Cactus Game Design Message Boards

I don't know of anywhere in the Bible that is says that I can't punch a soldier in the nose to keep him from unjustly hurting someone.

If someone strikes your cheek, offer him the other one.

Well now it is because I told you

Well anything that someone tells you is obvious because they told you.  But it's not something that's obvious if left unsaid, and an argument over what constitutes obvious ignores the reasons for the confusion in the first place.

Personally I lean towards the side that says lying to protect innocent life is justifiable. However, I did run across these verses that may also provide some insight into what God wants us to do.

From Matthew 10

19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

If the Spirit is speaking through us then the words we speak come from the Father, and He knows exactly what it is that we should say in every different circumstance and if we act in the will of God then of course we are not sinning.
Also, earlier in the chapter, Jesus commands the disciples:

16b Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

This direct command from Jesus says to be shrewd and innocent, which may point to the "intent of the heart" point.

Clearly doesn't apply in this situation, since I am not defending my pride at being struck.

So you're saying it's okay to defend other people with violence but not yourself?

This is actually another verse that I believe supports my position.  It seems to say that we should stay innocent by not sinning (ie. lying by saying something that isn't true), but also be shrewd (ie. refusing to answer, or allowing the soldiers to jump to wrong conclusions).

How does that support your position to the exclusion of mine, since I am claiming innocence in the situation?  I don't think you really mean to say that Jesus wants us to technically obey the letter of the law but violate the spirit of the law, after he criticized all his contemporaries for doing exactly that.

So you're saying it's okay to defend other people with violence but not yourself?

You and your rabbit trails

I bear Mark no ill will, I am just tired of this argument...I also know that if i convert to Judaism, I am not hiding in Marks house   

No ill will here either Matt, and I'm a bit tired of the argument as well.  And you many not want to hide in my house, but you're welcome to come visit sometime

cool, schaef's title is "Tyrannical Overlord" now that is cool.  I just noticed that he changed it lol

Well, things happen in life that you can either laugh about them or cry about them.  I try to laugh whenever possible.

Banned.

Double-secret probation banned.