Should Christians own guns?

[Furious_Love]

Bless you Brothers and Sisters.

I would like to thank those who have contributed to this topic. I have learned a great deal concerning the use of violence and weapons; be it for survival and self-defence. I greatly appreciate your input as I feel I need to re-read your posts over again.

When I was young I lived in a rough part of town where violence and self defence was a necessity just to get by. If I got a beating in a fight I would also get a beating from my dad for losing the fight. So my aim if needed was not to start a fight and yet would be on the end of others wanting to fight me; my sisters even joined in so I would not get a beating from my dad.

I think I may have carried this in my Christian walk. I do believe we are warriors in Christ and needed confirmation I was not far from my roots. To those who have given scripture I thank you, to those who have spoken to me personally, I thank you.

I wish I had all the answers and want to thank my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who have endeavoured to point me in the right direction.

I do believe we live in a war for our souls and minds that spill over into the Physical World we live in. I believe I may have lost track of that and have become weak in my fight. I so much appreciate your words of encouragement and the use of scripture.

If you feel you would like to add more to this topic then feel free to do so you have my blessings.

Thankyou.
Fallen

 

[David777]

Hello fallen.

You did not live in Sydneys west by any chance?

That is one rough place.

Here is something I tumbled upon not so long ago, I do not remember who wrote it. Have a read and tell me what you think.

I have seen Satan beat up more Christians than I care to admit. Countless believers are living in defeat because they have been deceived. The enemy has deceived them and caused them to believe and live a lie. If we allow deception to take hold, strongholds can then be formed in our minds. Strongholds are incorrect thinking patterns based on falsehood. Demonic spirits love to use these strongholds to their advantage against a child of God. Strongholds have tremendous power to affect our feelings and emotions. Many blood-bought children of God Almighty feel guilt-ridden and worthless because they don't see themselves they way they ought to. Many Christians feel unloved and not good enough to be accepted by God because they see Him wrongly. Their perception of Him has been damaged and causes them to see Him as a distant and cruel taskmaster instead of a close loving Father who longs (deeply desires) to have an intimate loving relationship with them!

2 Corinthians 11:3, "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."

 

[SpiritLedEd]

I do believe we are warriors in Christ and needed confirmation I was not far from my roots

When we come into relationship with Christ and his Spirit comes into our lives, some "roots" need to be uprooted and replaced by Godly principles.

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. All this is from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ...." (2 Cor 5:17-18)

SLE

 

[Chad]

When we come into relationship with Christ and his Spirit comes into our lives, some "roots" need to be uprooted and replaced by Godly principles.

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. All this is from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ...." (2 Cor 5:17-18)

SLE

Absolutely excellent point brother Ed.

Let's us keep in ind the fact that how we "were raised" and whatever the culture is, is not relevant to what is proper and improper according to GOD. Just because you were raised a certain way and just because something is part of your culture doesn't make it right.

 

[Peace Seeker]

I would just like to add that whether or not you think a Christian - or anyone - should own a firearm, you should all guard your 2nd amendment rights to own them. You have no idea how precious that right is until you lose that right, or live in a country that doesn't have those rights.

 

[CircleOfFriends]

I would just like to add that whether or not you think a Christian - or anyone - should own a firearm, you should all guard your 2nd amendment rights to own them. You have no idea how precious that right is until you lose that right, or live in a country that doesn't have those rights.

I know people of many beliefs who own guns. The 2nd amendment is just as important as the first

 

[Brother Mike]

Guns, no Guns.

You did not live in Sydneys west by any chance?

That is one rough place.

3 murders on my block alone one summer (few years ago when we could not afford a nice neighborhood. In the summer you could hear the gunfire at night, reports of the dead (sometimes) next morning. Seems they stay in when it gets real cold out.

The lock on our door busted, only white family on the whole block.

I have been to prison also, bunked in a cell with a murderer. Lord got me out of 3 very serious situations. Just walked away.

My experience is that where your at does not matter. Just because you can see death and danger all around in the Natural does not mean your not perfectly safe.

Let me tell you something, You are in grave danger sitting at home in the best neighborhood, watching TV. If you are not where God told you to be, not following the Plan of God, not checking in with the Holy Spirit about where your going, or planing to do, living in disobedience.

The curse shall not come on you for no reason, Satan has to have a place to murder you.

If you give that bone head entrance to your life, there is no gun, no wall, no barrier of protection that can keep you safe from him.

There is enough bacteria living in your body right now to kill you many times over. Now think of all the stupid and seemingly harmless things people have died from, and just thank God for his grace and mercy that your still here.

Gun, no Gun, always be led by the Holy Spirit. There may be a time to pack and carry, and a time to go without. BE LED ALWAYS.

Jesus Is Lord.

 

[HumbledByGrace]

There would never have been a "United States of America" if Christians did not own "arms".. Infact we would have totally lost the War of 1812 if it wasn't for civilians with Cannons that took back New Orleans. There were city ordinances in Boston that told people to make sure there mortars were unloaded when they were within city limits... America has a pretty strong self defence culture.

There is nothing wrong with defending yourself, your family and your country. There is a difference between murder and self defence.

 

[Boanerges]

I am all for owning guns.
Luk 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

 

[DutchChristian]

I am all for owning guns.
Luk 22:36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

i'm against it because we should pray for our enemies and not cut their ear of in the physical, not even to speak about shooting someone with a gun! if you try to save your life you will lose it, if you life by the sword you will die by the sword.

Matthew 26:52
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

 

[Peace Seeker]

i'm against it because we should pray for our enemies

and not cut their ear of in the physical, not even to speak about shooting someone with a gun! if you try to save your life you will lose it, if you life by the sword you will die by the sword.

Matthew 26:52
Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

Maybe you don't have violent crime where you live! And are you serious that if someone in your family was being harmed you wouldn't help them, but would only pray? I think praying for your enemies is more along the lines of for their salvation and that God will have mercy on their souls, like Stephen did while he was being stoned. On the other hand, what Christian in his right mind would only pray while an armed gunman was in his home threatening the lives of his children and wife?

God has hardwired self defense and the strong will to live in all of His creation, from the smallest creature right up to us, and as such it is right and good to preserve and protect life. Guns save innocent lives many times every day; and self-defense is not "living by the sword", it is criminals that live by the sword.

If my wife is being raped or violently mugged by some thug, my duty is to protect and try to save her, even if it costs me my life. Any praying I would be doing would be that my wife comes out unharmed.

"Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it". This says to me that praying for, instead of helping a victim is an act of cowardice, an act that says, "this is a dangerous situation that might get me hurt, so you take care of it, God!"So doing nothing but praying is an attempt to save your own life.............pass the buck to God because you might get hurt.

So, as in the passage in James, praying for, or bidding well to someone does nothing if you don't actually do anything about it!

James 2:15-17
15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Using a gun to protect and save the innocent is better than doing nothing but saying, "be thou protected" and walking away.

 

[DutchChristian]

Maybe you don't have violent crime where you live! And are you serious that if someone in your family was being harmed you wouldn't help them, but would only pray? I think praying for your enemies is more along the lines of for their salvation and that God will have mercy on their souls, like Stephen did while he was being stoned. On the other hand, what Christian in his right mind would only pray while an armed gunman was in his home threatening the lives of his children and wife?

God has hardwired self defense and the strong will to live in all of His creation, from the smallest creature right up to us, and as such it is right and good to preserve and protect life. Guns save innocent lives many times every day; and self-defense is not "living by the sword", it is criminals that live by the sword.

If my wife is being raped or violently mugged by some thug, my duty is to protect and try to save her, even if it costs me my life. Any praying I would be doing would be that my wife comes out unharmed.

"Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it". This says to me that praying for, instead of helping a victim is an act of cowardice, an act that says, "this is a dangerous situation that might get me hurt, so you take care of it, God!"So doing nothing but praying is an attempt to save your own life.............pass the buck to God because you might get hurt.

So, as in the passage in James, praying for, or bidding well to someone does nothing if you don't actually do anything about it!

James 2:15-17
15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Using a gun to protect and save the innocent is better than doing nothing but saying, "be thou protected" and walking away.

Where is your faith?

your gun won't help you only GOD Can Help you! God Can prevent any armed robber from bothering your house in the first place!

 

[stephen]

And should they be used against others to defend yourself. If you are a police officer how does that fit in with your Christian Ideals. Do you use them to hunt or for fun or protection. If you own one why do you have it or them?

I refused to take part in a shooting range because deep down I felt it was wrong as a Christian. I would like other opinions on this please. Maybe I am being wrong in my assumptions. Yet I know Thou shalt not kill resonates within me. Guns are made for killing. If as Christians you have a gun what justification do you have in owning one?

Thanks in advance

I would feel so insecure were the folks around me carrying 'guns' Dear Lord.

I would question if these 'guns' were carried regularly...or for shooting occasions?

 

[kamiller1972]

Have to put in my couple o' cents here. I have kids and my husband is a truck driver which means he is not home very often. If it ever came down to it, YES, I would shoot an intruder...I have two almost grown boys (who could probably handle their own) and a 10 year-old. Doesn't matter though, I would risk everything if ever their lives were put in danger due to a reckless individual and his need to reek havoc in peoples lives.

 

[El Hombre viejo]

Where is your faith?

your gun won't help you only GOD Can Help you! God Can prevent any armed robber from bothering your house in the first place!

Whoa!! Where is his faith?!! Its in action. Its NOT faith to sit on your hands and do nothing. Love protects. Its not love to watch your family get killed or hurt and do nothing but watch. Or did you forget?

Faith worketh by love.
Faith without works is dead (not faith)

 

[El Hombre viejo]

Guns

Actually this is another rabbit trail. If you knew GOD you would know that there is a time to be violent and a time for peace. GOD HIMSELF is not a lover of violence but has many times in the past said "Kill them all, their men women children camels cattle sheep and so on. There must always be a reason for the violence and protecting our loved ones is such a time. Read the WORD!!

This talk of Christian ideals indeed!! What does the WORD say?

 

[Peace Seeker]

Where is your faith?

your gun won't help you only GOD Can Help you! God Can prevent any armed robber from bothering your house in the first place!

So all the millions of gun owners are wrong and you're right?

And do you do absolutely nothing about anything in your life but instead wait for and expect God to do it all for you? You just pray about everything and do nothing? If someone is hungry do you feed him or pray for him? If someone is being violently assaulted should you help him or just pray for him while he is dying? And I think you missed one point about firearms, that in many cases being armed is a deterrent to crime in the first place. And in a lot of cases pulling out a firearm is enough to stop a crime in progress, with no need to actually fire the weapon, if that's what you have an aversion to.

Regarding "where is your faith?" : do you lock your car doors/house doors and windows?; do you have a smoke alarm in your home?; do you have first aid supplies in your home for when you cut yourself, etc.?
Do you put sunscreen on in the summer? If you have young kids, do you hold their hands when you're crossing a busy street? I hope you get my point!

You see, if you answered yes to any of these your reasons for doing any of those things are no different than the reasons the gun owner has for being armed. There are a million things we do every day to protect ourselves, but you think having a gun is somehow being unfaithful.

Where the people are unarmed there is tyranny and helplessness. And Ecclesiastes says there is a time for everything.............

 

[El Hombre viejo]

So all the millions of gun owners are wrong and you're right?

And do you do absolutely nothing about anything in your life but instead wait for and expect God to do it all for you? You just pray about everything and do nothing? If someone is hungry do you feed him or pray for him? If someone is being violently assaulted should you help him or just pray for him while he is dying? And I think you missed one point about firearms, that in many cases being armed is a deterrent to crime in the first place. And in a lot of cases pulling out a firearm is enough to stop a crime in progress, with no need to actually fire the weapon, if that's what you have an aversion to.

Regarding "where is your faith?" : do you lock your car doors/house doors and windows?; do you have a smoke alarm in your home?; do you have first aid supplies in your home for when you cut yourself, etc.?
Do you put sunscreen on in the summer? If you have young kids, do you hold their hands when you're crossing a busy street? I hope you get my point!

You see, if you answered yes to any of these your reasons for doing any of those things are no different than the reasons the gun owner has for being armed. There are a million things we do every day to protect ourselves, but you think having a gun is somehow being unfaithful.

Where the people are unarmed there is tyranny and helplessness. And Ecclesiastes says there is a time for everything.............

Ahh I see now. DutchChristian is a baby Christian. He's still in love with all the world. We'll let him get some WORD into him and grow a little. Then he'll see that he cannot sit on his hands while the world burns around him. He'll see that he has to do in order to serve.

 

[Peace Seeker]

I would feel so insecure were the folks around me carrying 'guns' Dear Lord.

I would question if these 'guns' were carried regularly...or for shooting occasions?

About feeling insecure around gun-carriers, for me the important issue wouldn't be the guns but the type of people carrying them. People of good character aren't trigger-happy or wont to do crime or harm to someone for no reason, like criminal types are. So rather than worry about law-abiding gun-owners, if I was to worry about something it would be being unarmed and defenseless in an immoral and lawless society run amok.

 

[lawrenceb]

gun control = hitting what you're aiming at

The underlying argument for gun control seems to be that the availability of guns causes crime. By extension, the availability of any weapon would have to be viewed as a cause of crime. What does scripture say about such a view?

Perhaps we should start at the beginning, or at least very close to the beginning—in Genesis 4. In this chapter, we read about the first murder. Cain had offered an unacceptable sacrifice and Cain was upset that God insisted that he do the right thing. In other words, Cain was peeved that he could not do his own thing.

Cain decided to kill his brother rather than get right with God. There were no guns available, although there may well have been a knife. Whether it was a knife or a rock, scripture does not say. The point is, the evil in Cain’s heart was the cause of the murder, not the availability of the murder weapon.

God’s response was not to ban rocks or knives, or whatever, but to banish the murderer (or institute capital punishment - Genesis 9:5-6). God never said a word about banning weapons.

Many people, Christians included, assume that Christ taught pacifism. They cite Matthew 5:38-39 for their proof. In this verse Christ said:

Matthew 5:38-39 KJV, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."

We do not believe Christ was teaching to "turn the other cheek" in virtually all circumstances. Even Christ did not literally turn the other cheek when smitten by a member of the Sanhedrin (John 18:22-23), or when struck on the face by the palms of the Roman guards (Matthew 26:67-68, Mark 14:65, Luke 22:64).

The Sermon on the Mount, from which this passage is taken, deals with righteous personal conduct. In our passage, Christ is clearing up a confusion that had led people to think that conduct proper for the government—that is, taking vengeance—was also proper for an individual. The principle taught in the Sermon on the Mount is that bondservants of Christ should not retaliate when insulted or slandered (Romans 12:17-21). Such insults do not threaten a believer's personal safety. The question of rendering insult for insult, however, is a far cry from defending oneself against a mugger, or a woman using the martial arts against a rapist.

Even the choice of words used by Christ indicates that He was addressing a confusion, or a distortion, that was commonplace. Several times in the rest of the Sermon on the Mount, Christ used this same "Ye have heard that it hath been said" figure of speech to straighten out misunderstandings or falsehoods being taught by the religious leaders of the time.

Contrast this to Christ’s use of the phrase "It is written" or "The Scripture saith" when He was appealing to the Scriptures for authority (for example, see Matthew 4 where on three occasions during His temptation by the devil, Christ answered each one of the devil’s lies or misquotes from Scripture with the words: "it is written").

The reference to "an eye for an eye" was taken from Exodus 21:24-25, which deals with how the magistrate must deal with a crime. Namely, the punishment must fit the crime. The religious leaders of Christ’s day had twisted a passage that applied to the government and misused it as a principle of personal revenge.

Scripture distinguishes clearly between the duties of the magistrate (the government) and the duties of an individual. Namely, God has delegated to the magistrate the administration of justice. Individuals have the responsibility of protecting their lives from attackers. Christ was referring to this distinction in the Matthew 5 passage.

Both the Old and New Testaments teach individual self-defense, even if it means taking the assailant’s life in certain circumstances.