(mis)Quote of the Day: Jesus and Equipment

The recent arrest of a “Christian” militia group (yea Ohio and Michigan) has made international news (just what I want my friends around the globe reading about us) and for good reason, the initial response of hearing about a group of people who think of themselves as followers of Jesus taking up arms to kill innocent people in hopes of igniting an end times war is slightly disturbing. (What did you do during your year of unemployment?). But then I read this quote from the militia group, called the Hutaree, a made up word meaning “Christian warrior” because, well a word for “Christian warrior” doesn’t exist in a real language, and  the quote instantly changed my demeanor:

Hutaree says on its Web site its name means “Christian warrior” and describes the word as part of a secret language that few are privileged to know. The group quotes Bible passages and declares: “We believe that one day, as prophecy says, there will be an Antichrist. . . . Jesus wanted us to be ready to defend ourselves using the sword and stay alive using equipment.”

I can’t find the reference to using the sword or equipment in the Gospels but I am not giving up hope yet, any ideas what translation they’re using?

Buffalo News.

10 responses to “(mis)Quote of the Day: Jesus and Equipment”

  1. Their site says:

    We believe that one day, as prophecy says, there will be an Anti-Christ. All christians must know this and prepare, just as Christ commanded. Luke 22:35-37, And He said to them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” So they said, “Nothing.” 36, Then he said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 37, “For I say to you that this which is written must be accomplished in me: ‘And He was numbered with transgressors,’ For the things concerning Me have an end.” This clearly states the reason for the training and preparation of the Hutaree.

  2. I’ve been reading Revelation a lot lately and I don’t remember any mention of any antichrist. I am pretty scared of the seven-headed dragon with ten horns, however. I’m afraid a sword won’t be enough to defend me.

  3. Chase, when I read this I remembered (and took to heart) your comment on the whole Nazi’s on the Oregon University post I did awhile back. I’m not sure if you remember it or not, but it helped in this instance.

    Don’t you live in Texas? I thought Texas will be immune to all this end times catastrophe?

  4. Most of us Ohio and Michigan (well… MAYBE Michigan) Christians are militant you know. Isn’t that why you moved out to the West coast with all those peace weenies? 😛

    This incident is a poor reflection on Christianity of course.

    Do you think this has a lot to do with the establishment (and eventual marginalization) of the “Christian Subculture”? John Fischer gave an excellent presentation about this at Malone Chapel a week or two ago the direct link to audio is here. The gist being that “Christians” have left the public square to hide away and protect themselves from “the world”. Since we have disengaged we have become an unknown and have been relabeled as crazies (some of those labels “we” have collectively earned and some we have not”

  5. “Equipment”….of course! The armor of God! I have my equipment on today, don’t you?! 🙂

    If only they really did have a shield of faith and a sword of the Spirit. *shaking head* Too sad.

    • Daja, I can’t believe I never thought of that reference! Good thinking!!! “Equipment” was just too far a stretch for me for some reason. But that makes more sense. You’re right though, too bad they missed even that!