Thats what I love about scripture, with just a couple of assumptions one can interpret it to mean whatever one has a personal preference for it to mean.

Is this Is Mise dude a desperado or what?

Last thread he raised on the Greens was an obvious, covert attempt to promote the increased use of guns and the Shooters' Party.

Now, with his "hidden" agenda, he's resorted to the bible to influence readers.

This kill for thrills, gun totin' dude won't give up, will he?

Is Mise...
I don't reject the idea of personal protection. I don't think we can base it on that verse though because such an interpretation ignores the fact that 2 proved sufficient for the fulfillment of prophecy which was clearly alluded to.

I'd use an interpretation of Romans 13 plus the sermon on the mount.


When I say "an interpretation" I have to confess it's a work in progress for me. I am currently of the view that Jesus words are intended to alert us to the need to be so concerned about the well being of our enemy that we go to extraordinary lengths to protect both us and them from harm.

With this in mind, I have recently been shown an amazing 'submission' hold by a martial arts master, which rather blew my mind. I've tried it out in a few street fights.... :) (gotcha..kidding)-just seeing if ur awake there 0_-

But seriously.. the most common method of attack in a pub or the such like is an attacker grabbing your shirt to hold you, while he pumbles you with his other hand. Before he hangs a big fist on your nose, use your corresponding hand to the one grabbing, and thrust UP very hard, to break his grip on your shirt front. Then.. suddenly move your head under his armpit, and put your other arm around his neck and grab your wrist of that hand with your other hand, applying a bit of pressure against the neck with your forearm. Then hold on for grim death because there is NOTHING he can do except yell *OUCH* and if he refuses to submit, you just apply more pressure to his neck.

That way.. neither you nor your attacker is hurt, and he is both disabled and given an opportunity to cool down.

When Jesus said "Blessed are the peacemakers" I somehow doubt he was talking about the Colt .45

"He did let His disciples have swords, the major defensive weapon of the day.
He even advised them to go and buy one if they weren't already armed."

Y'know Is Mise... you're lucky you're a christian talking about Jesus.
I'd wager if you were a muslim talking about mohammed you'd be publicly condemned as advocating terrorism.

Good one , Bugsy, about the 'Peacemaker'. I'm going to tell that one on a few other forums.

Now how about you all stickin' to the theological issues as BOAZ_David is and not wandering off and making assumptions that I'm making assumptions.
If you listen carefully and learn to stick to the topic (although I admit that it's hard and I include myself) then you might learn something.

I not only study the Bible but also the Qur'an and the life of Muhammad, I'm also a fan of Gandhijii, who incidentally backs up the self protection idea even though he taught the efficacy of non-vioence.
The Qur'an is well worth reading especially for the beauty of its prose, the Penguin translation is very good and is left to right whereas copies with the text in Arabic and English are usually 'back to front' to a Westerner and can take some getting used to.