How should a Christian view gun control?

[Chad]

How should a Christian view gun control?

The recent shootings across the United States have caused much heartache. The senseless and tragic incidents have also renewed the intensity of discussion regarding American gun laws. Politicians, sportsmen, and theologians have all weighed in on the issue of gun control. Guns are readily available in the U.S., and ownership is protected by the Constitution. How should a Christian view gun control? What does the Bible have to say that would apply to gun control?

The Bible was written long before the invention of any type of gun, so the phrase “gun control” will not be found in Scripture. However, the Bible records many accounts of wars, battles, and the use of weapons. Warfare is presented as an inevitable part of living in a fallen world (Mark 13:7; James 4:1), and weaponry is a necessary part of warfare. Weapons in the Bible were also used for personal protection. In some parts of Israel, robbers were common (see Luke 10:30), and many people carried weapons when they traveled. Carrying a weapon for self-defense is never condemned in the Bible. In fact, it was mentioned in a positive light by Jesus Himself on one occasion (Luke 22:35-38).

Christians are called to submit to governing authorities, and they are to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). This would have to apply to gun laws, too. If American gun laws change, American Christians should submit to these changes and work through democratic means toward any desired alternatives. The Bible does not forbid the possession of weapons, and neither does it command such possession. Laws may come and go, but the goal of the believer in Jesus Christ remains the same: to glorify the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Another biblical principle to consider is that “all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Jesus said this to Peter when Peter tried to mount an imprudent “defense” of Jesus against the mob that had come to arrest Him. Peter’s actions were not only futile against such a “large crowd armed with swords and clubs” (verse 47), but his rash behavior also belied Jesus’ submissive attitude (verse 50) and worked against the fulfillment of Scripture (verse 54). There is “a time for war and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:8), and Peter confused the two.

Christianity supports personal freedom. Romans 14:1-4 indicates that, when Scripture does not clearly address a particular issue, there is freedom for individual choice. America has historically embraced the concept of personal freedom that resonates with this principle, and the founding documents guarantee wide freedoms regarding firearms. Some point to Matthew 5:9, in which Jesus pronounces a blessing on the peacemakers, and apply it to the issue of gun control. The idea is that guns are antithetical to peace. This may be more of a philosophical or political idea than a theological one, however. There is nothing theologically, or even logically, that links guns to a lack of peace; sometimes, guns help maintain civil peace.

Debates over whether to control guns or how much to control them depend largely on political and philosophical arguments, not moral ones. This is not to say that there is no moral component to the issue. Obviously, the gun itself is amoral, an object that can be used for good or for evil. More important is the morality of the person wielding the gun, and that is too often the missing consideration in the gun control argument. The fact that some sinners use guns to commit sin does not mean guns are the problem. Sin is the problem, and that’s a moral and spiritual issue. Since the very beginning of humanity, people have been killing other people, with and without weapons (see Genesis 4). Taking a certain weapon out of circulation might make murder more difficult but by no means impossible.

As far as the Bible is concerned, the use of guns is a matter of personal conviction. There is nothing unspiritual about owning a gun or knowing how to use one. There is nothing wrong with protecting oneself or loved ones, even if it involves the use of weapons. We need not pretend there is never a need for guns, but pointing a gun at a person should always be a last resort. We should seek to neutralize threats without violence whenever possible.

So, how should a Christian view gun control? With the authority God has entrusted to it, the government has the right to allow or disallow gun ownership to whatever degree it deems right. We, as citizens, are called to submit to whatever gun control laws the government institutes. This is not, however, a statement on the wisdom of gun control. There are good reasons to allow law-abiding citizens to own guns. Ultimately, guns are not the problem. Sinful people are the problem.

How should a Christian view gun control? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian view gun control / the second amendment? What does the Bible have to say that would apply to gun control?

www.gotquestions.org

 

[Anthony Kyle]

While I do believe in obeying authority as the bible says I do not believe in submitting to tyranny. I will not turn in my guns to a tyrannical government and they will not be taken easily.

 

[backNforth]

How should a Christian view gun control?

Bearing arms is consistent with the lessons of scripture. Instruments of defense should be dispersed throughout the nation, not concentrated in the hands of the central government. In a Godly country, righteousness governs each man through the Holy Spirit working within. The government has no cause to want a monopoly of force; the government that desires such a monopoly is a threat to the lives, liberty, and property of its citizens.

The assumption that only danger can result from people’s carrying guns is used to justify the government’s having a monopoly of force. The notion that the people cannot be trusted to keep and bear their own arms informs us that ours, like the time of Solomon, may be one of great riches, but is also a time of peril to free people. If Christ is not our King, we shall have a dictator to rule over us, just as Samuel warned.

The late Francis Schaeffer put it this way:

"The Bible is clear here: I am to love my neighbor as myself, in the manner needed, in a practical way, in the midst of the fallen world, at my particular point of history. This is why I am not a pacifist. Pacifism in this poor world in which we live - this lost world - means that we desert the people who need our greatest help. I come upon a big, burly man beating a tiny tot to death. I plead with him to stop. Suppose he refuses? What does love mean now? Love means that I stop him in any way I can, including hitting him. To me this is not only necessary for showing love to our fellow man: it is loyalty to Christ's commands concerning love in a fallen world. What about the little girl? If I desert her to the bully, I have deserted the true meaning of God's love - responsibility to my neighbor."

J. P. Moreland and Norman Geisler likewise say the following:

"To permit murder when one could have prevented it is morally wrong. To allow a rape when one could have hindered it is an evil. To watch an act of cruelty to children without trying to intervene is morally inexcusable. In brief, not resisting evil is an evil of omission, and an evil of omission can be just as evil as an evil of commission. Any man who refuses to protect his wife and children against a violent intruder fails them morally."

We affirm, then, that Scripture allows followers of Christ to use force for self-defense against crime and injustice. If self-defense is scripturally justifiable, so long as it is conducted without unnecessary violence. Gun ownership, for the purpose of self-defense against criminals and tyrannical governments, is a God-given duty. Men are commanded to protect the weak (Psalm 82:4, Proverbs 24:11) and their households (Exodus 22:1-2). Even God's holy angels carried swords with them (Numbers 22:23,31, 1 Chronicles 21:16,27,30).

Taking guns away from godly people is not the solution to our crime problem. People have been violent and murderous since the beginning of time (remember Cain and Abel?). Guns are not the problem, people are. The Scripture tells us that the heart of man is exceedingly wicked and will be the cause of all manner of evil, whether or not guns are around. Our job in America should not be to strip honest citizens of their firearms, but rather to fulfill the Great Commission and let God change their wicked hearts.

The Lord's will is found in His word. No where has God revealed to us that we should disarm while living in the land. However, you will find where God has revealed that weapons control is the practice of tyrants (1 Samuel 13:19-22). Scripture shows us that man has the right and duty to protect himself and his loved ones from those who would threaten to take it away. We are not advocating that one kill an aggressor, but it deters criminals, for sure.

If one chooses not to be armed, that is fine. But my point is that, as stewards of God's gifts, we are to take care of them. And we are to take care of our family. For example, if you look at the criminal acts in Kennesaw, Georgia, you will see that there has been virtually no crime in that city. Every citizen is armed. Robbers want to steal things, they don't want to lose their life...so why would a robber steal from an armed house...when he can go to the next town and rob someone who is defenseless?

Being armed is a deterrent to crime. And whenever a government has taken the arms away from the people, genocide has usually resulted. In both the Old and New testaments, God's people were armed, and nothing is spoken negatively about them being armed. They might be chastised for how they use those arms, and they may also be blessed for using arms, but having arms in and of itself is not good or evil.

 

[Thomas (With out a doubt)]

Bearing arms is consistent with the lessons of scripture. Instruments of defense should be dispersed throughout the nation, not concentrated in the hands of the central government. In a Godly country, righteousness governs each man through the Holy Spirit working within. The government has no cause to want a monopoly of force; the government that desires such a monopoly is a threat to the lives, liberty, and property of its citizens.

The assumption that only danger can result from people’s carrying guns is used to justify the government’s having a monopoly of force. The notion that the people cannot be trusted to keep and bear their own arms informs us that ours, like the time of Solomon, may be one of great riches, but is also a time of peril to free people. If Christ is not our King, we shall have a dictator to rule over us, just as Samuel warned.

The late Francis Schaeffer put it this way:

"The Bible is clear here: I am to love my neighbor as myself, in the manner needed, in a practical way, in the midst of the fallen world, at my particular point of history. This is why I am not a pacifist. Pacifism in this poor world in which we live - this lost world - means that we desert the people who need our greatest help. I come upon a big, burly man beating a tiny tot to death. I plead with him to stop. Suppose he refuses? What does love mean now? Love means that I stop him in any way I can, including hitting him. To me this is not only necessary for showing love to our fellow man: it is loyalty to Christ's commands concerning love in a fallen world. What about the little girl? If I desert her to the bully, I have deserted the true meaning of God's love - responsibility to my neighbor."

J. P. Moreland and Norman Geisler likewise say the following:

"To permit murder when one could have prevented it is morally wrong. To allow a rape when one could have hindered it is an evil. To watch an act of cruelty to children without trying to intervene is morally inexcusable. In brief, not resisting evil is an evil of omission, and an evil of omission can be just as evil as an evil of commission. Any man who refuses to protect his wife and children against a violent intruder fails them morally."

We affirm, then, that Scripture allows followers of Christ to use force for self-defense against crime and injustice. If self-defense is scripturally justifiable, so long as it is conducted without unnecessary violence. Gun ownership, for the purpose of self-defense against criminals and tyrannical governments, is a God-given duty. Men are commanded to protect the weak (Psalm 82:4, Proverbs 24:11) and their households (Exodus 22:1-2). Even God's holy angels carried swords with them (Numbers 22:23,31, 1 Chronicles 21:16,27,30).

Taking guns away from godly people is not the solution to our crime problem. People have been violent and murderous since the beginning of time (remember Cain and Abel?). Guns are not the problem, people are. The Scripture tells us that the heart of man is exceedingly wicked and will be the cause of all manner of evil, whether or not guns are around. Our job in America should not be to strip honest citizens of their firearms, but rather to fulfill the Great Commission and let God change their wicked hearts.

The Lord's will is found in His word. No where has God revealed to us that we should disarm while living in the land. However, you will find where God has revealed that weapons control is the practice of tyrants (1 Samuel 13:19-22). Scripture shows us that man has the right and duty to protect himself and his loved ones from those who would threaten to take it away. We are not advocating that one kill an aggressor, but it deters criminals, for sure.

If one chooses not to be armed, that is fine. But my point is that, as stewards of God's gifts, we are to take care of them. And we are to take care of our family. For example, if you look at the criminal acts in Kennesaw, Georgia, you will see that there has been virtually no crime in that city. Every citizen is armed. Robbers want to steal things, they don't want to lose their life...so why would a robber steal from an armed house...when he can go to the next town and rob someone who is defenseless?

Being armed is a deterrent to crime. And whenever a government has taken the arms away from the people, genocide has usually resulted. In both the Old and New testaments, God's people were armed, and nothing is spoken negatively about them being armed. They might be chastised for how they use those arms, and they may also be blessed for using arms, but having arms in and of itself is not good or evil.

Without ammunition, a gun is no more than a cudgel. The so often quoted second amendment about the right of people that might be needed to form regulated militia, to therefore "Keep and bear arms", does not mention guns or ammunition.
As Christians, we are Armed with the Holy Spirit against the works of satan.

 

[Thomas (With out a doubt)]

How should a Christian view gun control?

The recent shootings across the United States have caused much heartache. The senseless and tragic incidents have also renewed the intensity of discussion regarding American gun laws. Politicians, sportsmen, and theologians have all weighed in on the issue of gun control. Guns are readily available in the U.S., and ownership is protected by the Constitution. How should a Christian view gun control? What does the Bible have to say that would apply to gun control?

The Bible was written long before the invention of any type of gun, so the phrase “gun control” will not be found in Scripture. However, the Bible records many accounts of wars, battles, and the use of weapons. Warfare is presented as an inevitable part of living in a fallen world (Mark 13:7; James 4:1), and weaponry is a necessary part of warfare. Weapons in the Bible were also used for personal protection. In some parts of Israel, robbers were common (see Luke 10:30), and many people carried weapons when they traveled. Carrying a weapon for self-defense is never condemned in the Bible. In fact, it was mentioned in a positive light by Jesus Himself on one occasion (Luke 22:35-38).

Christians are called to submit to governing authorities, and they are to obey the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). This would have to apply to gun laws, too. If American gun laws change, American Christians should submit to these changes and work through democratic means toward any desired alternatives. The Bible does not forbid the possession of weapons, and neither does it command such possession. Laws may come and go, but the goal of the believer in Jesus Christ remains the same: to glorify the Lord (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Another biblical principle to consider is that “all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). Jesus said this to Peter when Peter tried to mount an imprudent “defense” of Jesus against the mob that had come to arrest Him. Peter’s actions were not only futile against such a “large crowd armed with swords and clubs” (verse 47), but his rash behavior also belied Jesus’ submissive attitude (verse 50) and worked against the fulfillment of Scripture (verse 54). There is “a time for war and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:8), and Peter confused the two.

Christianity supports personal freedom. Romans 14:1-4 indicates that, when Scripture does not clearly address a particular issue, there is freedom for individual choice. America has historically embraced the concept of personal freedom that resonates with this principle, and the founding documents guarantee wide freedoms regarding firearms. Some point to Matthew 5:9, in which Jesus pronounces a blessing on the peacemakers, and apply it to the issue of gun control. The idea is that guns are antithetical to peace. This may be more of a philosophical or political idea than a theological one, however. There is nothing theologically, or even logically, that links guns to a lack of peace; sometimes, guns help maintain civil peace.

Debates over whether to control guns or how much to control them depend largely on political and philosophical arguments, not moral ones. This is not to say that there is no moral component to the issue. Obviously, the gun itself is amoral, an object that can be used for good or for evil. More important is the morality of the person wielding the gun, and that is too often the missing consideration in the gun control argument. The fact that some sinners use guns to commit sin does not mean guns are the problem. Sin is the problem, and that’s a moral and spiritual issue. Since the very beginning of humanity, people have been killing other people, with and without weapons (see Genesis 4). Taking a certain weapon out of circulation might make murder more difficult but by no means impossible.

As far as the Bible is concerned, the use of guns is a matter of personal conviction. There is nothing unspiritual about owning a gun or knowing how to use one. There is nothing wrong with protecting oneself or loved ones, even if it involves the use of weapons. We need not pretend there is never a need for guns, but pointing a gun at a person should always be a last resort. We should seek to neutralize threats without violence whenever possible.

So, how should a Christian view gun control? With the authority God has entrusted to it, the government has the right to allow or disallow gun ownership to whatever degree it deems right. We, as citizens, are called to submit to whatever gun control laws the government institutes. This is not, however, a statement on the wisdom of gun control. There are good reasons to allow law-abiding citizens to own guns. Ultimately, guns are not the problem. Sinful people are the problem.

How should a Christian view gun control? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian view gun control / the second amendment? What does the Bible have to say that would apply to gun control?

www.gotquestions.org

 

[PearlB]

I'm glad I live in the UK where people are not allowed or encouraged to own guns. Obviously there are gun clubs and shooting for sport and also obviously some people - mostly men I would think - gain access to them illegally. But our police on the street are not armed with guns and people are not allowed to carry them in public either.

 

[Brother-Paul]

The Bible says nothing about guns, it has been said. But the Bible does class the sword as a weapon, spiritual and physical Therefore to say the Bible says nothing about guns is like saying a nuclear bomb is acceptable, they too are made as a means of trying to prevent an attack, self defence, but let's be clear those in control of them would use them if they felt threatened.

If you do not have a gun you cannot use it, if you have a gun you are more liable to use it, just as you would with the sword.

Jesus says does he not, love one another as I have over you. Love your neighbour as yourself (even if they have a sword, a gun, or a missile). If someone hits your right cheek offer the left also, in other words don't respond to the attacker.

I feel, we live in the age we do and are influenced by the things of today, our ancestors had guns, it as become accepted, we must have guns. Those with guns have, I feel, come to rely on them, as self defence they say. That to me is the deceiver of souls at work.

Why do people need guns? Why do they think they need guns? To me I see one reason and it is not self defence, it is FEAR! It is the same reason countries have highly soffisticated killing machines, weapons and bombs. It is FEAR!

Now the Bible has a lot to say about fear. Where does fear come from, the devil.

The Bible says, does it not... FEAR NOT!

I feel I do not need to add scripture to any of the above, we all know them, they are quoted or read almost every day.

To add a little more regarding the subject, we know in these latter days, there will be wars and rumours of wars, there will be a hardening of hearts, children will be disobedient against their parent's, and much more. Not once in any of the prophesied warnings do I see instructions or guidance to take up arms, in fact what I read is the total opposite.

Love one another as I have loved you.

Thou shalt not kill.

It does not say, except in self defence, it clearly says, 'THOU SHALT NOT KILL'. So why would we need a gun?

My Faith is in The Word, I am sure we all have the same Bible, though we may have different translations.

Shalom

 

[Anthony Kyle]

So many Christians against guns it's weird. Do you not realize that God calls warriors, we live in a fallen world. War , killing, crime, it's all here. Read the old testament it's full of war and there's plenty of examples of God commanding Godly warriors to kill the enemies. Guns are here, just because you outlaw them or say it's wrong to have them will do nothing to prevent crime. Criminals don't obey the law, you think they care about gun laws? I would rather have my guns and never need them than to need them and not have them. Anyone remember the church shooting in Texas that was stopped because a good samaritan had a gun and was able to stop the shooter ? Probably not because the media won't show you the good guys with guns. If you don't believe in guns, that's fine, don't buy one. But don't try to take them away from good people. The time may come where you may be thankful that you're neighbor is a gun owner.
And if you're reading this in english and not german, it's because guns we're one of the main tools that stopped hitler from conquering the world.

 

[Brother-Paul]

Greetings Anthony,

I know it is a controversial subject, but Christians do not belong to the world, we are in the world for a period but do not belong to it, and should not confirm to it.

You are saying, if you felt you had to use a gun you would kill someone. Sorry but we are told, 'Thou shalt not kill.'

People have guns to protect themselves, people have guns to protect their possessions, they are but worldly items my friend. People have guns because they fear someone else will have them and would shoot them first, if possible, should they feel threatened. It is 'FEAR'

Jesus turned over the money changers tables, ask yourself, What would Jesus do if he walked in a place of worship today and saw guns there?
Would he say, never mind I understand? I think not.

Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 5:22
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Luke 12:5
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

 

[Anthony Kyle]

Greetings Anthony,

I know it is a controversial subject, but Christians do not belong to the world, we are in the world for a period but do not belong to it, and should not confirm to it.

You are saying, if you felt you had to use a gun you would kill someone. Sorry but we are told, 'Thou shalt not kill.'

People have guns to protect themselves, people have guns to protect their possessions, they are but worldly items my friend. People have guns because they fear someone else will have them and would shoot them first, if possible, should they feel threatened. It is 'FEAR'

Jesus turned over the money changers tables, ask yourself, What would Jesus do if he walked in a place of worship today and saw guns there?
Would he say, never mind I understand? I think not.

Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 5:22
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Luke 12:5
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

I'm replying peacefully and respectfully, I say this because you can't really read someone's tone of voice online , but in all respect. Does this mean you are against war ? As in the sense you would not defend your county ? Your family ? What about the millions of Christians who have fought in war to defend the freedom we are blessed with in places like America? If war came to your home town would you not take up guns and fight for your home and family? What about if someone breaks into your house and threatens you and your family ? Would you just let them kill you or would you fight back ? I hope none of us is ever in these situations, but if we are, it would be a good thing to have a gun.

What about hunting ? Are you against hunting with guns ? If so you should probably give up eating meat completely as hunting wild animals with a gun or bow is one of the most humane way of killing.

Also how do you explain all the Godly warriors who killed in the old testament? If they had guns back then I'm pretty sure they would of used them.

Again I'm asking you respectfully and not trying to sound rude.

 

[Brother-Paul]

Greeting Anthony

Thank you for your message and kind comments, we post in his love my friend, even if we may disagree. I do not get involved in slagging matches or similar, we are to love one another as Christ loves us.

Yes I am against war my friend, though it is a wicked world. I would not go to war, I would not kill anyone. No I would not under any circumstances take up a gun let alone use it. He who fights with the sword should expect to die by the sword, or any other weapon.

As you say in the OT there were many wars mentioned, in the NT we only have the warning of wars and rumours of wars and the destruction of Jerusalem mentioned. We must never forget, although the OT is interwoven into the NT, Jesus came to correct the wrong thinking of the Jews from the OT. Sometimes it is easy to take the OT as Gospel, and not look at what Jesus said and condemned or gave correction to past thinking.

As Christians, we are followers of Christ, our Saviour, Our Lord. We accept what is written in the OT, unless it has been clearly stated in the NT the past thinking or ways were wrong.

e.g. All the teachings and corrections given to the Pharisees and Sadducees by our Lord. The fact Moses allowed a certificate of divorce, the thinking of a man and woman having sex are married because through the act they are one body. There are may examples, it would be wrong to discuss them here as the topic discussion would be affected.

I believe in what I said above which is from scripture...

Matthew 10:28
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 5:22
But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

Luke 12:5
But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

If a person takes up arms, of any kind, to defend themselves and try save their life, at the risk of killing another person, they are more concerned of the earthly life than being with Jesus for eternity.

Hard for some to accept Anthony, I appreciate that, but Jesus gave us clear guidance, he gave us clear instructions, he gave us clear warnings, he gave us prophesies of what is to come, but the only armour I see we should take up is the Spiritual armour, the Whole Armour of God.

Shalom my friend

 

[Brother-Paul]

What about hunting ? Are you against hunting with guns ? If so you should probably give up eating meat completely as hunting wild animals with a gun or bow is one of the most humane way of killing.

Sorry I missed replying to this statement.

Man has dominion over the animals and birds, scripture tells us clearly. They are to be food for man, but they should be killed in a humane manner.

Let us not forget many animals were killed for sacrifices too.

We must not compare killing animals with killing human beings. Scripture is clear on this also.

Killing animals for food is acceptable, killing animals for their ivory, for sport, or in cruel ways is not acceptable.

I believe 'Killing for sport' is an excuse to use a gun, though this can go further and become more cruel such as using hounds to kill foxes.

 

[Anthony Kyle]

Sorry I missed replying to this statement.

Man has dominion over the animals and birds, scripture tells us clearly. They are to be food for man, but they should be killed in a humane manner.

Let us not forget many animals were killed for sacrifices too.

We must not compare killing animals with killing human beings. Scripture is clear on this also.

Killing animals for food is acceptable, killing animals for their ivory, for sport, or in cruel ways is not acceptable.

I believe 'Killing for sport' is an excuse to use a gun, though this can go further and become more cruel such as using hounds to kill foxes.

I agree completely that killing for sport is wrong. As with the gun issue , I respectfully disagree with you. But that's ok, as long as your not trying to ban guns from law abiding citizens then I have no problem with you. Thanks for the conversation. I hope this came out respectfully and not rude.

 

[PearlB]

So many Christians against guns it's weird. Do you not realize that God calls warriors, Guns are here, just because you outlaw them or say it's wrong to have them will do nothing to prevent crime. Criminals don't obey the law, you think they care about gun laws? I would rather have my guns and never need them than to need them and not have them. Anyone remember the church shooting in Texas that was stopped because a good samaritan had a gun and was able to stop the shooter ? Probably not because the media won't show you the good guys with guns. If you don't believe in guns, that's fine, don't buy one. But don't try to take them away from good people. The time may come where you may be thankful that you're neighbor is a gun owner.
And if you're reading this in english and not german, it's because guns we're one of the main tools that stopped hitler from conquering the world.

We are meant to be prayer warriors or spiritual warriors but unarmed except for the weapons of warfare that God gives us. It is fear that makes people want to own guns and the bible tells so many times 'Do not fear'. I think it's 365 times. Do we trust God to protect us or do we take matters into our own hands in the form of guns? We are also told in the bible 'do not kill' but it seems that some Christians are prepared to do just that and justify their ownership of powerful weapons. The more guns are allowed and legal the more gun crime there will be. Make it illegal to even carry a gun.

 

[PearlB]

I agree completely that killing for sport is wrong. As with the gun issue , I respectfully disagree with you. But that's ok, as long as your not trying to ban guns from law abiding citizens then I have no problem with you. Thanks for the conversation. I hope this came out respectfully and not rude.

I respectfully disagree with you as I would definitely try to ban guns even from law abiding citizens so you might have a problem with me.

 

[Brother-Paul]

I agree completely that killing for sport is wrong. As with the gun issue , I respectfully disagree with you. But that's ok, as long as your not trying to ban guns from law abiding citizens then I have no problem with you. Thanks for the conversation. I hope this came out respectfully and not rude.

Greetings Anthony,

We respectfully disagree, I have no problems with that, we are to do all things in love. Hence my reasoning.

But with respect my friend, I say this in love also, it is wrong to tag a statement to your comment as you have just done... But that's ok, as long as your not trying to ban guns from law abiding citizens then I have no problem with you.

I respect your opinion Anthony, but do not accept your final comment, which is basically saying, you would have a problem with me if I was to vote against guns!
If I disagree, as I have stated, given the option to vote, I would vote against guns, for all the reasons stated.

We are to live in peace at all times, even when your enemy threatens us.

Shalom

 

[backNforth]

Without ammunition, a gun is no more than a cudgel. The so often quoted second amendment about the right of people that might be needed to form regulated militia, to therefore "Keep and bear arms", does not mention guns or ammunition.
As Christians, we are Armed with the Holy Spirit against the works of satan.

Exodus 22:2-3, "If a thief be found breaking up, and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him. If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be blood shed for him; for he should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft."

One conclusion which can be drawn from this is that a threat to our life is to be met with lethal force. After "the sun has risen" seems to refer to a different judgment than the one permitted at night. At night it is more difficult to discern whether the intruder is a thief or a murderer. Furthermore, the nighttime makes it more difficult to defend oneself and to avoid killing the thief at the same time. During the daytime, it had better be clear that one’s life was in danger, otherwise, defense becomes vengeance, and that belongs in the hand of the magistrate.

Proverbs 25:26, "...it is unseemly for a righteous man to fall before an ungodly man."

Certainly, we would be falling before the wicked if we chose to be unarmed and unable to resist an assailant who might be threatening our life. In other words, we have no right to hand over our life, which is a gift from God, to the unrighteous. It is a serious mistake to equate a civilized society with one in which the decent people are doormats for the evil to trample on.

Resisting an attack is not to be confused with taking vengeance, which is the exclusive domain of God (Romans 12:19). This has been delegated to the magistrate:

Romans 13:4, "For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."

Private vengeance means one would stalk down a criminal after one’s life is no longer in danger as opposed to defending oneself during an attack. It is this very point that has been confused by Christian pacifists who would take the passage in the Sermon on the Mount about turning the other cheek (which prohibits private vengeance) into a command to fall before the wicked.

Let us consider also that the Sixth Commandment tells us: "Thou shall not murder." In the chapters following, God gave to Moses many of the situations which require a death penalty. God clearly has not told us never to kill. He has told us not to murder, which means we are not to take an innocent life. Consider also that the magistrate is to be a terror to those who practice evil. This passage does not, in any way, imply that the role of law enforcement is to prevent crimes or to protect individuals from criminals. The magistrate is a minister to serve as "a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil" (Romans 13:4).

This point is reflected in the legal doctrine of the United States. Repeatedly, courts have held that the government has no responsibility to provide individual security. One case (Bowers v. DeVito) put it this way: "[T]here is no constitutional right to be protected by the state against being murdered."

Another question asked by bondservants of Christ is, "Doesn’t having a gun imply a lack of trust that God will take care of us?" Indeed, God will take care of us. He has also told us that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15).

Those who trust God work for a living, knowing that 1 Timothy 5:8 tells us: "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." For a man not to work, yet expect to eat because he is "trusting God" would actually be to defy God.

King David wrote in Psalm 46:1 that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." This did not conflict with praising the God, "Which teaches my hands to war and my fingers to fight" (Psalm 144:1).

The doctrine of Scripture is that we prepare and work, but we trust the outcome to God. Those who trust God should also make adequate provision for their own defense even as we are instructed in the passages cited above. For a man to refuse to provide adequately for his and his family’s defense would be to defy God.

There is an additional concern to taking the position that "I don’t need to arm myself; God will protect me." At one point, when Jesus was in the wilderness, he was tempted to throw Himself off the top of the temple. The reasoning was that God’s angels would protect Him. "Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (Matthew 4:7).

It may seem pious to say that one is trusting in God for protection—and we all must—but it is tempting God if we do not take the measures He has laid out for us in scripture. God gave us a brain, and common sense, we should use both. Whether it be locking our doors, wearing a seatbelt, wearing a bullet proof vest or making use of any of the other things mankind has developed to make man safer; we should make use of these things, and not tempt the Lord.

Do I tempt His will by not providing for my own safety? Should an electrician wear the safety equipment that would protect his life (lanyards, insulated gloves, safety glasses), or is this tempting God? Is this a demonstration of his lack of faith in God's Word? If someone works in the wilderness for the forestry department, and carries a gun while installing pipes and wires in the event that a rattle snake comes upon him, does this constitute a lapse in faith? When our valiant soldiers were using their guns to destroy the Nazi (I am purposely not using the word "German" here because it was not only Germans who made up the Nazi forces [there were other ethnicity's], and not all Germans were a part of the Nazi regime), forces that were trying to enslave the whole world in W.W.II ...was that a lack of faith on our part as a nation or as individuals?

Bottom line: I do believe that my God is big enough to protect me until my purpose here on earth is complete. I also believe that I should not tempt the Lord by ignoring tools that are available to make my life safer.

 

[Brother-Paul]

Ephesians 6:10-20

Proverbs 3:5-7

Joshua 1:9

1 Cor 16:13

2 Cor 5:7

James 1:6

Shalom.

 

[JerryfromMass]

Common sense gun control is appropriate, but the problem begins when the definition of "common sense" is left to an extremist on one end or the other. The essence of any reasonable common sense gun control is compromise. However, I will say, many so-called activists for gun control overstate tgeir case simply by the appearance of a firearm. No one is allowed a fully automatic firearm, and no one is allowed other military grade weaponry. More needs to be done by both federal and local law enforcement on illegally possessed firearms.

As soldiers of Christ our weapon is the Word of God, but we should never turn our back or walk away when we see another in the throes of attempted murder or turn a blind eye to government tyranny or evil rule. We must be willing to fight to the death if need be as long as our cause is just. Therefore, all Christians should take up arms when the time requires it.

Blessings.

 

[Brother-Paul]

Spiritual arms yes.

Eph 6:10-20

Shalom