I just got home from working a long day outdoors [no TV, no radio, no nothing], so this is the first I've heard of the story.
And I sure don't have time to go back and read all 1500+ posts on this thread.
But are you telling me that while these "Anabaptists" believe that it is immoral to defend themselves in a situation like this, they also believe that it is perfectly acceptable to call the police to come and offer to do the defending that they themselves are not willing to do?
From a morality point of view, that sounds absolutely bizarre ["I refuse to defend myself, but I expect you to give your life in defense of mine"?!?].
Please forgive me if I misunderstood what you were saying.
"But are you telling me that while these "Anabaptists" believe that it is immoral to defend themselves in a situation like this, they also believe that it is perfectly acceptable to call the police to come and offer to do the defending that they themselves are not willing to do?"
What kind of man expects innocent women and children to defend themselves... religiously pacifist or otherwise? I believe it was the pleasure of those brave PA state troopers to risk thier lives defending these innocent women and children. And I thank God for a country that defends those who out of conscience could not kill to preserve their own life.
Are you saying they have no moral right to ask an outsider, ie the police, to come in and stop the killing of their children done by an outsider? How heartless!!
Perhaps they were allowing law enforcement the opportunity to remove the uninvited murdering dirt bag from their school so that they could pick up the pieces of their families.
It has been suggested by the moderators that this thread be used to post updates, prayers and well wishes for the survivors.
Maybe you could spend some more time reading more of the posts and learn all that happened and how this was not an amish problem, but a horrific tragedy.
Prayers for all of those hurt by this senseless evil.
But are you telling me that while these "Anabaptists" believe that it is immoral to defend themselves in a situation like this, they also believe that it is perfectly acceptable to call the police to come and offer to do the defending that they themselves are not willing to do?
Anabaptists are radical pacifists. They do not fight, they leave.
It's perfectly possible. Romans 13 has much to say about governing authorities and being subject to them. It wouldn't be too much of a stretch for them to not interfere when the government is administring justice or fulfilling what they consider is its responsibility. I'm NOT saying that is it for sure, but it could be interpreted that way from Scripture.
The other thing is, as I understand it, it was one person who called the police. I don't know if that is a reflection of the philosophy of the whole community or not. Even if she acted on her own in violation of that, once the police were called, they were involved.