Christians, guns, and self-defense

S

Skipper

I don’t want to start a political debate so please leave that out of this discussion.

I don’t own any guns. I don’t mind if other people choose to own guns. I don’t hunt and would only consider a firearm for self-defense.

But should we, as Christians, look to firearms for self-defense? I keep going back and forth on this mainly because of Matthew 26:52. Having a gun for self-defense also seems counter to turning the other cheek.

So what are we to do?
 
Skipper said:
I don’t want to start a political debate so please leave that out of this discussion.

I don’t own any guns. I don’t mind if other people choose to own guns. I don’t hunt and would only consider a firearm for self-defense.

But should we, as Christians, look to firearms for self-defense? I keep going back and forth on this mainly because of Matthew 26:52. Having a gun for self-defense also seems counter to turning the other cheek.

So what are we to do?
Click to expand...

I have always looked at turning the other cheek in regards to religious persecution.

Up until about a year ago, I didn't have a gun in the house, but with what's going on around the world, I need a way to defend my family if the need arises. It is in a biometric lockbox to keep it away from the kids and is not loaded. I actually took it out and shot with it once (need to do it more, but haven't had much time with all that has gone on in my life recently), but found that I am not a bad shot at all even with it not being sighted in.
 
Skipper said:
I don’t want to start a political debate so please leave that out of this discussion.

I don’t own any guns. I don’t mind if other people choose to own guns. I don’t hunt and would only consider a firearm for self-defense.

But should we, as Christians, look to firearms for self-defense? I keep going back and forth on this mainly because of Matthew 26:52. Having a gun for self-defense also seems counter to turning the other cheek.

So what are we to do?
Click to expand...

Hello Skipper;

Actually, you ask a great question. I feel that it's takes serious thought and decision by the individual. As a Christian we have prayed for years about owning a gun and for my wife and me, we didn't feel comfortable.

Matthew 26:52 talks about drawing the sword as an offense to a brother or sister.

In John 5:14, Jesus approves self defense. Would I die for my wife and family? It sounds scary, but yes I would!

In my prayers daily, what if someone breaks in our home and harms our family member, my wife and me? I may be naive, but God has always heard my prayers, protected my family in our home and will always make a way out for my family and me.

I have never owned a gun, only shot once, and was not very smart at it. When I held a 22 rifle during New Year's Eve overseas one year, I shot it straight up in the air, outdoors. Not good! It was 7pm, dark outside and I'm just glad it didn't land on someone's head. The neighborhood was outside celebrating with bbq, family, friends, etc...

Again, this takes serious thought and decision making by the individual, his or her family in owning a gun.
 
naomanos said:
I have always looked at turning the other cheek in regards to religious persecution.

Up until about a year ago, I didn't have a gun in the house, but with what's going on around the world, I need a way to defend my family if the need arises. It is in a biometric lockbox to keep it away from the kids and is not loaded. I actually took it out and shot with it once (need to do it more, but haven't had much time with all that has gone on in my life recently), but found that I am not a bad shot at all even with it not being sighted in.
Click to expand...
II tend to agree with how you look at the turning the other cheek. There is no biblically prohibition against self-defense.

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 still be accomplished in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’ For the things concerning Me have an end.” 38 So they said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.” Luke 22:36-38 (NKJV)
 
Skipper said:
I don’t want to start a political debate so please leave that out of this discussion.

I don’t own any guns. I don’t mind if other people choose to own guns. I don’t hunt and would only consider a firearm for self-defense.

But should we, as Christians, look to firearms for self-defense? I keep going back and forth on this mainly because of Matthew 26:52. Having a gun for self-defense also seems counter to turning the other cheek.

So what are we to do?
Click to expand...
Guns are a tool like a knife is a tool, a car is a tool, a phone is also. The question is: Do we have the blessing from God to defend ourselves and our loved ones. Turning the other cheek is for a slap, something demeaning or embarrassing. That doesn't pertain to a dangerous action against you or your loved ones.

Psalm 82:4 ESV​

Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

​

Romans 12:18 ESV​

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.


Romans verse says IF POSSIBLE, and so far as it depends on you..... If you have to use a gun, it is generally understood that the situation depends on the OTHER person.
 
naomanos said:
I have always looked at turning the other cheek in regards to religious persecution.

Up until about a year ago, I didn't have a gun in the house, but with what's going on around the world, I need a way to defend my family if the need arises. It is in a biometric lockbox to keep it away from the kids and is not loaded. I actually took it out and shot with it once (need to do it more, but haven't had much time with all that has gone on in my life recently), but found that I am not a bad shot at all even with it not being sighted in.
Click to expand...
Good morning. Ok, you will need to do better than this. Many people buy a weapon and, like you, take it one once and forget about it. You need to be familiar both with how it works and what to do if it does not.

I am assuming it is a handgun, but your comment that it is not "sighted in" is a bit confusing.

Good luck and be careful.

rtm
 
Hi, there, Skipper - the state that y'all live in ain't firearms friendly, as ya already know. But, let me just make a point, here. Look at scripture in 1 Timothy 5:8, "If any one does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his own family, he has disowned the faith and is worse than an unbeliever,"

Y'all have a godly responsibility to provide for and take care of your family. That includes protecting them from all harm, to the best of your ability.

Like Big Moose said, a firearm is just a piece of hardware to be used for a particular task; just like a hammer is for building things, a chain saw is for keeping wood in the fireplace and a car is for travel, a firearm is for putting food on the table and for protecting your family from those who would break in and steal your food. We all love our family members and will do what it takes to keep them safe. As a firearms owner, training and familiarization courses are necessary to remain proficient. That includes knowing the LAW and what y'all can and can not do to protect your family from criminals and harm. I live in a state that has a "Castle Doctrine" law - which means that we have the legal right here to use deadly force if somebody breaks into our home. We do not have to cower in a closet, but stand our ground in our 'castle'. The Castle Doctrines in most states is a deterrent to crime against individuals at home or in many states, in their car.

Y'all take care and may God bless.
 
Skipper said:
I don’t want to start a political debate so please leave that out of this discussion.

I don’t own any guns. I don’t mind if other people choose to own guns. I don’t hunt and would only consider a firearm for self-defense.

But should we, as Christians, look to firearms for self-defense? I keep going back and forth on this mainly because of Matthew 26:52. Having a gun for self-defense also seems counter to turning the other cheek.

So what are we to do?
Click to expand...
Luke 22:36 and Exodus 22:2 seem to support the concept of the validity of self defense. In Luke, Jesus advises his disciples to procure arms during the upcoming time of peril, and in Exodus, God frees from guilt a resident who finds he is a victim of home invasion and kills the invader in self defense. It appears that the Bible supports the concept of self defense, which may be accomplished through the use of weapons or physical combat.
 
rtm3039 said:
Good morning. Ok, you will need to do better than this. Many people buy a weapon and, like you, take it one once and forget about it. You need to be familiar both with how it works and what to do if it does not.

I am assuming it is a handgun, but your comment that it is not "sighted in" is a bit confusing.

Good luck and be careful.

rtm
Click to expand...

Oh I know.

I took my concealed weapons class in June and it was the first time that I shot it. Not sighted in means that when I shot my gun for the class, I didn't adjust the sights as I just needed to prove that I knew how to load it and shoot it.

This is also technically not my first gun. It is my first handgun, but I have had and shot rifles and shotguns before for hunting. I had to take a hunter's safety course before I could get my hunter's license.

I have handled the handgun for a while. I would take it out, pulled the slide back, put an empty magazine in, release said magazine, etc... I have only shot it once. As I said, I have had alot go on in my life, but I am fully aware of how to handle a handgun.
 
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naomanos said:
Oh I know.

I took my concealed weapons class in June and it was the first time that I shot it. Not sighted in means that when I shot my gun for the class, I didn't adjust the sights as I just needed to prove that I knew how to load it and shoot it.

This is also technically not my first gun. It is my first handgun, but I have had and shot rifles and shotguns before for hunting. I had to take a hunter's safety course before I could get my hunter's license.

I have handled the handgun for a while. I would take it out, pulled the slide back, put an empty magazine in, release said magazine, etc... I have only shot it once. As I said, I have had alot go on in my life, but I am fully aware of how to handle a handgun.
Click to expand...

OOOps......mods misssed one.

You said.........
"Not sighted in means that when I shot my gun for the class, I didn't adjust the sights as I just needed to prove that I knew how to load it and shoot it."

I am thinking that you might want to rephrase that comment just a little or delate it. Just saying.
 
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Skipper said:
I don’t want to start a political debate so please leave that out of this discussion.

I don’t own any guns. I don’t mind if other people choose to own guns. I don’t hunt and would only consider a firearm for self-defense.

But should we, as Christians, look to firearms for self-defense? I keep going back and forth on this mainly because of Matthew 26:52. Having a gun for self-defense also seems counter to turning the other cheek.

So what are we to do?
Click to expand...

Good question.

First, before I respond I should say that I was trained in the US Army Infantry and Artillery. I was shown and taught to shoot every weapon that you have heard of and even seen in movies up and including 155 MM howitzers. Then in combat in Vietnam I actually did use almost all of them at one time or another to protect both myself and my brothers in arms.

Luke 6:31.
"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

So then, should I own a gun and be prepared to protect myself and my family?

YES!

1 Timothy 5:8 ......
"Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

I believe 1 Timothy 5:8 refers not just to providing food and shelter for family members, but protection as well.

Just as you have a responsibility to know when to lay down your weapon, you also have the responsibility to know when to shoot. Each man or woman must decide in their own heart in what instances they will engage.

The Bible regularly talks about defending the innocent and caring for those in danger. This is a great responsibility, because if you engage an attacker, whether in your own home or out in public, you will have to live with that choice for the rest of your life.

If you decide to own a firearm, you must decide when you will and will not get involved in a situation, should it arise.

In Luke 22, Jesus gives a directive to his disciples that is used quite regularly in the gun debate. He states,

And He said to them, “When I sent you out without money belt and bag and sandals, you did not lack anything, did you?” They said, “No, nothing.” And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘And He was numbered with transgressors’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”
Click to expand...

Jesus was not instructing them to purchase swords as a means to become violent men. Jesus was instructing them to buy swords to stand ready to do violence should the time come to defend the innocent, their family, or their self.
 
Major said:
OOOps......mods misssed one.

You said.........
"Not sighted in means that when I shot my gun for the class, I didn't adjust the sights as I just needed to prove that I knew how to load it and shoot it."

I am thinking that you might want to rephrase that comment just a little or delate it. Just saying.
Click to expand...

Whoops! Yeah. I was on my phone. I'll correct it.

Edit: Too late for me to edit it. I give the mods the permission to change it from that to shot.
 
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I like tromping through the bush and filling the freezer and I enjoy sitting on the water trying to outsmart the fish but we are all different. It is not whether we do or don't.
I recall in morals & ethics the question was posed whether it was right for a mother to live imorally for the sake of providing for her children (that being the ONLY available option). Really that is a foolish question because scripture says that God will not put on us more than we can bear and He will always provide a way out - should it be the way. God is always 101% in control.
So owning a gun is not a scriptural requirement.
Is owning a gun a benefit???
We often think if I had such and such that would do it. Are the rich always happy and content? It doesn't matter where we find ourselves there are always enough variables for God to engineer His purpose. Is a owning a gun a benefit - if we are walking with Him then all things are lawful.
My response would be - if you want one go for it if you don't no need to fret.
 
Next time something like that makes it through, please just report it instead of requoting it three of four times so we are forced to edit multiple posts. It's like herding cats!
 
I lived by the sword before accepting Christ….and after that, I gave my merchandise away.

After about 15 years, when I felt I could handle it ….I acquired a handful of items …not really for protection, but because I found range time relaxing…..it’s something I enjoy, I’m good at, and I try to do it weekly.

I have turned the other cheek and walked the other way, contrary to what I would have done in the past, and it’s getting easier for me to do that. But I will stand my ground to protect my home, loved ones, and anyone who needs it …including myself should the situation arise.
 
The water gun I did have to defend against dogs broke because I left it out in the sun and it fried the plastic.

But I don't really need it because the neighbours dog moved away anyway.
It did kill one of our chickens though.

I'm not going to buy another one because as long as we keep the gate closed no dogs will get in. But it's also the dog owners responsibility to keep their dogs fenced in their property.

I think a better solution would be, if say we had new neighbours and they had a dog, is just to talk to them and say hey we have pets as well including chickens can you please make sure that your dog is fenced in.
 
Skipper said:
I don’t want to start a political debate so please leave that out of this discussion.

I don’t own any guns. I don’t mind if other people choose to own guns. I don’t hunt and would only consider a firearm for self-defense.

But should we, as Christians, look to firearms for self-defense? I keep going back and forth on this mainly because of Matthew 26:52. Having a gun for self-defense also seems counter to turning the other cheek.

So what are we to do?
Click to expand...
if it comes dawn to defending your family life yes
 
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