Religious Violence against a Jedi

I got a call from an old friend from a church I went to several years ago and back then we're inseparable...well, until he went of to seminary to be a Pastor. So, over the years we lost contact and thanks to FB IM he contacted me and wanted to catch up. So, Sunday we picked a time and a place and we met at a nearby starbucks. I went in and grabbed a tea and sat and awaited him to come. He came in and we hugged each other and it was a joyous occasion. We sat and talked a good two hours sipped on tea and coffee it was a great time...caught up. It seemed all well and good until he brought up religion. He asked me if I was attending a church at all I replied that i was and he insisted on knowing what kind of church I went to. I replied, "Temple of the Jedi Order." He begun to burst into laughter and just kept laughing. Once he regained himself after a few minutes I he asked me again and I repeated the same response. His eyes got big and his grin turned into partial grin. "Your joking right?" He said. I said, "No, I am not joking." I replied. His joy quickly became angry and begun to whisper, "Are you (cuss word) kidding me? Really...a Jedi temple???" I said yes what is the problem? His tone became increasingly more angry, "Have you lost you mind? What do you believe in worshiping (Cuss Word) George Lucas???"
I told him no and that I didn't worship anything and begun to explain my beliefs to him. He kept cutting me off and growing really angry and short with me.

Finally half way through explaining I stood up, "You know man, I love you but, I see this is going no where. I don't see why this is so important to you that I believe what you believe. It's none of your business I shouldn't have told you anything I suppose. I feel that I should just go now and it was nice seeing you." I begun to walk away and he persistently followed me out the door and toward my car. "Wait Leif, I want to talk to you wait. Look, I am sorry I just don't understand. Your a Christian. Let's go tonight and go to church together come on like old times." I declined his offer and told him goodbye again. When I turned my back I was suddenly met with a hard shove to the back. I turned around quickly shocked and he took me off balance and tripped off the crib and jumped on top of me and begun to punch me in the head. I quickly begun to cover my head and attempt to get up. When I did he begun to back off. A lady from inside started screaming, "Leave him alone! get off him! Stop!!!"

"What are you doing!? Have you lost your mind?" I said.
"No, I am trying to get you to come to your senses. Do you understand your going to hell if you believe that?" He replied panting.
"How would you know? Have you been there before? Go away man, before I call the police." I replied.
"I already called the police...they're on there way." The lady said from the starbucks.
"Boy this is gonna be something hard to explain huh buddy?" I said.
"Nope, because I am leaving." He said.
"No wait man, that's escaping the scene of the crime." I said.
"Oh well, I am not going to jail." He said.

He got into his car and drove off. The cops came checked me out make sure I had no concussions or anything. I was find other than a little rattled. This isn't the first time I've been assaulted by someone from another religion. One, was several years ago which I probably should of not be so expressive about my beliefs to others which I have learned not to do. But, what does a Jedi do is such a situation? Did I do the right thing?

Anybody have any thoughts?

Are the cops going to pick him up for assault? It seems to me like it may fall under a hate crime.

From what I can see, this guy was prolly just having a bad day and decided to take it out on you.

If not, and this is how this person truly acts, then it is very un-Christian indeed.

Or thirdly, and this may be the biggest, perhaps something you said tugged at his heartstrings and he was afraid of what that would mean for his faith.

Joe Shmoe (since you didn't tell us a name, that's what I'm using ): Do you really believe that you're demonstrating an attitude that would make me want to follow in your footsteps?

As it happens, I'm Christian as well, so I wouldn't experience this type of discrimination. It also gives me an edge, that I can talk Bible and point out how it melds with the Jedi Path. But the situation you paint here is one where it all comes down to turning everything on them. Not defending yourself.

Yes, I did turn him in for violence and assault. I didn't want to use his name by choice. I am a Christian as well Althea I am merely telling you the short form of the version of the story I don't wanna bore everyone of get too far off the actual subject of the post. I agree with you alot of what we teach here as Jedi comes from the Bible. A bad day? So, he decides to beat on me because I don't believe what he does? I am sorry Arisaig that doesn't give him the right to abuse me physically this guy was suppose to be my friend and he's a pastor of a church? I am sorry I don't see Jesus ever doing that. But, I am not here to tear his walls down. I often, carry my ultra saber hilt on my belt but, I was so shocked by the encounter I didn't think about it until he was gone. I just don't get it.

You can't control your friend, only how you react.

First off, he doesn't sound like the kind of person who will be good for you, so I would avoid him.

Second, he didn't really do anything to you. Anyone actually fighting and hitting you would have left you injured. It sounds like he got excited and physical, but didn't have intent to injure you. His words are equally bizarre yet harmless.

Third, in my opinion, if you want to do the right thing you won't press charges against him and give him a chance. So what if he got physical because he can't live up to his own religion. As far as it is up to you, live at peace.

You posted this here for a reason, I'm just not sure why yet. I'm not validating your friend or you.
MTFBWY and your friend

Rex said:

"Second, he didn't really do anything to you. Anyone actually fighting and hitting you would have left you injured. It sounds like he got excited and physical, but didn't have intent to injure you. His words are equally bizarre yet harmless.

Third, in my opinion, if you want to do the right thing you won't press charges against him and give him a chance. So what if he got physical because he can't live up to his own religion. As far as it is up to you, live at peace."

Okay Rex, First off did I ever say that I was pressing charges? No. Did I speak with the cops when they arrived yes. Did they did say if I should press charges against him? Yes they did but, I didn't I choose not to do anything. Yes, I will not be around him anymore.

Why did I post this? Simple. I wanted to see if what I did was right and if I needed further advice that is all.

Tempted to report it to his church!? I mean the violence is absurd.

Sven One wrote: Okay Rex, First off did I ever say that I was pressing charges? No. Did I speak with the cops when they arrived yes. Did they did say if I should press charges against him? Yes they did but, I didn't I choose not to do anything. Yes, I will not be around him anymore.
Why did I post this? Simple. I wanted to see if what I did was right and if I needed further advice that is all.

I wasn't accusing you of anything, just pointing out what I think is the Jedi-like thing to do, especially since you're dealing with someone who doesn't respect Jediism.
What sort of advice are you looking for?
MTFBWEveryone

Here's my honest opinion on this: why are we even discussing it? This was an act of violence. Thank goodness Sven wasn't hurt. The fact that it was an act of violence is bad enough on its own - combine it with the reason why it happened and it's even worse. Considering that a bystander called the police when she saw it tells me that it at least looked bad enough.

I rarely talk about religious affiliation and beliefs with people outside my family - but whenever I've done it, I might have been met with scepticism but never with violence. If that person thinks it's ok to assault someone who has different beliefs (or for any other reason, for that matter), he first of all hasn't understood Christian ethics and second of all is a nut job. Sorry for being so frank.

And for the question whether it's "Jedi" or not to press charges: that's up to the victim. Pressing charges might very well be the "Jedi" thing to do as it might actually help the assaulter to get his sh** together and not do the same thing again to another person.

First of I hope you are alright, any act of violence can leave you with questions and unease.
With regards to pressing charges that is up to you. It was crime and the fact people seem all to quick to turn to violence when confronted with something they don't understand really annoys me.
If you want to talk about this and any feelings or thought this brings up you know where I am.
I may not have answers but I can listen

I am OK a little sore and betrayed by this individual. Maybe I shouldn't talk about this maybe this isn't a subject I should share it but, honestly I just wasn't sure if I handled this Right? When someonew asks me a question I try my best to be honest with them but, I am also a believer in that a soft answer turns away much anger. Unfortunately, I couldnt avoid this after a point. Unfortunately, I don't know what church he pastor's but, even if I did why should I stoop to his level? I very rarely share my beliefs in public or I guess you could say evangelize jeddism I don't see that it's a religion that requires you to covert which, is actually a comfort. However, yes he did wrong, yes, he betrayed and hurt me but, hopefully he learned something. I decided not to press charges.

Honestly, I am confused as to what you mean by asking did you do the right thing? What could you possibly have done wrong in this situation? You answered questions honestly and tried to defuse when it got heated. I am not sure what more Jedi like behavior you could have taken. The fact that you are not pressing charges is frankly a level of forgiveness that I might not have so it's pretty dang big of you. Kudos on your calm and forgiving reaction.

I also respect that you brought this here to speak on. I think that real world problems need to be discussed more often. Because it's one thing for us to debate this or that philosophically. But this is applying Jedi action when things get sticky. We need more of this so that we might decide our own course of action if ever faced with a similar situation.

Finally, if I might offer a bit of advice. Please learn ( if you have not already) some basic self-defense and carry ( if you do not already) some sort of legal defensive tool even if its pepper spray and a "tactical" pen. I say this only because I wish you to be safe if you should ever suffer such an issue in the future.

Thank you for sharing this and I am glad the Force was with you that day.

I am really sorry this had to happen to you , you might be alright physically but to be attacked in that manner by someone you loved and trusted is very invading on your basic feelings of trust , i am glad you brought this up Seven and i am a bit baffled dat some people deny its violence. As long as you know that i dont think that is ok Seven , he should not have assaulted you ! He was wrong doing that !

If and when you press charges is totally up to you , you have every right to , and i am with Adder on considering to inform his church of his horrible attitude and un christian demeanor.

I will keep you in my meditations Seven and you can contact me any time

I do hope he apologizes for his actions and you two are able to resolve this.
although I would have no grievance if you thought it best to not see him again.
Shame to lost a friend over something like this though.

Sorry to hear that this happened to you Sven. Confrontation can really shake you up especially when it becomes physical.

If you haven't already I suggest finding a place where you can sort out your feelings, find your center again, and find your Jedi place of peace and serenity. Realize the feelings you're having after the altercation are normal. Such acts from others are very unsettling. After such events the best thing you can do is find your equilibrium once again. This can be done through meditation, taking a thoughtful walk, or having a heartfelt talk with a strong and trusted friend.

From what I can tell, you handled the situation the best you could. You honestly expressed you feelings and when emotions felt like they were getting away you decided to leave. The one who was out of line was your friend. They let their emotions control them. There was absolutely no reason for them to physically assault you.

Take comfort in the fact that you acted in a Jedi manor.

I thank everyone of jedi for the comfort and advice. I have chosen to not press charges on him. But, from what the police said is that they contacted the church and the elders of his church have released him for a little "Vacation" to clear his head and to think about what hes done. I had wished the police hadn't done that but, its not my place. I guess because I didn't press charges he won't be arrested which is fine. I am not withholding forgiveness from him I have but, I am at this point not ready just yet to speak to him. But, in time I will.

Sven One wrote: I thank everyone of jedi for the comfort and advice. I have chosen to not press charges on him. But, from what the police said is that they contacted the church and the elders of his church have released him for a little "Vacation" to clear his head and to think about what hes done. I had wished the police hadn't done that but, its not my place. I guess because I didn't press charges he won't be arrested which is fine. I am not withholding forgiveness from him I have but, I am at this point not ready just yet to speak to him. But, in time I will.

I wish you wisdom and strenght with this !

I'm sorry you had to go through this Sven, but you've done so like a Jedi. You might be the only Jedi your friend meets, and I'm proud that you've represented us with grace and mercy.
May the Force be with You Always

For a religion that preaches peace, love and tolerance Christianity sure does seem to breed a lot of hate and violence...

Sven you responded in an appropriate manner if you feel you did.

No one should have to endure violence as a result of their beliefs...