Christian Vigilantism?

Vigilantism is a topic for discussion over at WARSKYLMOOT, the forum over at warskyl.com. The discussion arose from a question about the legitimacy of acting as a vigilante if the police are not doing their job because of corruption or ineptitude.

(I should not go any further without acknowledging the great number of principled and efficient members of the law enforcement community. This post is not directed as an attack at them, many of whom are Christians, and some of whom are frustrated by the problems inherent in the system.)

God has instituted the civil authority, and He requires us to obey, even if it is officially pagan (or supposedly neutral, as in the USA). We may disobey the civil authority only when it requires us to directly disobey God's commands.

But what about freelance law enforcement? Are there any Biblical examples of vigilantism approved by God? And in our society, today, can we find precedent for citizens participating in law enforcement outside official channels?

By extension, we may ask, "How far can the Christian Martialist sheepdog go in his protection of self, family, church and community?"

I would like to devote a post or two to these questions.

Continued in "Was Ehud a Vigilante?"