Should Christians Own Guns?

[Charles Sloan]

I know this discussion will instantly turn to hunting, so to squelch that this is not a discussion about owning guns for hunting or just recreational shooting; but for self defense or home defense. This is a serious question, something I have mentioned in the past I don't know where to stand.

With that said, should Christians own guns?

[zoonance]

I suppose that a variety of views will emerge:

A) Having a gun pointed at a bad guy may be enough to stop a violent act.  (Actually putting bullets in the gun leaves one open to investigation, true.) So owning a gun, even for this purpose, would just be a fascimile of it's potential

B) Christians should not own anything for self or home defense (guns, knives, clubs, mace, guard dogs, hired police stationed out front, etc.) only prayer.  Direct or indirect use of these proves that our faith in God to protect us is not strong.  Even hiring a policeman or using a dog to protect and defend only shifts the responsibility to others - leaving our own concience intact.

C) Guns don't kill people, people do.  Even if it is the bad guy suffering the consequences of a violent attack - a form of self killing as if he/she pulled the trigger themselves. 

D) No.

E) Yes.

[Charles Sloan]

I lean toward B and E, I'm sure you could understand my problem..

[Imabear]

If I were a good Mennonite, my answer would be close to B. 
Their reasoning behind that decision is a little different though.

They believe the commands do not kill, love your enemies, blessed are the peacemakers... even applies in cases like this.
Not that you don't take any action. 
Basically, God is in control.  He will protect and provide.

[Bon Voyage]

God sent Smith and Wesson and Mr. Remington or Sir Banelli to protect my house.

[RAMS]

Categorically, absolutely.

I have had a weapon since I was 6 years old: shooting my new .22 single shot Stevens as a gift from my daddy. Always carried a weapon on the ranch growing up, for bears, cougars, etc. Always carried an 870 12 gauge sawed off shotgun and 30-30 lever action, both in scabbards on the saddle.

Still carry 2, 12 gauge 870 Remington Magnum shotguns in VEX when traveling south. One a sawed off 12 gauge with 8 shot magazine extension and 20" barrel,  and the other a long gun with full choked 28" barrel.

When  I cross into the southern reaches of Honduras, I always have the short shotgun on the dash holder for dealing with the Marxist banditos who wish to extract a 'toll' from me when I cross there, heading into western Nicaragua.  On several occaisions had I not had both with me, I would not be here.......

Robert

[avenger]

The better question would be.............Why shouldn't we? 

Avenger 

[Charles Sloan]

So for those who believe that Christians should own guns, would Christians be justified using a gun to protect themselves or their family under certain circumstances such as a robbery?

And would killing someone in extreme cases be justifiable?

[mikeyjc]

The closest I ever got to a real loaded gun was when I had a detective (retired now) of the Metropolitian Toronto Police over for lunch one day and he set his gun down on my dining room table for a few moments.  It kind of unnerved me a little.

But tasers...now that I would not mind having for self defense.  However, the last time I was accosted by thugs the Lord woke up a sister in Christ, told her to pray for me and I was delivered--no harm done to me, my wallet given back to me fully intact and I could feel the presence of the Lord encircling me as I walked away from them--no gun needed, no taser for that matter!

If guns were legal here in Canada would I buy one?  No...  The taser does intrigue me somewhat but I'd probably be better off not having one of those.  I can think of some people that I would like to zap with it! 

[sopranette]

So for those who believe that Christians should own guns, would Christians be justified using a gun to protect themselves or their family under certain circumstances such as a robbery?

And would killing someone in extreme cases be justifiable?

Better him than me.  And your intent is not to kill, but stop.  You would want a firearm with a sufficient amount of stopping power, aiming for center mass (chest).

love,

Sopranette

[mikeyjc]

Back in the fall the 1975 I was about to start some post secondary school education at a college in Toronto.  It was before I was saved and I had gone to a bar and had gotten pretty hammered that evening. I took the bus home and I walked into a house that looked identical to the one I was renting a room.  These two houses looked the same.   The front door had been unlocked and I stepped insided.  Then crouching at the top of the stairs was a man--the owner of the house.  Then his wife appeared beside him  I realized at that point, despite my alcohol fogged brain, that I had entered the wrong house.  I apologized and went next door to the house I should have gone to in the first place.  The next morning I saw the gentleman raking leaves and again I apologized for intruding into his home so late at night.

The thing is...I had made an honest mistake.  But had this happened in the US instead of Canada, do you think that I could have been shot and killed that night?  This is a serious question here.  Please give me your honest opinion.

[chosenone]

I am very pleased that in the uk owning a gum is not allowed unless you have a special licence for maybe a farmer or whatever. The more guns that are around and available the more people get shot. Thankfully most police officers here still dont carry guns either except special forces who are called out if there is an incident involving a firearm, which is still rare.
Of course there are some illegal guns but the general population just dont have them or want them., and long may it stay this way.
I have never understood the American things for guns, why do you need or want them, they only result in more violence and more deaths and injuries? I also hate hunting so dont see the need for guns for this so called 'sport' either.
I will now duck before the flack comes my way !

[Flying To]

How ironic...the advertisement above!


I say God is your shield and if you need protection he can protect you.

Cast all fears to him and he can make you stronger.

[Bonnie]

I don't like guns and the intruder would probably wind up taking it from me and killing me with it.

Maybe I'll get a new BB.  Do they still make those things? 

[Bon Voyage]

I am very pleased that in the uk owning a gum is not allowed unless you have a special licence for maybe a farmer or whatever. The more guns that are around and available the more people get shot. Thankfully most police officers here still dont carry guns either except special forces who are called out if there is an incident involving a firearm, which is still rare.
Of course there are some illegal guns but the general population just dont have them or want them., and long may it stay this way.
I have never understood the American things for guns, why do you need or want them, they only result in more violence and more deaths and injuries? I also hate hunting so dont see the need for guns for this so called 'sport' either.
I will now duck before the flack comes my way !

Guns are intertwined with our very culture here.  They helped gain our independence, new territory, etc.  Guns are mentioned in the our Constitution.  In fact, the state I live in has a provision to secede from the United States if the second amendment was changed.  Perhaps, there is no way you could understand.  The state I live in is larger than the UK in area, with less than a million people.  Many parts of it are still very much wild.