The Gun Control Debate

[britty 1]

I quite clearly stated that I believe christians who think it's ok to use guns for personal defence are hypocrits. Someone then pointed to some quote they thought justified the use of guns for that purpose and I merely posted the counter-argument. I really don't see how that is at all confusing.

I have not stated whether a 'good christian' may or may not own a gun.

Well, thank you for the clarification.

[cmartyn 0]

I think thats second testament stuff. First testament, no problem.

[Ban Hammer 13,136]

I quite clearly stated that I believe christians who think it's ok to use guns for personal defence are hypocrits. Someone then pointed to some quote they thought justified the use of guns for that purpose and I merely posted the counter-argument. I really don't see how that is at all confusing.

I have not stated whether a 'good christian' may or may not own a gun.

still trying to stuff people in pigeon holes i see.

[Fandango 1,439]

well, a hypocrite would hardly be a 'good' Christian, so you're just sayin summat but then denying you said it at all.

Which is bollox. But par for the course!

[Scott & Lai 12]

I quite clearly stated that I believe christians who think it's ok to use guns for personal defence are hypocrits. Someone then pointed to some quote they thought justified the use of guns for that purpose and I merely posted the counter-argument. I really don't see how that is at all confusing.

I have not stated whether a 'good christian' may or may not own a gun.

A hypocrite is someone who says one thing publicly but then does the opposite. For instance, if someone preaches against prostitution, but then secretly uses the services of a prostitute, that would be hypocracy. How exactly is it hypocritical for a Christian to believe it is ok to use guns for personal defence? Do you believe self-defense is un-Christian?

[Peikko 1,575]

Reverting to written coloquialisms I see.

However, back to topic. I don't see how I can be more clear. Gun ownership and use of a gun for self defence are actually two quite seperate issues.

I believe self defence with the use of a gun is against the doctrine of christianity, specifically the teachings of christ as I understand them.

[Miranda&James 8]

Reverting to written coloquialisms I see.

However, back to topic. I don't see how I can be more clear. Gun ownership and use of a gun for self defence are actually two quite seperate issues.

I believe self defence with the use of a gun is against the doctrine of christianity, specifically the teachings of christ as I understand them.

Meaning if someone is trying to rape you, steal your possessions, kill you or your family, you should simply "turn the other cheek". I am sorry but I think you are very seriously taking what Jesus was saying out of context. Jesus was not referring to self defense but to someone insulting you. If someone insults you (specifically, is persecuting you for your religion), turn the other cheek and do not lash back out against them. You will be a much better example of Christianity if you do not attack them back just as the way Christ lost his own life because of religious persecution.

Luke 11:21 - "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe."

[Miranda&James 8]

Also, there is a large difference between revenge and defending oneself when an attack is actually occurring. It is up to the state to punish a criminal but that does not mean that I must sit by idly and allow myself to be the victim of an attack, regardless of how I choose to stop the attack (gun, knife, sword, fists of fury, take your pick).

[Scott & Lai 12]

Reverting to written coloquialisms I see.

However, back to topic. I don't see how I can be more clear. Gun ownership and use of a gun for self defence are actually two quite seperate issues.

I believe self defence with the use of a gun is against the doctrine of christianity, specifically the teachings of christ as I understand them.

Which teachings are those, specifically?

[Cassie 8]

Luke 11:21 - "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe."

Just to put that verse into context .......adding verse 22, from The Message.

21-22"When a strong man, armed to the teeth, stands guard in his front yard, his property is safe and sound. But what if a stronger man comes along with superior weapons? Then he's beaten at his own game, the arsenal that gave him such confidence hauled off, and his precious possessions plundered.

So, I am curious, am I a bad Christian for not wanting a gun in my house for self-defense / protection?

[Scott & Lai 12]

Luke 11:21 - "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe."

Just to put that verse into context .......adding verse 22, from The Message.

21-22"When a strong man, armed to the teeth, stands guard in his front yard, his property is safe and sound. But what if a stronger man comes along with superior weapons? Then he's beaten at his own game, the arsenal that gave him such confidence hauled off, and his precious possessions plundered.

So, I am curious, am I a bad Christian for not wanting a gun in my house for self-defense / protection?

No, you are not; I don't think anyone is claiming that. But the idea that using a gun for self defense is un-Christian also has no basis in Scripture. Btw, that passage has nothing to do with the question of whether it is right to have arms to defend one's home. Jesus was talking about something else entirely. He was answering the charge that he was casting out demons by Beelzebub.

[Cassie 8]

Luke 11:21 - "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe."

Just to put that verse into context .......adding verse 22, from The Message.

21-22"When a strong man, armed to the teeth, stands guard in his front yard, his property is safe and sound. But what if a stronger man comes along with superior weapons? Then he's beaten at his own game, the arsenal that gave him such confidence hauled off, and his precious possessions plundered.

So, I am curious, am I a bad Christian for not wanting a gun in my house for self-defense / protection?

No, you are not; I don't think anyone is claiming that. But the idea that using a gun for self defense is un-Christian also has no basis in Scripture. Btw, that passage has nothing to do with the question of whether it is right to have arms to defend one's home. Jesus was talking about something else entirely. He was answering the charge that he was casting out demons by Beelzebub.

aye, I went and checked it out, but chose to complete the thought with the following verse rather than to get into all what Jesus was talking about at that particular time.

and just to be clear, my belief in not having a gun in my house for protection is not rooted in my Christian faith.

[Jaseball 0]

When did this turn quasi-religious? Regardless, the good thing is those of us who believe in arming ourselves can do so at will, while those who believe in whatever else are also free to do whatever it is you wish.

That is the best thing about America. At this point in time we have a right to own arms if we wish. If it all goes to heck, well then, to each their own.

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Reverting to written coloquialisms I see.

However, back to topic. I don't see how I can be more clear. Gun ownership and use of a gun for self defence are actually two quite seperate issues.

I believe self defence with the use of a gun is against the doctrine of christianity, specifically the teachings of christ as I understand them.

Try nailing me to a cross and i will shoot your #######. Is that christian enough for ya?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I dunno - I think bringing Christianity into the mix is a bit of a red herring. Plenty of people identify themselves as Christian, Muslim or whatever and then go on to do things that are quite separate from the ideals of their faith. Put simply, people lie, cheat and sin all the time (some folks who identify themselves as Christian prove themselves to be les "Christian" than self-proclaim atheists. Comes down to individual conscience and character - an inevitable part of the process really.

I don't think banning guns is a particularly good idea, not given their context in current US history. By that I don't mean the constitutional argument as I think that's rather overused (again given that it is essentially a retread of similar legislation in the British bill of rights) but rather the sociological conditions in some US cities. I can see why a person would want a weapon for self-defence in a city with a high crime-rate.

That said - I am worried about the cavalier attitudes taken by the NRA to sensible suggestions - like the now-defunct Assault Weapons bill. Their gung-ho attitude does more harm than good IMO - that and of course they represent the friendly public face of the arms industry and related lobby groups.