In the last few years I have come to believe that an important, fundamental political distinction, can be observed on how we see the act of killing another person in self defense: is it a righteous act or a forgivable transgression?
I believe the former attitude, in its most unhinged expression, is what ultimately leads to people with Punisher t-shirts carrying guns in the hopes of being provoked into an heroic act of self defense.
All of this to say, that I don't think violence can ever be righteous. Which is not to say don't be violent, just never forget the best it can ever be is the lesser evil.
"[T]he Torah stated a principle: If someone comes to kill you, rise and kill him first." Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Sanhedrin 72a, https://www.sefaria.org/Sanhedrin.72a.4
Thank you for the lesson on the meaning of the Purim holiday and the story of Esther. As a person of Jewish heritage who did not grow up going to Temple or Hebrew School, I learned a lot. And while I am not really a violent person, I don't think I would have a problem defending those I love to keep them from being harmed for being "different," for not conforming to please or benefit others.
In the last few years I have come to believe that an important, fundamental political distinction, can be observed on how we see the act of killing another person in self defense: is it a righteous act or a forgivable transgression?
I believe the former attitude, in its most unhinged expression, is what ultimately leads to people with Punisher t-shirts carrying guns in the hopes of being provoked into an heroic act of self defense.
All of this to say, that I don't think violence can ever be righteous. Which is not to say don't be violent, just never forget the best it can ever be is the lesser evil.
I disagree, but you are certainly entitled to that opinion.
"[T]he Torah stated a principle: If someone comes to kill you, rise and kill him first." Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Sanhedrin 72a, https://www.sefaria.org/Sanhedrin.72a.4
Thank you for the lesson on the meaning of the Purim holiday and the story of Esther. As a person of Jewish heritage who did not grow up going to Temple or Hebrew School, I learned a lot. And while I am not really a violent person, I don't think I would have a problem defending those I love to keep them from being harmed for being "different," for not conforming to please or benefit others.