David C Cook discussion

I'm currently reading Fight by Preston Sprinkle. Giving me a lot to think about! I think the hardest question on my mind is how this stance affects my relationship with friends and family in the military, especially since I grew up an Air Force kid.

I'm curious if anyone else here has read this book (or is currently reading it) and what you think?

I've never heard of it. What "stance" are you referring to? If you don't mind me asking.

Mojoboy31 wrote: "I've never heard of it. What "stance" are you referring to? If you don't mind me asking."

It's worth checking out! Lots of great points based on Scripture. The book summary probably explains it better than I could:

"Fight explores violence in the Bible and challenges us to live out Jesus’ call to non-violence. With prophetic relevance, New York Times bestselling author Preston Sprinkle tackles the controversy surrounding violence and grapples with surprising conclusions. Anyone who has struggled with the morality of violence will appreciate this convincing biblical guide."

Actually, I believe BookShout! is still giving this book away for free on their site (didn't even plan that with this post, haha!), so you can get it here if you're curious: http://bookshout.com/co/fight?code=fi...

I grabbed the e-book. No idea when I'll have time to read it.

I'd like to think I am a Pacifist, but sometimes I wonder if violence is avoidable?

I think I'll have to look into this book! :)

Dee wrote: "I'd like to think I am a Pacifist, but sometimes I wonder if violence is avoidable?

I think I'll have to look into this book! :)"

Are you willing to suffer to avoid violence? I think most of us would say yes. But are you willing to let loved ones suffer for the sake of nonviolence?

See that's the thing. I discussed that with people before. I'd be okay hurting, but as soon as someone touches my family, I'd want to retaliate.

Dee wrote: "See that's the thing. I discussed that with people before. I'd be okay hurting, but as soon as someone touches my family, I'd want to retaliate."

Right?

God called us to turn the other cheek, but how far does that go? Does it really apply to others?

I actually just finished reading this book last week! I like the way Preston put it when he addressed that issue: in addition to Jesus commanding us to love our enemies, He also tells us to love our neighbors, which would include our families.

So in loving my enemy who, say, is at my family's doorstep with a gun, I would risk putting my family in danger, which might overlook the command to love my neighbor/family.

But at the same time, violence may not need to be my first response to a stranger with a gun at my doorstep. I don't have the book with me right now, but Preston dug into some alternatives to violence in that kind of situation.

Karla wrote: "I actually just finished reading this book last week! I like the way Preston put it when he addressed that issue: in addition to Jesus commanding us to love our enemies, He also tells us to love ou..."

I think I would like to read this and see the author's persepective!

Mojoboy31 wrote: "Dee wrote: "See that's the thing. I discussed that with people before. I'd be okay hurting, but as soon as someone touches my family, I'd want to retaliate."

Right?

God called us to turn the othe..."

It's hard...so hard...

Princess Dee wrote: I think I would like to read this and see the author's persepective!

You really should! Not just because I work for David C Cook ;) But it really is a solid book. I love how biblically-based his arguments are, and he does a really good job at answering questions that pop in your mind as you go through the book. I'm still processing through practical steps to take in reorienting my lifestyle around the nonviolence life Jesus led.

Karla wrote: "Princess Dee wrote: I think I would like to read this and see the author's persepective!

You really should! Not just because I work for David C Cook ;) But it really is a solid book. I love how bi..."

Haha. :) Thanks for the recommendation! I will keep your comments in mind!

Princess Dee wrote: "Karla wrote: "Princess Dee wrote: I think I would like to read this and see the author's persepective!

You really should! Not just because I work for David C Cook ;) But it really is a solid book...."

Would you look at that! We're actually giving Fight away as a free ebook on www.dccebooks.com today and tomorrow! :)

Karla wrote: "Would you look at that! We're actually giving Fight away as a free ebook on www.dccebooks.com today and tomorrow! :)

Oh, darn. I missed it. :/

Princess Dee wrote: "Karla wrote: "Would you look at that! We're actually giving Fight away as a free ebook on www.dccebooks.com today and tomorrow! :)

Oh, darn. I missed it. :/"

Bummer! It's still on sale for only $2.51 though :) http://www.amazon.com/Fight-Christian...

When interpreting these difficult passages of orthopraxy, it's been quite helpful for me to lean upon the testimonials of the Ante-Nicene Christians. They frequently comment on this very issue, sharing how Christians all over the world chose to live out Jesus' command. Here's one example from Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons around 180CE:

"The new covenant which brings back peace, and the law which gives life, has gone forth over the whole earth, as the prophets said: “For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem; and He shall rebuke many people; and they shall break down their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks, and they shall no longer learn to fight.” If therefore another law and word, going forth from Jerusalem, brought in such a [reign of] peace among the Gentiles which received it (the word), and convinced, through them, many a nation of its folly, then [only] it appears that the prophets spoke of some other person.

But if the law of liberty, that is, the word of God, preached by the apostles (who went forth from Jerusalem) throughout all the earth, caused such a change in the state of things, that these [nations] did form the swords and war-lances into ploughshares, and changed them into pruning-hooks for reaping the corn, [that is], into instruments used for peaceful purposes, and that they are now unaccustomed to fighting, but when smitten, offer also the other cheek, then the prophets have not spoken these things of any other person, but of Him who effected them. …

In the beginning, He figured forth the pruning-hook by means of Abel, pointing out that there should be a gathering in of a righteous race of men. He says, “For behold how the just man perishes, and no man considers it; and righteous men are taken away, and no man takes it to heart.” These things were acted beforehand in Abel, were also previously declared by the prophets, but were accomplished in the Lord’s person; and the same [is still true] with regard to us, the body following the example of the Head."