Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
Christians and Guns

Christians and Guns

Do you care to touch on gun control some? I struggle with the concept of the “enabler” theory, where we should not enable evil people by being a doormat, and the words of Jesus “resist not evil”…

so what would be your stance or counsel, should the gov’t ever come to take my/your guns away? – we live in bear country up here in Alaska and I am out in the wilderness all the time and rely on my guns heavily!   Any help at all for us?

G


While this question may seem straightforward, it is actually quite complex with many layers. This question involves issues related to the practice of love, coercion/control, force/power, also it relates to how we relate to civil authority and the purpose of having a gun, or is it even “right” for a Christian to possess a gun?

Issue one: Should a Christian possess a gun? If we use the Bible as our example, I find no directive from Scripture that possession of a weapon or weapons is sinful or wrong. Most of the Old Testament “heroes” carried the weapon of the day. Even Peter carried a sword and Jesus never told him to get rid of the sword. Jesus only chastised him for using a sword to promote his way, hurt others, dominate, coerce, control etc.

Therefore, I don’t find anything sinful in possessing a weapon. The question is not in possession, but in its use. Many people collect knives, antique guns, ancient weaponry and modern guns. So, as I understand it, there is no sin in possession of a gun – assuming, of course, it is done legally.

Issue two: Should Christians use “might and power” or “force” to oppose evil? This question continues to be hotly debated within Christianity. The Enemy Enigma on GodsCharacter.com explores the question of lethal force being used by Christians, such as fighting in the army against Hitler, etc. Some make the argument of “just” use of violent methods, or “just war.” But others argue that nowhere in the teachings of Jesus will one find justification for “just” violence. They contend that Jesus taught only passive measures of love and truth.

A few years ago I was in south Florida doing some programs and was discussing these issues with the man driving me from venue to venue. I was presenting the idea of selfless love, loving our enemies, turning the other cheek, when he said, “I don’t know about all that. If an out-of-his-mind drug addict broke into my home and was threatening my wife and children and I had a gun, I would shoot him.”

I said, “Okay, let’s use that example. Say a 19-year-old man, high and out of his mind on drugs, rushes into your home with a knife and is threatening your wife and children, and you have a gun, but the 19 year-old is your first-born son, what do you do then?”

He said, “I don’t like you very much.” This is God’s position to all humans. We are all His children and He doesn’t want to destroy any of us. If your son was threatening your family and you had a gun, what would you do? If you shot, would it be to kill, or to wound? And why would you shoot to wound –to destroy or to redeem, to save, to reclaim your wayward child?

If this was your 19 year-old son, would you be concerned for his eternal soul? Would you want to stop him from hurting your wife and other children, not only to protect them, but to protect your 19 year-old from the devastating consequences to his mind, character and soul if he, in a drug-induced stupor, did injury to his own family? If you were that 19 year-old, would you want someone to use force to stop you?

What about Andrea Yates, the mother who, in a post partum psychosis, believing demons were coming to destroy her children, drown them all. Do you think, when she came to her senses, that she would have preferred someone had realized what she was doing and used force to stop her, not kill her, but restrain her and heal her?

In this world of sin there can be a place for the use of force, but not to destroy, only to protect. In psychiatry we often have patients who are psychotic and violent. In love we will “restrain” them, but for what purpose? To provide treatment in order to restore the person to “self-control” and then set them free. God has used methods of might and power, but always as a means of redemption, never to eternally destroy.

How does this apply to gun ownership? If we have a gun to protect us from wild animals in a hostile environment, or to save and protect, even for the protection of the person who is threatening, there can be a place for this. But Christians are not to have hearts which seek to harm, to kill, to destroy, but hearts which seek to sacrifice self in order to protect and save others.

A recent review of sunken ships revealed that the slower the ship sank, the more able-bodied men drown, but the faster the ship sank the less-able bodied men drown and the more women and children drown. This indicates in crisis, without time to think, the survival-of-the-fittest (selfish) instinct fires and we react to save self. But, when time for reflection is allowed, selfless sacrifice overrules the desire to save self.

The problem with gun ownership is that in a moment of crisis our carnal reflexes of self preservation react quickly and we might use the gun to “protect self” and hurt another. Whereas, altruistic self-sacrifice takes time to process the fear and selfish instincts and choose to give self in love. Guns diminish reaction time increasing the likelihood that selfishness will be the course.

Third: The relationship to the state: We are instructed in God’s word to obey the state where the state doesn’t contradict God’s law. If the state passes gun control laws, we, as Christians, are obligated to obey such laws. I know of no inspired writing in which God requires people to bear arms.

Finally, let’s ask the question:  “In whom do you trust?” As Christians, we are to be growing in our personal relationship with God such that we trust Him with our lives, family, fortune, and future. King David was chastised for taking a census.  Why? Because once David had numbered his spearmen, bowmen, foot soldiers, chariots and horsemen, he would be tempted to place his confidence in human strength rather than in God. We face similar temptations today primarily when we place our trust and security in stocks, savings, bonds, gold, retirement plans and sometimes guns. Our only real security is in God and, as we come to know Him more and more fully, we experience less and less of a need to “watch out” for self and trust Him with our future. We don’t act from impulse or presumption, but wisely and prudently follow God’s methods in the fulfillment of our duties and trust Him with the outcome.

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 53

I was so blessed by a friend who gave me your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” while I was sitting in church asking God to please help me learn more about Him and help me not to be so confused and scared. That was about 2 years ago. Your books have helped me to love God even more. I’m not confused or scared anymore! I have listened to all of your bible study classes and feel like I know the wonderful people that attend every week. Thank you for all that you’re doing in spreading the true message about God and His law of love. God bless you and your whole class.

Elssy P., Modesto, CA, USA

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

Testimony 73

I have been truly blessed by your blogs and other resources. They have helped me to see things in a much brighter light and to reason things out better. Thank you so much for your ministry. Whenever I have the opportunity I pass along your material to my friends.

R. Noseworthy, Newfoundland, Canada

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 26

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa