Assignment:
Case: Violence and Self-Defense
You and your fatally are startled awake by an intruder who has broken into your house. As he bursts into your bedroom, it is apparent that he is high on some a and does not seem to be in control of his faculties. He is threatening you and your wife, and it becomes clear to you that he intends to kill you both. You fear for won safety, but more importantly, for the safety of your wife and of your children who are sleeping in other bedrooms down the hallway.
This intruder has created a major moral dilemma for you because you don't believe that the use of violence is ever justified. In fact, you hold to Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount where he says, "Do not resist an evil person (Matt. 5:39). Later in that same chapter, Jesus advises his followers to 'turn the other cheek' love your enemies," and "go the extra mile." You believe that Paul repeats this teaching later when he exhorts the Romans to "overcome evil with good" (Born. 12:21). You further are reminded of the example of Christ on the cross, trusting Cod and not, resisting the people who wanted to do him evil (1 Peter 2:23).
Questions for Discussion
1. As a pacifist, how should you respond to the intruder who is threatening your own life and that of your family?
2. Do you believe that the Bible teaches pacifism? If so, what would you do in the situation above? If not, how do you explain what appears to be a clear teaching of the Bible?
3. If you would kill the intruder, on what basis would you justify taking his life?