Hey everyone, welcome to this in-depth exploration of one of the most challenging and controversial topics in Christian thought: biblical self-defense vs pacifism. It’s a question that goes straight to the core of how we live out our faith in a fallen world. Do we, as followers of Christ, have the moral right—or even the responsibility—to defend ourselves and others, even if that means using force? Or does Christ call us to radical nonviolence, no matter the cost?
A while back, I made a video on what the Bible says about self-defense, and it received some mixed feedback. That’s why I wanted to take this discussion further and create a full series on this subject. My goal is to help men develop a biblical and educated position on this debate. This blog post is just the beginning, so be sure to check out the entire Biblical Self-Defense Debate series on the blog to see all the current articles in this series.
This isn’t just a theoretical debate. It’s a real-world issue that Christians across the globe are grappling with. From individuals facing personal threats to entire communities enduring persecution, the question of self-defense has profound implications for how we understand God’s will for us. Today, we’re going to explore this topic in depth, bringing in Scripture, theology, and history to shine some light on the matter.
Setting the Stage: Natural Law and the Burden of Proof
Let’s start with something basic but important: natural law. It’s the idea that there are certain ethical principles built into the fabric of creation—principles we can understand through reason. And one of those principles is the instinct for self-preservation. Humans, like every other living being, are hardwired to protect themselves and those they care for. Think about it: if someone tries to harm your child, you don’t need to stop and consult a rulebook. You act. It’s instinct.
But here’s where the debate starts: Christian pacifists argue that Jesus calls us to rise above that instinct. They claim that, as Christians, we are morally bound to reject all forms of violence, even in self-defense. That’s a serious claim, and it carries a heavy burden of proof. Why? Because both natural law and Scripture seem to affirm that self-defense is, at the very least, permissible.
What Does the Bible Say About Biblical Self-Defense vs Pacifism?
When we turn to Scripture, the conversation gets even more interesting. Let’s take a look at Genesis 9:6: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” This isn’t just about retribution; it’s a divine principle that human life is sacred and worth protecting—even through the use of force when necessary.
Then there’s Nehemiah 4:9, where we see a powerful example of faith and responsibility working hand-in-hand. Nehemiah and the Israelites prayed to God for protection, but they also set guards to defend their community. It’s a beautiful picture of trusting God while taking action to address real-world threats.
Exploring God’s Character: Peacemaker and Warrior
One argument often made by Christian pacifists is that God calls us to emulate His character as a peacemaker. And that’s true—God is a God of peace. But He’s also a warrior. Exodus 15:3 says, “The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name.” And in Isaiah 42:13, we see that “The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior He will stir up His zeal.”
Fast forward to Revelation 19, where Jesus is depicted as the conquering King who wages war against evil. The text doesn’t shy away from the imagery: Jesus, the Word of God, comes with eyes like blazing fire and a robe dipped in blood, leading the armies of heaven. This isn’t a contradiction of God’s peaceful nature—it’s a fulfillment of it. Peace often comes through the defeat of evil, not its tolerance.
The Role of Governments in Justice
Let’s talk about governments for a moment. Romans 13:4 calls the government “God’s servant for your good.” It even says that governments don’t “bear the sword in vain,” because they are tasked with bringing wrath against wrongdoers.
This raises an important question: if violence is always wrong, why would God ordain governments to use force to uphold justice? And what does this mean for Christians who serve as police officers, soldiers, or in other roles that may require the use of force?
Dive deeper into this one here.
Addressing the Key Arguments for Pacifism
Now let’s tackle some of the key arguments made by Christian pacifists. One common passage is Matthew 5:39: “Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” At first glance, this seems like a clear command for nonviolence. But let’s look closer.
In the cultural context, a slap on the cheek wasn’t just a physical attack—it was an insult, a way to demean someone. Jesus isn’t talking about life-or-death situations here. He’s teaching us to let go of personal vengeance and pride. That’s a very different thing from refusing to protect someone from harm.
Another common argument is based on Matthew 5:44: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Pacifists use this as a foundation for nonviolence, but does this verse truly prohibit self-defense? Loving our enemies does not mean allowing them to commit evil unchecked. In fact, throughout Scripture, God demonstrates that love includes discipline and justice. Protecting innocent lives from harm is not a contradiction of love, but an extension of it.
Another argument is based on Jesus’ statement in Matthew 26:52: “All who take the sword will perish by the sword.” But again, context is key. Jesus was speaking to Peter, who had just cut off the ear of a servant during His arrest. Jesus wasn’t condemning self-defense as a general principle; He was addressing Peter’s impulsive and misguided use of violence in a situation that required submission to God’s plan.
Practical Scenarios: Self-Defense and Christian Ethics
So how do these principles play out in real life? Imagine someone breaking into your home. Do you stand by and let them harm your family, or do you act to protect them? Or think about Christians in places like Nigeria, where violent persecution is a daily reality. Is it wrong for them to defend their communities?
Even John the Baptist, when speaking to soldiers in Luke 3:14, didn’t tell them to leave their profession. Instead, he instructed them to act justly within their roles. This suggests that serving in roles that may involve force isn’t inherently incompatible with Christian ethics.
Conclusion: Balancing Peace and Justice
This is just the beginning of the discussion. Be sure to check out the full Biblical Self-Defense Debate series on the blog to see all the current articles in this series. What do you think? Can self-defense be part of the Christian life, or does Jesus call us to a higher standard of nonviolence? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
