Religion and Self Defense

by Yelena Pawela

In the May 2004 issue of SWAT Magazine I wrote an article titled, "Women Self Defense, Shattering the Myths." I outlined four myths that are commonly told to women to discourage women from learning ways in which to protect themselves.

So I am not redundant, this article will pick up where the SWAT article left off (SWAT Magazine can be ordered c/o SWAT Magazine P.O. Box 16207 North Hollywood CA 91615-9473 or subscribe on line at www.swatmag.com. Toll free subscriber service number 1-800-673-4595)

Since my objective as a woman is to make the world a safer place for women, I make it a point to not only argue against any myth which might discourage or repress women from seeking truthful information as it pertains to women's self protection issues but to shatter any misgivings or misconstructions as well.

One of the biggest myths, misgivings or misconstructions used against women is religion; I hope this article may clarify one of the most often misquoted reasons why women should not protect themselves and change their minds as to why the should.

Myths, Misgivings or Misconstructions on Religion

THOU SHALL NOT KILL.
To many times people especially those who are women are repressed into certain beliefs that usually come from misleading information from religious leaders. Example: The board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church headed by the Rev. Allen Brockway has exposed his views in writing on how he feels on what a woman should do if she were raped, according to Rev. Brockway he solemnly advised it is a woman's Christian duty to submit to rape rather than do anything that might imperil a rapist life.

Rhetorically posing the question as is: "Is the Robber my brother?"

Rev. Brockway has a rather interesting interpretation of the Bible on how victims should deal with dangerous situations. Rev. Brockway states: "For though the burglary victim or women accosted in the park by a rapist is (not) likely to consider the violator to be a neighbor whose safety is of immediate concern." Rev. Brockway goes on to say, "Criminals are members of the larger community no less than others. As such they are our neighbors or as Jesus put it our brothers, though violent criminals act wrongfully, it is equally wrong for the victim to kill, save in those extremely rare circumstances when the unambiguous alternative is ones own death".

The Presbyterian Church has yet another position against its members to arm themselves for self defense. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church has publicly stated ,"It is opposed to the killing for any one for any reason." While these may be personal view points of the Church, the poor advice giving is a direct conflict to the original Biblical traditional teachings.

Since the dawn of time, woman has sought a quest for survival. The absolute need and right for self preservation perceived as an invaluable right. Sometimes the right to self preservation is often skewed by persons with different religious or philosophical standpoints. A classic quote such as ,"turn the other cheek," to "Violence is not the answer," is a common ideology which is treasured by many passive people who believe should be the point of view in a pure utopian society. Yet upon closer examination of all religions and philosophies, when presented with a choice of life and death, permission to defend ourselves is not only authorized, it is also highly encouraged.

Christians tend to be highly critical in using violence in any form, usually quoting Jesus by saying, ,"turn the other cheek." However, the Bible gives clear guidelines on topics such as:

A- How to defend ones property

B- How one should arm himself.

C- How to use justifiable deadly force if necessary.

Contrary to popular belief Christians are not unspiritual or lacking faith in choosing to arm themselves to protect themselves, of course human precautions must be taken in addition to praying for protection. Does anyone really believe a person of faith should allow themselves or their families to be maimed or killed by a criminal? What confuses most Christians is the sixth Commandment. To many times it has been interpreted as "Thou shall not kill," however the original translation was "Thou shall not murder," meaning the premeditated execution of killing another human being, which was first mentioned in Genesis, when Cain murdered his brother Able (Genesis 5.8).

Murder was, and still is of course, morally wrong; however the Bible does permit justifiable homicide. This is clearly shown in Genesis 9, "Who ever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God has made man." The Bible also allows for capital punishment "You shall forfeit the life of anyone guilty of slaying the innocent." The Bible has clear guidelines on using force when an intruder breaks into the home: "If he is caught breaking in and struck so that he dies, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed, but if it happens after sunrise, he is guilty of bloodshed" (Exodus 22).

The logic in this is at night it is harder to recognize the threat, and the household is more in danger at night that in the daytime.

The Bible also clearly allows for people to arm themselves to overcome and deter attackers. In fact, Priests in the Old Testament gave blessings to warfare, not condemning warriors (Josh 6:21), Jesus was even in support of his disciples of protecting themselves when collecting money for the church, "But now, if you have a purse take it, and also a bag, and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." The Disciples said, "See Lord here are two swords," "That is enough," He replied (Luke: 22).

For those who are Zen/ Daoists, who are peace loving people, especially to their own families, however they're not restrained by religious beliefs in the sanctity of life or in the concept of forgiving an enemy for wrong doing. On the Contrary, there is a deep obligation to right what has been wronged. The Zen/Daoist believes there is no deity who will exact justice; they believe it is up to each of us to keep ourselves in order. The Daoist believes murder the wanton taking of life is wrong when killing another man simply to satisfy a desire of the mind for selfish need. However they believe killing or being killed is the act of an instant in time is a part of the natural order of things. They feel if called upon to take a life in defense they must be emotionally prepared and not hesitate.

In almost all religions Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, allow for the preservation of self. In some combative martial arts a prayer for wisdom and ability is offered to better defend themselves as in the Pentjaksilat, and Negar systems.

The systems that are based from the courage and spirit of the Japanese Samurai have a code of Bushido which expresses a code of conduct for battle which expresses loyalty, virtue, humility, honor, and discipline. The same philosophies can be found in Filipino arts like Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima, as well as Korean Hwarang warriors to Russian Sambo warriors.

Religion or Philosophy it matters not, the will to survive is Parmont, to preserve our own lives through self defense is fully recognized, justified and authorized throughout the entire planet.

Editor's Note: Yelena is a former Russian police and SWAT officer who has defended herself multiple times, both with and without a firearm. Yelena now offers instruction here in the US. Learn more about her courses at www.ytraining.com. She has graciously given us this article in what we hope will be the first of a series. E-mail me with your thoughts and I will send them along.

Articles	Events, Seminars & Training	Products	Links