How strong are your beliefs?

elgallo114 · 11-01-2005, 07:05 PM

Would you die for your beliefs? Or, worse yet, would you kill for them?

I'm not talking about going out and trying to convert people and killing them it they don't. I'm talking about if you are being persecuted for your religion. Would you die rather than convert? Would you kill to prevent the eradication of your religion?

I've heard a lot of people say lately that they would rather die than kill in defense of their religion.

Chuck7 · 11-01-2005, 07:36 PM

I hope I would be able to under go such a trial as to lay my life down.
However; it is written "Even if I gave my body to be burned and have not love I am nothing." Many folks die daily because of their false religion.
What a shame.

mr-pirk · 11-01-2005, 08:51 PM

Elgallo I will die before I deny Jesus as my Lord and Hope and Saviour, but I am not aware of any commands I am under to kill in defense of of him or his instructions, so no I will not kill in defense of my beliefs.

Thanks
Mr-Pirk

elgallo114 · 11-01-2005, 09:13 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: mr-pirk

Elgallo I will die before I deny Jesus as my Lord and Hope and Saviour, but I am not aware of any commands I am under to kill in defense of of him or his instructions, so no I will not kill in defense of my beliefs.

Thanks
Mr-Pirk

That's the response I thought I might get from some here. I don't have any problems with that. But, before you make that your final answer, let me clarify/change the scenario on you.

Muslims believe (correct me if I'm wrong) that Christians may be allowed to live if they repent, pay the correct tithe, and live as slaves. If it came down to a Holy War between Muslims and Christians, would you allow yourself to live that way? I can only assume that by "repent" they mean to deny Christ as the Saviour, not sure about that one.

I chose the Muslim religion because that's the one I've heard that believes that, not to pick on them. Personally, if any country invaded us (not that it's really possible) and they wanted to convert everyone to whatever their religion was, I would fight. Assuming, they've won the war and now control the country, I would still fight, rather than convert, repent, deny, any of the above.

This question assumes a lot, but with the troubles in the Middle East, it's become a topic that I hear discussed often, and I'm surprised to hear how many people would just lay down rather than fight back.

renfrowridge · 11-02-2005, 02:03 AM

Look at ww2 6 million died because they did not fight back for what they beleaved and they say that could be a low number. But realy think 6 million jews died because they were jews and what they beleaved under certern reason the answer is yes I could kill for my faith and I am sure after seeing that many die a lot of people here would do the same

Grasshopper13 · 11-02-2005, 03:02 AM

Thought provoking topic.....

I'm glad I don't have to make that choice. I hope I would be strong enough to lay down my life for my faith. That's the example we've been given. Christ was willing to die for me, if called upon, that's the level of faith we should try and have.

As far as killing for my faith. No. When Christ was being arrested in the Garden for His impending trial and death, He absolutely forbade his disciples to fight back. Peter grabbed the sword and cut off one of the arresting party's man's ear. Christ told Peter to lay down the sword and promptly healed the man's ear. When He was before Pilate, Christ told him that if His kingdom were of this world, His servants would fight. He also mentioned that had He wanted, He could have called 10 legions of angels to fight for Him. Instead, He chose the Cross.

No matter how bad things get in this life, it's only temporary. Our eyes are to remain on the prize before us....Heaven.

GH

Tazman · 11-02-2005, 05:56 AM

Man grasshopper you are right, this is thought provoking!

Would I choose death rather then deny Christ? Yes, that I can honestly say, but I will also be honest and say that I am not sure if I could allow the death of my wife or one of my children unless I denied Christ, I would hope I could, but I am simply not sure.

Now in regards to an invader attacking the US for the purpose of not only taking over the US but to also force people to convert to a different religion, yes I would fight, I would fight due tomy love of God and my fellow man.

The Rev · 11-02-2005, 08:24 AM

NKJV Matt 24:9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My names sake."
I think we must all be prepared to die for Christ..
As far a being pesecuted, Matt. 5: 11-12 " Blessed you you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evilagainst you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Remember all of the Apostles were killed (Except for John who was exiled to the island of Patmos for life) for what they believed. So why should we be exempt from such harsh action from an unbelieving world. Jesus said, "Pick up your cross, and follow Me."

Susquatch · 11-02-2005, 08:43 AM

I have certainly severely risked my neck for much lesser causes. Before I was born again, I did not love life the way many do. Life and pain were one and the same. Didn't want to die, just didn't particularly want not to. Since Christ gave me my reason for wishing to live, and loving to do so, why not my reason to die, if need be? No, I would NEVER allow myself to be enslaved, an/or converted to serving a false god. Sure, I would fight and kill to preserve my freedom, faith, family, or countrymen. And consider it an honor.

Leafrivermac · 11-02-2005, 09:26 AM

Remember Peter, pray for strength and wisdom.