Is it ok for a Christian to own and carry a gun for protection

[Steveabrous]

I am 45 years old and have never own a gun. But with the way the world, and our country, is going I am feeling it would be prudent to have a gun available for protection should the need arise. Obviously, I do not wish to kill anyone and I am struggling with the moral aspect of being a Christian and owning a gun for 2 reasons- 1) I feel it is not trusting God, and 2) the reality that I my kill someone with it. Look at whats happening to Christians in other countries, we can’t say it will never happen in the U.S… As our culture becomes more hostile towards us A piece of paper (The constitution) will only protect us so long.

 

[Iheartcoffee]

Guns are tools and like any tool they can be used for moral or immoral purposes. A gun can protect your family from a dangerous intruder or feed your family if you go hunting. A gun can also be used to rob a bank.

I think the odd thing is that people are very anxious about whether or not to own a gun even though we all tend to have many dangerous things in our homes. Basically every home has a block full of sharp kitchen knives. Those could be used to chase off an intruder intent on harming your family, kill a chicken for dinner…or commit a crime.

It’s not the tool we should be as worried about, but instead we should advocate the proper use of the tool.

 

[Aggie414]

Guns are tools and like any tool they can be used for moral or immoral purposes. A gun can protect your family from a dangerous intruder or feed your family if you go hunting. A gun can also be used to rob a bank.

I think the odd thing is that people are very anxious about whether or not to own a gun even though we all tend to have many dangerous things in our homes. Basically every home has a block full of sharp kitchen knives. Those could be used to chase off an intruder intent on harming your family, kill a chicken for dinner…or commit a crime.

It’s not the tool we should be as worried about, but instead we should advocate the proper use of the tool.

Very well-said!!!

I am a devout Catholic, and I own a gun. I even have my carry permit – which I do on occasion – usually when traveling. I am a single female. I practice to ensure that I keep my skills up. I hope I never have to use it, but I’m not afraid to protect myself if the need arises.

 

[styrgwillidar]

Well, here is what the catechism says about self-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 (1737)

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: (2196)

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.66

usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/epub/index.cfm

 

[MarianCatholic]

Being European I obviously can’t understand how more guns can possibly be the answer to make the world safer.
More guns equals more homicide.
A weapon around every corner has proven to be a huge challenge in the US.

I am with President Obama on this one…
Lesser guns, lesser murders and assault.
The constitution is outdated in some aspects and this is one of those aspects.

Trust in God, he created you and placed you on this earth and he will decide how long you will be on this earth.
Carrying a gun as a civil is a very unchristian think to do, at least that’s my opinion as the purpose of being armed is to kill if necessary, but this topic as well as death penalty is hopeless to discuss with Republicans.

 

[ialsop]

Being European I obviously can’t understand how more guns can possibly be the answer to make the world safer.
More guns equals more homicide.
A weapon around every corner has proven to be a huge challenge in the US.

I am with President Obama on this one…
Lesser guns, lesser murders and assault.
The constitution is outdated in some aspects and this is one of those aspects.

Trust in God, he created you and placed you on this earth and he will decide how long you will be on this earth.
Carrying a gun as a civil is a very unchristian think to do, at least that’s my opinion as the purpose of being armed is to kill if necessary, but this topic as well as death penalty is hopeless to discuss with Republicans.

Well that does not work. Then the government is WAAAYYYY to powerful and ends up like London…all these people who carry guns, are they going to go commit murder just because they have guns?No. And the people who want to commit murder? They still have chemicals, poisons, shovels, knives, sticks…

 

[johnnyc176]

More guns equals more homicide.

They also prevent homicide.

 

[Steveabrous]

Being European I obviously can’t understand how more guns can possibly be the answer to make the world safer.
More guns equals more homicide.
A weapon around every corner has proven to be a huge challenge in the US.

I am with President Obama on this one…
Lesser guns, lesser murders and assault.
The constitution is outdated in some aspects and this is one of those aspects.

Trust in God, he created you and placed you on this earth and he will decide how long you will be on this earth.
Carrying a gun as a civil is a very unchristian think to do, at least that’s my opinion as the purpose of being armed is to kill if necessary, but this topic as well as death penalty is hopeless to discuss with Republicans.

The areas of the U.S. that have the strictest gun laws have the highest homicide rates (such as Chicago and New york), and the areas with the most liberal gun laws have the lowest. Why, because only the law abiding people obey laws, the criminals are going to have guns no matter what the laws are. They will think twice to attack if they think a person might have a gun, they wont think twice if they know they don’t.

Our founders gave us the right to bare arms because an armed population is very difficult to conquer and, or oppress. ISIS went to the Christians in Iraq and said “Convert or leave.” so some christians left, the ones that didn’t were persecuted. Were that to happen in many areas of the U.S. the answer to the statement “Convert or leave” would bullets in the face. And they know it, so they don’t try it.

Ronald Reagan was once asked why he spent millions of dollars of the stealth bomber. He said “So I won’t have to use it.”

 

[Emily2014]

I can only speak for Gt. Britain, where I can see no justification for anyone, other than the Police, to carry guns. Would personally ban even toy guns, but, as a Pacifist, realise that I cannot be objective on this issue. Know that I would fiercely defend the safety of anyone under attack, especially those I love, but not with a gun or potentially lethal weapon.
In fear and/or anger it is too easy to kill.

 

[SuperLuigi]

I am 45 years old and have never own a gun. But with the way the world, and our country, is going I am feeling it would be prudent to have a gun available for protection should the need arise. Obviously, I do not wish to kill anyone and I am struggling with the moral aspect of being a Christian and owning a gun for 2 reasons- 1) I feel it is not trusting God, and 2) the reality that I my kill someone with it. Look at whats happening to Christians in other countries, we can’t say it will never happen in the U.S… As our culture becomes more hostile towards us A piece of paper (The constitution) will only protect us so long.

Yes, you may have a gun, and I agree with the main ideas of your post.

 

[SuperLuigi]

=Emily2014;12353425]I can only speak for Gt. Britain, where I can see no justification for anyone, other than the Police, to carry guns. Would personally ban even toy guns, but, as a Pacifist, realise that I cannot be objective on this issue. Know that I would fiercely defend the safety of anyone under attack, especially those I love, but not with a gun or potentially lethal weapon.

Gun control in the UK has not stopped violence. All gun control does is get law-abiding citizens to give up their guns whereas many criminals will still have theirs.

In the US, it was actually organized crime that was pushing for gun control in New York because the crime bosses were upset when their guys were gunned by ordinary citizens defending themselves.

In fear and/or anger it is too easy to kill.

People who legally own guns don’t do so haphazardly in many cases. They aren’t running around like in the American movies shooting at the roof in approval over something in a happy daze. Gun owners (certainly the ones I know) can and should take the responsibility seriously. Most people are not trigger-happy.

A lot of that is just fear-mongering by gun control advocates who really are misguided and too interested in feel-good solutions.

 

[SuperLuigi]

=MarianCatholic;12353320]Being European I obviously can’t understand how more guns can possibly be the answer to make the world safer.

Most criminals operate under the condition of circumstance. They look for unlocked doors and other easy means. If there’s a sense they might encounter resistance, the crime will be much less likely to occur.

Also, in the US the average police response time is 15 minutes if not longer. A lot of bad can happen to your family in that time.

More guns equals more homicide.

Guns in the wrong hands means more homicide, especially when the average citizen can’t have a gun.

Criminals break laws. What makes you or anyone else think they’d obey gun control laws?

As far as getting a gun, it’s evidently not that hard whether there are gun control laws or not.

A weapon around every corner has proven to be a huge challenge in the US.

I am with President Obama on this one…Lesser guns, lesser murders and assault.

That is an absolute falsehood. In the president’s former residence of Chicago, which has some of the strictest gun control, the gun violence is just terrible.

I’d love to hear from Europeans and American liberals how that’s possible if gun control is supposed to mean less gun violence.

The constitution is outdated in some aspects and this is one of those aspects.

Take a good look at your background in Scandinavia with all the problems you’re having with recent immigrants.

They wouldn’t be pushing the natives around so much if they were armed or even made the assaulters thought twice because someone could have a gun.

Trust in God, he created you and placed you on this earth and he will decide how long you will be on this earth.

If that’s your prerogative, fine. But I wonder how strong this resolve will be if one’s family is getting raped, assaulted, stolen from or killed while the police are “on their way”.

Carrying a gun as a civil is a very unchristian think to do,

That is incorrect as far as Catholic teaching is concern. I believe The Church has made it clear that self-defense is an acceptable course of action. :yup:

at least that’s my opinion as the purpose of being armed is to kill if necessary, but this topic as well as death penalty is hopeless to discuss with Republicans.

Discussion of politics is only allowed in the News Forums.

 

[captainrick]

They also prevent homicide.

That’s right. I’ve carried guns as part of my job for years. When not working, I am never far from one. I’ve seen too many tragic results when people cannot protect themselves.

 

[Holly3278]

I think it is perfectly fine to own a gun for self-defense. In fact, I would have to agree that it is prudent to do so. I am sure that Catholic teaching would agree with this.

 

[glendab]

Yes and you might even want to get the thing blessed! Just make sure you get a good gun safety instructor to go over all the ins and outs of responsible Christian stewardship of a firearm.

Glenda

 

[ialsop]

I can only speak for Gt. Britain, where I can see no justification for anyone, other than the Police, to carry guns. Would personally ban even toy guns, but, as a Pacifist, realise that I cannot be objective on this issue. Know that I would fiercely defend the safety of anyone under attack, especially those I love, but not with a gun or potentially lethal weapon.
In fear and/or anger it is too easy to kill.

Why do you trust the police more than yourself?

 

[tabycat]

I can only speak for Gt. Britain, where I can see no justification for anyone, other than the Police, to carry guns. Would personally ban even toy guns, but, as a Pacifist, realise that I cannot be objective on this issue. Know that I would fiercely defend the safety of anyone under attack, especially those I love, but not with a gun or potentially lethal weapon.
In fear and/or anger it is too easy to kill.

If only the Police can carry guns, does that the criminals can carry knives and swords? Knives and swords can kill too. As someone who played with toy guns when younger, I did not couse me to what to go out to shot to kill somebody now. :irish1: :shamrock2: BTW I have owed guns, two 22 rifles.

 

[Book_Worm]

The areas of the U.S. that have the strictest gun laws have the highest homicide rates (such as Chicago and New york), and the areas with the most liberal gun laws have the lowest. Why, because only the law abiding people obey laws, the criminals are going to have guns no matter what the laws are. They will think twice to attack if they think a person might have a gun, they wont think twice if they know they don’t.

Our founders gave us the right to bare arms because an armed population is very difficult to conquer and, or oppress. ISIS went to the Christians in Iraq and said “Convert or leave.” so some christians left, the ones that didn’t were persecuted. Were that to happen in many areas of the U.S. the answer to the statement “Convert or leave” would bullets in the face. And they know it, so they don’t try it.

Ronald Reagan was once asked why he spent millions of dollars of the stealth bomber. He said “So I won’t have to use it.”

And where do these illegal guns come from? States with lax gun laws. Over 60 percent of the guns recovered from use in crimes in Chicago came from states with lax gun regulations.

The ten states that have the weakest gun laws have a 34 percent higher incidence of gun murders, 88 per cent higher rate of gun murders of women, and 139 per cent higher rate of murder of police officers than the states with the most stringent gun regulation.

 

[JorduSpeaks]

More guns equals more homicide.

I feel sorry for you that you are so deeply filled with rage and hatred that you would be unable to prevent yourself from murdering those around you were you to own a firearm.

Please understand that most people are not similarly afflicted, and we will pray for you that you are able to find the peace you require.

 

[MarianCatholic]

I feel sorry for you that you are so deeply filled with rage and hatred that you would be unable to prevent yourself from murdering those around you were you to own a firearm.

Please understand that most people are not similarly afflicted, and we will pray for you that you are able to find the peace you require.

Wow, patronizing and juvenile bravo!
Of course Im filled with hatred because Im against guns (do you listen to yourself?)

Good to see that there are children at this site as well.
Smart people like you with free access to firearms, yeah how can that go wrong ??