Catholics and Firearms

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Is it acceptable for Roman Catholics to own fire arms that would be used to defend their home and family?

Background: I currently live in a very small town in NY. Our little hamlet has had three murders in 30 years and almost no other violent crimes. Due to my families financial position and the rising costs of living in NY ( on Long Island) we will be forced to relocate to a new state(a cheaper place to live). It is my position that being in a unfamiliar town, I would feel a certain amount of comfort knowing I have a firearm ( loaded and in a tap-style lock box) with which to defend my new home and my wife ( our children are grown and out of the house). I am comfortable with firearms and did enjoy shooting as a sport in the past.

So . . . keeping the 10 Commandments in mind , is it “acceptable” for a catholic to own a firearm with the knowledge that some day he/she could someday use that weapon to defend their family and possibly take a human life? 🤷
 
From the Catechism

Legitimate defense

2263 The legitimate defense of persons and societies is not an exception to the prohibition against the murder of the innocent that constitutes intentional killing. "The act of self-defense can have a double effect: the preservation of one’s own life; and the killing of the aggressor… the one is intended, the other is not."65

2264 Love toward oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality. Therefore it is legitimate to insist on respect for one’s own right to life. Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow:

If a man in self-defense uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful: whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful… Nor is it necessary for salvation that a man omit the act of moderate self-defense to avoid killing the other man, since one is bound to take more care of one’s own life than of another’s.

2265 Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for someone responsible for another’s life. Preserving the common good requires rendering the unjust aggressor unable to inflict harm. To this end, those holding legitimate authority have the right to repel by armed force aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their charge.66
 
Rand2410 said:
Is it acceptable for Roman Catholics to own fire arms that would be used to defend their home and family?

Background: I currently live in a very small town in NY. Our little hamlet has had three murders in 30 years and almost no other violent crimes. Due to my families financial position and the rising costs of living in NY ( on Long Island) we will be forced to relocate to a new state(a cheaper place to live). It is my position that being in a unfamiliar town, I would feel a certain amount of comfort knowing I have a firearm ( loaded and in a tap-style lock box) with which to defend my new home and my wife ( our children are grown and out of the house). I am comfortable with firearms and did enjoy shooting as a sport in the past.

So . . . keeping the 10 Commandments in mind , is it “acceptable” for a catholic to own a firearm with the knowledge that some day he/she could someday use that weapon to defend their family and possibly take a human life? 🤷
Click to expand...
One does have a duty to protect one’s family. So owning afirearm to help in that duty is not wrong.
Mossberg makes a nice 4.10 for such purpose and Winchester makes a very brutal round for said purposes.
 
Rand2410 said:
Is it acceptable for Roman Catholics to own fire arms that would be used to defend their home and family?

Background: I currently live in a very small town in NY. Our little hamlet has had three murders in 30 years and almost no other violent crimes. Due to my families financial position and the rising costs of living in NY ( on Long Island) we will be forced to relocate to a new state(a cheaper place to live). It is my position that being in a unfamiliar town, I would feel a certain amount of comfort knowing I have a firearm ( loaded and in a tap-style lock box) with which to defend my new home and my wife ( our children are grown and out of the house). I am comfortable with firearms and did enjoy shooting as a sport in the past.

So . . . keeping the 10 Commandments in mind , is it “acceptable” for a catholic to own a firearm with the knowledge that some day he/she could someday use that weapon to defend their family and possibly take a human life? 🤷
Click to expand...
Yes.
 
You’re not owning the firearms with the intent to kill or injure others, but with the intent to defend the life of your wife and yourself.
 
Just to approach from a slightly different perspective…
I would suggest speaking with your wife about how she feels about being “protected” in this way. Or would she rather lose her earthly life rather than see the life of another taken.
We need always remember that our life here is temporary and all of our actions here need to be prompted by Love.

Of course there are many facets to be considered, but most certainly your dear wife needs to be in on the discussions.

NOTE: I am not saying that you should not own a gun for defense. That is not my call. Just offering a slightly different perspective.

Peace
James
 
mdkirkbride said:
From the Catechism

Legitimate defense

2263 The legitimate defense of persons and societies is not an exception to the prohibition against the murder of the innocent that constitutes intentional killing. "The act of self-defense can have a double effect: the preservation of one’s own life; and the killing of the aggressor… the one is intended, the other is not."65

2264 Love toward oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality. Therefore it is legitimate to insist on respect for one’s own right to life. Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow:

If a man in self-defense uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful: whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful… Nor is it necessary for salvation that a man omit the act of moderate self-defense to avoid killing the other man, since one is bound to take more care of one’s own life than of another’s.

2265 Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for someone responsible for another’s life. Preserving the common good requires rendering the unjust aggressor unable to inflict harm. To this end, those holding legitimate authority have the right to repel by armed force aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their charge.66
Click to expand...
Thank you very much !
 
Just make sure that when you do move and your new neighbors come over to say hi that you don’t meet them at the door pointing a gun! 😃

Otherwise, yes, owning firearms is fine.
 
triumphguy said:
You’re not owning the firearms with the intent to kill or injure others, but with the intent to defend the life of your wife and yourself.
Click to expand...
Exactly my point. I’ll not be carrying this firearm with me. I’m not looking for trouble, but I feel strongly about defending my wife and my new home. 🙂
 
Catholic90 said:
Just make sure that when you do move and your new neighbors come over to say hi that you don’t meet them at the door pointing a gun! 😃

Otherwise, yes, owning firearms is fine.
Click to expand...
Funny ! LOL !

Actually I believe it is better that few people know there is are firearms in the house, especially the location of the weapons. Why give away important defensive information.
 
fbl9 said:
One does have a duty to protect one’s family. So owning afirearm to help in that duty is not wrong.
Mossberg makes a nice 4.10 for such purpose and Winchester makes a very brutal round for said purposes.
Click to expand...
Since we will be in a condo I was thinking a revolver(.38 special ) with ‘safety slugs’ (Hydra-shock or Glazer safety rounds) a better choice. 👍
 
Yes, you may own and use firearms for self defense. The Catechism allows for self-defense, and so does scripture.

*“If a thief be found breaking open a house or undermining it, and be wounded so as to die: he that slew him shall not be guilty of blood. But if he did this when the sun is risen, he hath committed murder, and he shall die. If he have not wherewith to make restitution for the theft, he shall be sold.” * **Exodus 22:2-3 **

*“But they said: Nothing. Then said he unto them: But now he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a scrip; and he that hath not, let him sell his coat, and buy a sword.” * Luke 22:36

The sword is not to be used for revenge, only for self defense and protection. You can’t live by the sword, as criminals do for example.

*“Then Jesus saith to him: Put up again thy sword into its place: for all that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot ask my Father, and he will give me presently more than twelve legions of angels? How then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that so it must be done?” * Matthew 26:52-54

While Christ told Peter to “put your sword in its place” He clearly did not say get rid of it. Jesus did not contradict Himself from a few hours earlier in Luke 22:36.

Owning firearms for protection and self defense for yourself and your family is allowed.
 
fbl9 said:
One does have a duty to protect one’s family. So owning afirearm to help in that duty is not wrong.
Mossberg makes a nice 4.10 for such purpose and Winchester makes a very brutal round for said purposes.
Click to expand...
Mossberg is definately the way to go, but I prefer the 12 gauge to the 4.10. No mistaking that it will get the job done, God forbid the situation should ever arise. 👍
 
A_G said:
Yes, you may own and use firearms for self defense. The Catechism allows for self-defense, and so does scripture.

*“If a thief be found breaking open a house or undermining it, and be wounded so as to die: he that slew him shall not be guilty of blood. But if he did this when the sun is risen, he hath committed murder, and he shall die. If he have not wherewith to make restitution for the theft, he shall be sold.” * **Exodus 22:2-3 **

*“But they said: Nothing. Then said he unto them: But now he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise a scrip; and he that hath not, let him sell his coat, and buy a sword.” * Luke 22:36

The sword is not to be used for revenge, only for self defense and protection. You can’t live by the sword, as criminals do for example.

*“Then Jesus saith to him: Put up again thy sword into its place: for all that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot ask my Father, and he will give me presently more than twelve legions of angels? How then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that so it must be done?” * Matthew 26:52-54

While Christ told Peter to “put your sword in its place” He clearly did not say get rid of it. Jesus did not contradict Himself from a few hours earlier in Luke 22:36.

Owning firearms for protection and self defense for yourself and your family is allowed.
Click to expand...
Thank you.
 
JRKH said:
Just to approach from a slightly different perspective…
I would suggest speaking with your wife about how she feels about being “protected” in this way. Or would she rather lose her earthly life rather than see the life of another taken.
We need always remember that our life here is temporary and all of our actions here need to be prompted by Love.

Of course there are many facets to be considered, but most certainly your dear wife needs to be in on the discussions.

NOTE: I am not saying that you should not own a gun for defense. That is not my call. Just offering a slightly different perspective.

Peace
James
Click to expand...
Here’s my perspective: Home intruder meets wife with gun who shoots and kills him. Intruder had every intention to rape and murder her and burgalize the house. But he never completed the acts so he may have a better chance at forgiveness than he would have having committed the crimes.

Or same guy meets wife with gun who doesn’t fire but, having seen her weapon, flees scene of crime. Without the weapon, he would have killed her thus killing his own soul. Unfortunately, he might not have had the fear of God instilled in him being the drugged out low life he is and lives to strike again.
 
coachkfan1 said:
Mossberg is definately the way to go, but I prefer the 12 gauge to the 4.10. No mistaking that it will get the job done, God forbid the situation should ever arise. 👍
Click to expand...
4.10 is easier for all family memebers to handle.
keep in mind more is not always better.
 
Rand2410 said:
Since we will be in a condo I was thinking a revolver(.38 special ) with ‘safety slugs’ (Hydra-shock or Glazer safety rounds) a better choice. 👍
Click to expand...
One can use #5 shot in the short barrel 4.10 and not worry about over penetration.Personaly i feel a shotgun would be a better choice. To me it would be more intimidating.
 
Just remember that laws vary considerably from state to state. In many cases you are not legally allowed to defend your house–only people. In almost all situations, you are also only allowed to do what is necessary to stop someone from hurting a person. Once the threat is removed you should not be shooting. This is one of the cases where morality meets very nicely with the law.
 
There is not a moral problem with owning a firearm for protection. There certainly could be one with using it. Killing in self-defense is not murder. Killing, just to protect one’s property, very well could be.

There is also the question of wisdom: a loaded gun, easily accessible, is a very dangerous thing around the house. You never know which neighbor kids might be playing around unattended at some point in time. And if that horrible tragedy happened, there would certainly be some level of moral culpability on the part of the owner of the weapon.

I suppose if one knows one lives in a very dangerous area, it is understandable. If not, it makes little sense to me.
 
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