“That said, I see noting in the Bible that commands us to simply lie down and accept evil without a fight. Otherwise, what is the point in anything. Christians would simply have to accept everything stoically and participate in it. That would make no sense.
Turning the other cheek to me means that yes, we have to live in the world and everything will not go our way. Sometimes we so have to stoically bear burdens. But not existential stuff. And Nazi Germany proved beyond doubt that gay men with power can result in existential issues.”
I am not advocation laying down and accepting evil, contrary...stand firm with God. I do not intend to turn the other cheek in standing up for God however, I will turn my cheek when personally insulted as I try to bring the light to those in darkness...see the difference so far? This is what the Bible means, not to surrender.
My literal calling is to create a refuge I believe. A safe place to feed and shelter those in need and to defend if it becomes necessary. I fought with the desire to fight outright but I literally am called towards this mission.
That is not to say that before things collapse totally that I would not march on Washington to protest the way the government has been handling things, but I know that will have no affect on them, but it will be good to help galvanize our side! I think we are in agreement, just realize there are may facets to what is going to happen. Perhaps someday you may find yourself and family in need of shelter and food...I hope you find a place like mine should that happen.
My post at 188 was actually meant for you because many Christians use Romans 13 to justify turning the cheek and rejecting bloodshed completely.
That’s not how I read it as an American.
Romans 13 is about submission to governments established by God.
Who are the ruling authorities that God placed in the United States Of America?
We are.
We have an interesting form of government established by God, with several safeguards instituted for the people, from the ballot box to the ammo box.
There is no need to turn the cheek.