Interesting discussion with my preacher about gun ownership.....

[Library Guy]

Armed pacifism is not a paradox. Only the powerful can choose to be peaceful. In order to hold a precept, you must have the ability to break it.

Consider the honey bee. A most gentle creature. But if molested it will respond with its weapon. It will also die doing so. But if not for the sacrifice of that one bee, all honey bees would be killed.

But I don’t know what Jesus would do.

 

[Sam Cade]

But I don’t know what Jesus would do.

In the face of violence?

He told you exactly what to do in the sermon on the mount.

Doing otherwise is directly disobeying the teachings of Jesus isn't it?

 

[Prophet]

Sam Cade; a strike to the face was considered to be a petty insult. Jesus was not speaking of life-or-death. The death penalty was established in natural law (Genesis 9:6), even before Mosaic law was instituted in which lethal force was justified in home invasions (Exodus 22:1). Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to abolish it. Also note that Jesus told Peter to put his weapon in its "place", not to throw it away, not to stop wearing it. Its "place" was at Peter's side.

"Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked." -Prov. 25:26

"But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Tim. 5:8

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace." Ecc. 3:3-8

"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything." 1 Corinthians 6:12

Yes, we are called to pray for our enemies, bless them (and in doing so we may heap ashes on his head; anyone remember Javert from Les Mis?) Yes, we are to weather persecution but not to such a point that we violate our other Biblical responsibilities in doing so. So many people try to take Jesus' teachings to an extreme that he did not intend.

 

[JustinJ]

"Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked." -Prov. 25:26

"But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Tim. 5:8

I'm not a biblical scholar but applying those two verses to self defense is quite a stretch.

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

I am a minister and a gun owner and CCW holder. I am also a retired LEO, so I'm used to carrying firearms, and I do in church, although between myself, the pastor and a few board members, it is kept quiet. My senior pastor is a CCW holder but does not carry in the pulpit, neither do I when I fill in.

There are more pastors than one realises that have CCW or are pro gun. I know many that are avid hunters.

It's not the idea of the gun, it's the evil in this world we combat. If the Lord doesn't return for a 100 years or so, this forum would be about the weapon of the future, (maybe lasers).

There are a few Christian gun owner sites on the web I like to check out.

 

[BADUNAME30]

I am really enjoying this thread and reading the thought out informative posts.
I hope it stays on topic so many more can respond.
I am a believer and i also believe in keeping myself armed even while attending church.( no law against it here)
I agree with swathdiver in that my firearm is a tool and other than obvious safety, i give it no more thot than my car keys.
I will add tho that i keep my faith in my Lord and Saviour protecting me and i pray that i NEVER have to use my gun.But i most certainly will if needed.
I also look at it this way.
Only God can take my life. When He calls me home it matters not how i go or by who's hand.
I will not leave this world before His time.
My Pastor knows that myself and others are always armed and he is fine with it.
Is he ever armed ? I spose i'm gonna just ask him.

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

Hunter wrote "I believe the OP brought the Bible into this discussion. If you aren't comfortable with it, feel free to not read/post in this thread.

Making a solid, honest biblical case for self defense and carrying a weapon for that purpose just might be what sways a lot of people who still value the Bible and their faith."

Right on message. Every right is precious, not just the 2nd ammendment. The right to free speech and freedom of religion (and lack of) is just as important.

I would not attack an athiest who is defending his gun rights. Alot of folks are worried about "their" pet constitutional right, but fuss about someone elses. Thats why we debate.

 

[JShirley]

In my opinion, the thread so far has been more about Christianity than RKBA. This forum is supposed to be about what unites us as firearm owners, and unfortunately religion is not one of those things.

Every US right is important, but THR is narrowly focused on firearms...and this is privately owned property. None of us can defend a right we don't understand, so read the forum rules again, and understand that there is no "first amendment right" in a private venue.

John