Odo of Bayeux (note the club to prevent the effusion of blood).
Leonidas Polk, C.S.A.
Anthony Bek, archbishop of Durham. He fought for Edward I, and even had his own army.
When He said "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well." (Mt 5:38-39), he was referring to insults; not lethal attacks. Think about exactly what He said: "whoever strikes you on the right cheek...". Picture such a blow being delivered. How is it that one can be struck on the right side of the face when the attacker is most often right handed? A punch, thrown with the right hand, would land on the left side of the face. A backhanded strike, however, would hit the right side of the face. When the desire is to insult someone, a backhanded strike is used. The Lord is not referring to an attempt to do physical injury.
Later, the Lord advises to the disciples to arm themselves, selling their cloaks if need be. "Then Jesus said to them, “When I sent you out with no money bag, or traveler’s bag, or sandals, you didn't lack anything, did you?” They replied, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now, the one who has a money bag must take it, and likewise a traveler’s bag too. And the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me is being fulfilled.” So they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” Then he told them, “It is enough.” (Lk 22:35-38) A sword is a lethal weapon. Clearly He is teaching us that a lethal attack (as opposed to a backhanded slap to the cheek) may be repelled with lethal force.
Christians are under no blanket obligation to be murdered. A particular Christian may be called to martyrdom, but that does not mean that all Christians are so called.
At ancient times, only the right hand was used to beat servants.
"But whoever strikes you on the right cheek..." is a master beating the servant standing behind him, his right hand hitting the right cheek of the servant.
... turn the other to him as well." (Mt 5:38-39)
This means that if you have been beaten, turn around and face the opressor.
Protecting oneself with force is a Christian thing to do.
Odo of Bayeux (note the club to prevent the effusion of blood).
Leonidas Polk, C.S.A.
Anthony Bek, archbishop of Durham. He fought for Edward I, and even had his own army.
Congratulations to you, you are one of the select few who have common sense when it comes to Gods word. The very idea that Gods followers stand by like cowardly little sheep is beyond revulsion. God demands that you do nothing to taint his spreading of his word, but that does not mean you must be murdered. Where this misundestanding of Gods words came from is very clear to me. It can only have come from satan. God tells his children constantly to fight the evil doers, yes, God even instructs us to put on armor for this fight.