and instead remove their cheek, and hand, and life?
beebizzle has it right. His reaction was human first, Christian second. Andjmallory, ohhh puleeeeze...when you have a split second to make a decision, the cops are always 20 minutes away...the fact you would reach for a cell phone instead of a firearm shows who has the "poor decision making" in the situation. What are you gonna do, tell the bad guy "sorry, you have to wait until the police get here"? If you don't get shot, the bad guy is going to jump on you and cave in your face. So much for waiting for the police...
The chances of this guy needing a firearm for "self-defense" are actually quite slim. His reactions and statements, according to the OP (and we don't really know what his remarks, actions, body language, or anything else is, since this is filtered through someone else's opinion) are that of a typical 20 year old, especially with the zombie apocalypse nonsense.
My son and I both have CC permits. In fact, I teach CC classes. My son also drives an armored truck, and carries his sidearm in plain sight most of the day.
If I were walking out of a house down a driveway and someone jumped out of the bushes at me, you can bet I would draw down on that person. The neighbor suddenly isn't so nosy and "in your face" when they are staring at blued steel. If the neighbor were truly concerned, it was they who should have called the police, not come over and jumped out of a bush to confront someone. The neighbor put himself in a very dangerous position by doing that.
In this day and age of meth labs, gang violence, illegal immigrants, etc. we cannot depend on the police to "protect" us. That is a fallacy. They cannot be everywhere at once. You have an obligation, a duty, to protect yourself and your family. It is a serious decision to Concealed Carry (CC) and not to be taken lightly. When you are faced with a situation where your life or the life of your loved one, or even a total stranger is in peril, you have to make that split second decision to shoot/not shoot, and be prepared to live with the consequences. You most likely will be arrested. You most likely will be sued. And when you make that monumental decision to shoot, you are aiming for the largest body mass to hit, which is the torso. You don't have time to pick a leg or an arm and aim for that. That is Hollywood. Your position is to take that perpetrator out, not just wound. You shoot someone in the leg, they can still draw their semi-auto and empty that clip into you.
GreatBout, you can wax philosophical all day long, that's what you liberals love to do. Play armchair quarterback and "woulda, coulda, shoulda". You sit there in your ivory towers and look down your noses at the vast majority of us regular folks who do most of the working, living and dying in these small towns in this country.
Frankly, I wish there was a mandate that everyone who turns 21 be required to not only serve in the Armed Forces for at least two years, but that they be required to own a handgun, take the necessary training classes, and carry. You'd see a lot less crime, robberys, etc. if the populace were armed. Right now you sheeple are sitting ducks for the crazies out there who want to cry "Allah Akbar", and start pulling the trigger. How many innocent people die before someone takes the shooter out? Depends on how many clips he has and if his firearm jams. That is not real comforting...
There are a lot of people who should not CC. Mentally unstable. Those on certain prescription meds. Convicted criminals. And you HAVE to exercise good judgment when you have a CC permit and decide to carry. You CANNOT have your firearm on you when drinking alcohol, even if you stop for "just one beer". Very, very stupid decision. You should not CC when you are very angry or emotionally distraught. These things are called "common sense" and cannot be legislated. It is part of the personal responsibility that comes with the decision to CC. When I sign your permit, I make darn sure you understand the ramifications of carrying. About half who complete my class decide to not get the permit and CC after all. And that is OK. They are educated, they understand the real-life scenarios that truly occur, the legal ramifications that always occur, and the struggle with guilt over taking another's life for momentary stupidity.
A firearm is a tool, just like a hammer. When used properly, and with respect, training, and education, they provide a measure of safety for the user and their family. When abused or misused, a firearm has life-changing consequences. If the above-mentioned person is worried that they have a 3 year old in the house, then you use a lock-box to keep your firearm secured. If you live in a high crime area where break in's are frequent, I would suggest a quick release trigger guard. A child or unfamiliar adult cannot get the guard off and discharge the firearm, but you can remove them within 3-4 seconds. That is usually enough time to identify your assailant as friend or foe, and make the decision to shoot or not shoot.
While the discussion of firearms is great fodder for blogs like these, the reality is that it is a very serious decision to make to CC, and you take on a great weight on your shoulders when you make that decision. That is not something that all of us want or are able to do.
@Ork58@xanga - Please, tell me of my life. What towns have I lived in? Are they all large? What size should one be for me to be amongst the vast majority? How am I not like regular folk? Is it my income, clothing, transportation, house, job, neighborhood or something else that separates me from the regular working class blue collar people? How am I in an ivory tower looking down my nose at others? Is it by the people I associate and don't associate with, the program or organizations I'm affiliated or not affiliated with? Is it because I read and write? I'm very interested to hear what you know about me.
@TheGreatBout@xanga - I know you from the posts I have seen you make over these last several years. You words and responses to others belie you. Your snotty response and dripping sarcasm only underscore the "holier than thou" attitude I pointed out in my original reply. Thanks for making my point.
Living vulnerably in the world, loving others without seeking to protect himself (let alone hurt or kill) accepting invitations to enter the homes of strange people whose motives he knew nothing about: Jesus. And St. Paul. And St. Francis. To begin to name those whose lives (and deaths) transformed the world. As Christians, fearing death is nothing to be proud of. On the contrary, fearing death to the point where we even contemplate murder is very troubling. I hope your worship leader spends some time in real reflection and Scripture reading about this.
Again, his behavior has nothing to do with being a Christian. He's acting like a testosterone-overloaded man-child.
@Ork58@xanga - I know it is difficult to sense tone online, but as someone who knows @TheGreatBout, how he speaks and thinks (and also the answers to those questions), I don't think his response was sarcastic. I think he genuinely wanted you to spell out what 'ivory tower' means in your usage and what it is about him that comes across that way.
If I'm wrong about his intention, I'm definitely interested for my own part, as someone who is commonly accused of holding positions or representing things that are bewildering to me.
I'm fascinated by the comments that refer to a "human first, Christian second" reaction as if that is a good and normal thing. In light of Jesus' teachings, is it really appropriate for us to carry deadly force with us at all times and be that ready to use it? Seems to me to indicate fear rather than trust.
In anycase, I still believe that was a poor decision because it is not one that Christ would make. You can disagree, but I personally know this situation.
My question is to the neighbor... how come he did not call the police? What would he do if it was a armed robber?
@Ork58@xanga - SirNickDon is right. I wasn't being sarcastic. I sincerely want you to spell out your proofs. You're talking about the person I am and the way I live and yet you've never interacted with me so I am taken back by how sure you seem in making claims about me. You know my posts but not my person or life. What do you know about my offline life? Please explain to me how I am separated from the common man, the blue collars, the workers. I'd love to hear you actually respond to my last comment. Can you answer those questions? You say I stick to "shoulda, woulda,coulda" ivory tower philosophies but you don't show in any way that I don't apply those and see them succeed in daily life. If you truly think I am in need of correction then you must show me my error. If I am indeed in the error you claim then I'd like to be convinced of it and instructed in how to change. If your intention is not edifcation then I don't see how it is of any benefit or blessing. If you wish to bless then bless. Otherwise you're just cursing. Your words have the power of life and death brother. I'd love to receive life if you have it to give.
@Ork58@xanga - statistically, people who own a gun are more likely to shoot themselves, their loved ones, or their dog than they are to shoot someone trying to harm them.
@Theophilus166@xanga - back that up with facts and sources, please.
Jmallory - I do not know the person you refer to or was referred to in the article. In that your police may only be three minutes away, uh, OK, how many clips can I unload in three minutes...
Great Bout - I have never personally interacted with you, that is correct. But I have watched you interact with others on this blog for several years, and have come to have a pretty good feel for your opinions, positions (political and theological) and ideas. You are idealistic, and somewhat naieve in your views of other people. You can interpret that as good and optimistic of your fellow humans, well, then, good for you. Some of us aren't near as trusting and believing in the inherent goodness of our fellow humans. And after years working as a Corrections Officer, dealing with the criminal element and their families, I am pretty cynical. So my initial reaction is one of contempt. I don't know if you are in need of correction or not, and it isn't my role to do that. Sorry, not my day to watch you. But just as you can toss out your ideas and opinions, and opinions of others' ideas and opinions, so can I. Are you a Concealed Carry Instructor? Are you a Life Member of the NRA? Are you an Instructor in Basic Pistol or Firearm Safety in the Home, or are you a Hunter's Safety Instructor? If you are not these, and more, then do not judge me for my positions any more than I judge you. You are certainly welcome to have an opinion of me and the things I hold dear, I do not fear your criticism. You state that my "words have the power of life and death". No they don't. They have the power of conveying my personal opinion on a situation and on another's ideas and comments on that situation, nothing more and nothing less. The only person I know who's words have the power of life and death is God Almighty, in the person of his earthly son Jesus, the Christ. That, my friend, is Bible 101 and you ought to well know that by now.
When Will I sing Again - While I do not know GreatBout personally, I do read his responses to many posts, and many of his own posts. He comes across as simplistic and somewhat naieve, and very trusting of his fellow man. While you may see that as virtuous, I do not, I see it as idealistic. That is not a criticism, it is an observation. His response to Mommachatter was pretty sarcastic and self-serving. And that is not the first time I have seen this type of response, in which it appears he positions himself as some authority figure with a higher ideal or calling than the rest of us "common folk". Seems pretty obvious he was beating her over the head with a Bible. Perhaps he does not realize he comes across that way, but he sure does to me. Perhaps when faced with a criminal drawing his firearm to shoot him and his wife/child/parent, he will whip out his Bible and engage in a rapid discussion of turning the other cheek. In the meantime I will be ducking for cover and drawing my .45, hoping I can get two quick shots off before the perp does. God had no problem striking down evil in the Old Testament. Jesus had no problem calling out evil in the New Testament, and even spoke of certain people "that it would have been better they never had been born, or have a millstone around their neck and be drown" (paraphrase). Evil exists in our modern day. Criminals do bad things to good people, and to other bad people too. You can walk calmly down in a bad area at night, trusting God and your Bible to protect you, or you can use the common sense that God gave you and stay out of rough areas, and spread the Good News in a safe and sane way. Jesus never taught us that when our lives are threatened by bad people, we are to roll over and let them kill us. That was not His ministry then, and it isn't now. Jesus valued life over anything else, yet gave His own for all of us. Martyrdom may be poetic, but the martyrs are still just as dead. You don't make a good witness when you are dead. If I use my firearm to protect my family or an innocent bystander from some criminal or insane person trying to harm them, and I have to stand on Judgement Day and answer for that, then bring it on. If I go to eternal damnation for that decision, then that is what I do, for I will protect my family, loved ones and innocents from murder and mayhem at all costs, including that of stepping in front of that gun, if necessary. And taking the perpetrators life, if necessary. I have thought that through, and am prepared to make that choice. Are you?
@Roadkill_Spatula@xanga - If you believe that it is inherently "unChristian" for us to carry "deadly force" and be ready to use it...didn't Jesus have the power and authority to call down Legions of angels from Heaven at any time? He had all the power in the world, and in heaven too, and chose not to use it. True strength is not in just having power, true strength is in having power and not using it...
@Ork58@xanga - You didn't answer my questions. Were you planning to back up your initial claims about my person or just leave the accusations unsupported? Again, if you're only pointing a finger and calling me out for being out of line without the intention to help me get in line then you are being unloving and unkind. I'm not saying it is your day to watch me but I am saying that we should seek to build one another up and not tear one another down. If we point out error we should also point out the path to growth. In Ephesians 4 Paul writes "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body...Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." So far you've not said anything that benefits. I'm inviting you, asking you, to please benefit me. If you can not, then do not let words come out of your mouth.
Idealistic, naive... perhaps. Or perhaps just hopeful. Better than cynical in my opinion. Though I'd call myself pretty cynical as well. Like you said, working with criminals and folks who live in the illegal world for a substantial amount of time develops that in a person. I can agree with that experience. I'm not sure how trusting I am in people. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt and a kindness they may not be worthy of according to their past so in a sense I'm trusting but that doesn't mean I also think people are worthy of trust. In fact, I'm pretty sure people don't deserve that kind of trust. But I trust God a great deal. That is the basis for my views and I wouldn't call that idealistic or naive.
No, I am not a Concealed Carry Instructor, Life Member of the NRA, Instructor in Basic Pistol or Firearm Safety in the Home, or even Hunter's Safety Instructor. Even if I was any one those things I don't believe judgment from me would be justified. Even if you judge me I wouldn't feel justified to judge you. However, I didn't speak any judgment on you for your positions (that I can see). I've not made any personal remarks towards you other than the fact that you don't know me. Reviewing my words I don't see any personal remarks outside of you not knowing me. I apologize if I'm said anything that seems to speak judgment. I will continue to be careful about my wording since I believe words are important/powerful.
As for words having the power and life and death, Proverbs 18:20-21 states, "From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Scripture is my authority. I'm not sure for you. Perhaps it is and perhaps it is not. I do not know. But since this is what scripture says it is what I believe. So we may just have to accept that disagreement. Which is fine. But scripture clearly states that people outside Jesus have the power of life and death in the mouth region so maybe I'm doing okay in Bible 101.
Since you're speaking about me to others here I'll address those comments too real quick. My comment to mommachatter wasn't at all meant sarcastically. I don't think you have as firm a grasp on me and how I communicate. I don't blame you for that. Online interactions are very impersonal and lacking important elements of communication needed to understand a person's intent.
Along with that, I'd like to say that I don't try to put myself above others or think of myself as some higher authority or not among the "common folk." I feel it is important to appeal to scripture in theological discussions such as these. As a result, when people enter the theological forum and say things that I think don't stand well with scripture I challenge it and ask for more interaction with philosophies and scriptures. That doesn't mean the truth is with me or that I assume it is but rather it means that I want to engage the issue. Perhaps that looks to some like beating others over the head with the Bible but it has always just been an aspect of theological conversation in my experience (in my undergrad, masters, small groups, bible studies, and other theological circles). I've yet to get this type of criticism/feedback in person so perhaps it is a result of online communication. I hope so.
@TheGreatBout@xanga - I don't need to answer your questions, that was my opinion. Opinion is the observations of the person, not necessarily verifiable fact. It is my opinion that shooting someone that is trying to kill me or my loved ones is perfectly justified. I stated my opinion in response to the other comments and opinions that were also stated in regards to the OP's post. Theophilus166 stated as fact that statistically more gun owners are likely to shoot their own pet, a family member, themselves,etc. I am waiting to see documented evidence of that "fact".
So I have to "benefit" you or shut up, right? Geez, how self-serving can you be? Want me to bow to you and wash your feet too? The "benefit" of my words is a reality check for you. Wake up! Do not be condescending to those with opinions different from yours, especially when it comes to firearms, the possession of, the use of, the ramifications of. I am qualified to speak on the subject because of my education and years of training, credentialing, and experience, which you admit you have none of. It's called "chastisement", and if you read your Gospels, (and not selectively) you'll find it is something Jesus himself did when necessary.
It is my opinion that after watching your posts and responses to others posts that you come across as sanctimonious, and place yourself on an ivory tower. You did it again in your latest response to me. (You must benefit me or be quiet!) Yes, you can pick out verses of Scripture here and there to support your position. Pharisees did that too.
Jesus taught us in the New Testament that He was the one and only way to eternal life. If there were "magic words" we could utter to have life over death, or create life over death for others, do you not think we'd all be saying them? Because I disagree with you on your interpretation of Scripture, you make the statement that you are "not sure it is the authority for you", and then continue to portray yourself as pure as the wind driven snow, all innocent and wide eyed. Nice slam. You can do better than that, with your Masters in Theology, surely.
You are an idealist. You want to debate philosophies and theology. That's fine. But what are you going to do when you are face to face with someone aiming a .38 at you? All your theories and philosophies won't help you then. This is the real world, and when dealing with the real world, you best be prepared for the reality that there are evil people in this world who want to do harm to others, others they don't even know. People who take pleasure in shooting unarmed innocents, or walking into a marketplace and blowing themselves up, and innocents around them. That is reality. That is what is happening all over the world. In Lybia the government has turned it's armed forces on it's own unarmed populace. Killing innocent civilians to instill fear and compliance with it's Dictatorship government. Think that can't happen here? It did about 235 years ago, a mere drop in the bucket in historical times. The only reason we succeeded was because we were armed and had the spine to use our arms, to defend ourselves and our property, our desired way of life. It sure wasn't what England wanted. And sadly, many died on both sides of the fence because of it. The history books are full of tyrants and peoples who rose up against them. And they are full of sheeple and their philosophies, wringing their hands while being enslaved, because they were too spineless or stupid to stand up and fight evil.
There are plenty of references to that in the Bible too. Even the "chosen people" took the "promised land" by jihad, killing innocents and enslaving the women and children. I'm sure the God fearing people of Caanan didn't appreciate that much, but you don't hear anything in the O.T. about their story, huh?
If you feel your comment to mommachatter was not sarcastic, perhaps you better review that and reflect on why an outsider like me could take one look at that and see condescention written all over it.
Now I remember why I quit reading/commenting in this group. I'm outta here. =/
@Ork58@xanga - You're right that you don't need to answer my questions. But it would be kind. Civil discourse often involves granting that respect. Your opinions were also negative accusations about my character which dealt with how I live my life. I was trying to point out that it seems unloving to tear a person down without helping them grow. I used scripture to illustrate that. I'm not trying to be self-serving or asking you to worship me. I think you're getting a little carried away with those comments and not giving me the benefit of the doubt. I'm not even saying you need to benefit me or "shut up." I was inviting you to civil discourse for the sake of edification and saying that if that is not possible for you then you shouldn't talk to me because it would do more harm than good. As Christian brothers we need to try and be peaceful together (Romans 12:18). It's not about me. Its about our love for each other. Others will know we belong to Christ by the way we love one another (John 13:35) and so I want them to see us building each other up.
You're claiming your words a reality check for me. Perhaps that it true. I don't dismiss that possibility at all. But if they are you need to show me that. If you are chastising my person then you have to show me how your accusations connect to my actual day to day life and not simply to how you read my words through your own lens. That's what my request has been. I welcome harsh loving correction completely since I know I need it and often mess up but nothing makes me think you love me or know me and thus I have little reason to grant great value to the kind of "chastisement" or even the commentary of me that you have presented. Yet, I welcome it and ask you to further explain it. Christ has a type of love and authority to go with his rebukes. You and I, we're in a little different boat than He is with people. We don't know each other's hearts. We don't even know each other. We both have to remember this.
I'm curious as to which of my comments have seemed condescending. Will you point them out for me? I don't want to come off that way. I have at no point tried to patronize anyone nor considered myself as superior to any brothers or sisters here. You obviously think that has been my intention as you pointed back to my comment towards mommachatter. I've addressed that earlier with honesty. Seeing it from your perspective (which I have) doesn't change what my intention/attitude was when writing it. Again, it was not at all meant to be condescending or sarcastic. I'm sorry if it has seemed that way. If I have indeed misstepped I ask for your forgiveness and mommachatter's. I would suggest that if you read my words from a different perspective you'd see that I as not trying to slam anybody. I admit I get out of line but no ill intention got the better of me in that comment. In this thread I've asked questions about philosophy and theology which is appropriate for theological discussion and I've not done it with sarcasm or any negative attitudes. Since my words on the screen lack tone and various forms of nonverbal communication you (and others) are forced to trust me to a degree on what I say my intentions are. Likewise, I'm forced to trust others as well. It's a bummer but that's how it goes. I'm asking for trust just as I trust that you aren't trying to be condescending to me. If you have been following me on here for several years then you are aware that I try very hard to be civil. I ask that you take that into account when you read my words. I'd also ask that you take into account the words of others here, such as When_Will_I_Sing_Again (who knows me personally), that have spoken of who I am and how I communicate.
I'm not at all trying to say there are magic words in this universe. I've not tried to argue that by any means. I'm simply saying words are important and powerful. They build and tear down. Our mouthes guide us toward life and death (James 3:6).
How do you know I have not had guns shoved in my face and that my philosophies and theologies have not been applied into my daily life? You ask what I will do as though it has yet to happen. Do you know if that is true? I'd say no since your conclusion does not match up with my experience. My philosophies and theology have been put into practice. They are not mere words on a page for me. What is more, others through time have put these beliefs into practice and there are books filled with their victories. I've cited them in posts before as I'm sure you have noticed. For as much as you claim to have followed me on here you don't seem to understand my positions. If you did have that knowledge of me and my writing you'd know I've written about the realities of this world and the violence and evil within it, the commentary on nonviolence being idealistic, violence and the Old Testament and how it relates to a post-Christ world, and the evil of cowardice and passivity.
If you are indeed out of this conversation I'm sad to see you go. I'd hope that we could resolve this conflict and that you could try to accompany your initial accusations with words that build up. I'd also like to convince you that I'm not against anyone here but simply trying to have theological discussion so that we can all grow together. Perhaps walking away from this discussion is our best bet to be at peace with one another for now. Peace of Christ be with you.
@Ork58@xanga - No offense, but you are treating TheGreatBout exactly how you claim him to act, which I completely disagree with. He has beliefs and opinions just like everybody else, but he doesn't act like he is better than those who disagree with him. I can attest to that. TheGreatBout and I agree on many things but we also disagree on many things. That doesn't mean that he goes and bashes me because of our disagreements or treats me as if he were better than me. You are being completely unfair to him considering that he has not attacked you personally or treated you like you are not as good as him. Honestly, maybe you should be a little a little less judgmental yourself...
It's wholly inappropriate for anyone. There will be a time when everyone will be faced with having to determine whether they can trust everyone they come across with their life if they're not prepared to work and live somewhat as a unit with relative strangers before a crisis hits. If nothing else, it will be an economic collapse that will result in the collapse of everything else if there isn't a volunteer or slave derived system in place first. One system or the other, or a mass die off will occur. It might be best if people who've already been dropped out of the jobs market simply work on an alternative RBE or Library economy while everyone else strives to live as economically and environmentally friendly as they can while also preparing to live in the alternative economy if not completely independently.
http://www.freethought.mbdojo....
has a thoughtful discussion of the topic. Personally, I have
difficulty imagining Jesus returning fire - no matter what the
circumstances.