Would Jesus ever say “stand your ground?”

• When it’s just property which is at stake?
• When there is a way to retreat?
• If there are other options?

I have a tough time believing so.

(Please note: I am not writing this in response to the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman case. The law was not used in the case and does not apply. When people comment otherwise, please remind them of this note.)

I’m not aware of anyone who would debate a person’s right to self defense. When Jesus says turn the other cheek, I don’t believe he is calling us to be doormats which allow any common criminal to take our lives without a fight.

If my life or the life of my family or anyone is at risk, I believe I have the right and responsibility to defend myself and others.

Yet the Stand Your Ground Laws which are present in many states within the United States are not about self defense. Many of the laws, like Florida’s law allow a person to use deadly force if they are threatened without having to make an effort to retreat.

“Without having to make an effort to retreat” is the key phrase.

Do I have a right to take someone’s life without making any effort to end the altercation in another way.

The law says yes; my faith says no.

In the Christian faith, life is unique. Because we are created in the image of God, human life has a dignity and protection unlike any other. While there are exceptions where life can be taken—when one’s life is threatened, in an act of war, as an agent of the state carrying out justice—the exceptions are rare and great lengths must be taken to protect human life.

This is why we must be careful in how we carry out the death penalty. This is why we must not allow abortion to be left to an individual choice. This is why many of the Stand Your Ground Laws must be revisited.

My property does not have more value than your life—even if you are making foolish decisions.

If I have a reasonable opportunity to retreat, I must take it.

Lethal force should not be used except as an option of last resort.

The problem with the Stand Your Ground Laws is that they remove the need for someone to make every effort to avoid using lethal force. They make lethal force a first option instead of the last one.

While the law allows it, I cannot reconcile the law with God’s creative order.

Human life must be protected with every effort.

• I must sacrifice my property to protect human life.
• I must take responsibility to protect others even when another has foolishly put their life at risk.
• I must save them even if they would harm me.

If I have a way to avoid the conflict, I must take it.

The Stand Your Ground laws have a good intention. They want to empower the average law-abiding citizen. The intention is good, but the outcome is bad.

• It values property over life.
• It promotes lethal force above peaceful action.
• It encourages selfishness over sacrifice.

This might be okay for the laws of the state, but it should not be the governing principle of people of faith.

We must make every effort to protect life. Lethal force must be an option of last resort.

When you have a choice, don’t stand your ground. Retreat. Use the legal system. Hold criminals accountable, but do not take their life when their lives can be saved.