The Cross or The Sword...or Both?

Windbag, it is a good question you pose in your title to this piece. In the old testament God does not hold someone guilty if they defend against burglars - Exodus 22. Also, Jesus says to grab a sword - Luke 22. David cut Goliath's head clean off. In John 15:13 Jesus says that there is no greater love than laying down one's life for his friend. I take this to mean the military and lawmen are definitely covered. Also, I figure God gave me life so it is precious and i have a right to defend it. Also, it's hard to influence people by dying. I'm not impressed by the suicide bombers. But we are not to take the Law into our own hands nor be murderous etc. Good judgement and wisdom are the order of the day, I think.

Now, the other thing. The Christians whom I think you are exaggerating about may not be real Christians or they are confused. One should not be aggressive with others concerning the Good News. The Holy Spirit convicts those who are called by God. What we can and should do is live a Christian way of life that leaves no doubt to those who are around us that we are Christian. And we don't have to be perfect because everyone sins. But we have to do our utmost for His highest. We plant the seed and our job is done. My Bishop made me laugh the other day when he reminded me that Democrats are able to go to Heaven too. That is my joke when people ask me if I vote Democrat or am I a liberal. I tell them no way, I'm trying to get to Heaven!