What Would Jesus Say About Guns

What would Jesus do about guns?

According to James E. Atwood, pastor emeritus of the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Arlington, Virginia, and author of “America and Its Guns: A Theological Expose,” one cannot be a Christian and engage in a gun culture at the same time. The novelist Margaret Atwood is one of a growing number of Christian authors and theologians who have grown increasingly public in their support for gun regulation in light of the spate of mass shootings that have become all too common in our country. Elicka Sparks, a criminologist at Appalachian State University and the author of “The Devil You Know: The Surprising Link between Conservative Christianity and Crime,” goes so far as to suggest that conservative Christian social mores and attitudes toward guns are responsible for high crime rates in the United States. The political pundit and lawyer David French, on the other side, believes that Jesus would be supportive of gun ownership. French stated as much in the online version of the National Review (published on January 25, 2013), which is a well-known conservative magazine. In reality, French pointed out, Jesus’ disciples carried swords, and Jesus even stated in some circumstances that those who were unarmed should equip themselves. A reference to Luke 22:36, in which Jesus instructs his disciples: “But now let him who has a purse take it, and similarly let him who has a bag take it.” And let anyone who does not own a sword sell his robe in order to get one” (Revised Standard Version). French represents a large number of Christians in the United States who feel that being a Christian and owning a gun are not mutually exclusive. The issue of gun regulation, like so many other issues within Christianity, does not have universal support. In August 2012, the Public Religion Research Institute conducted a study in which they evaluated opinions regarding weapons across various Christian denominations. The poll was conducted following the July 20, 2012, shooting at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado. According to the results of the poll, there is a distinct gap between Catholics and Protestant evangelicals. In comparison to Catholics, 58 percent of white evangelicals report living in homes where a gun is present, but just 32 percent of Catholics do. Persons who do not identify as religious report living in a household where a gun is present as well (36 percent). Furthermore, according to the survey, “six in ten Catholics and religiously unaffiliated Americans (62 percent and 60 percent, respectively) prefer tougher gun control regulations, compared to less than half of white evangelical Protestants (35 percent) and white mainline Protestants (42%).” A statement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (Dec. 21, 2012) in response to the Newtown shooting notably underlined the precedents for supporting gun control contained in Catholic tradition, including the following examples: It was the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace that stressed the significance of putting specific limitations on handguns, saying that “limiting the acquisition of such weaponry would absolutely not infringe on the rights of anybody” in their paper, “The International Arms Trade (2006).” Despite the fact that the vast majority of white evangelical Protestants and Catholics identify as “pro-life,” more Catholics than Protestants prefer to associate that label with support for gun regulation. Of course, both proponents and opponents of gun regulation turn to the Bible for guidance and inspiration. When speaking about a thief who is caught breaking in and is struck to death, French says, “There shall be no bloodguilt on his head.” Consequently, French believes that murdering in self-defense of one’s house is permitted by God. For gun control advocates, Jesus’ message in Matthew 5:38-41 (RSV) might be a good place to start: The expression ‘an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’ is well-known in the world of politics. However, I advise you not to stand up to someone who is wicked. However, if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to face him on the other as well.” The argument for pacifist Christians is that because Jesus appears to forbid any action in self-defense, firearms for self-defense are not only superfluous, but also antithetical to Jesus’ instructions on the subject. As our nation’s discourse over weapons progresses, the term “pro-life” may come to refer to Christians who are equally opposed to unfettered access to firearms as they are to abortion. Ironically, when it comes to adopting gun control legislation, Catholic Christians may find themselves on more equal footing with those who do not identify as religious than they will with white evangelical Protestants, according to some estimates. His name is Hector Avalos, and he is a professor of religious studies at the University of Iowa.

What Does the Bible Say About the Right to Bear Arms?

A well-regulated Militia, necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed upon, according to the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. With recent mass shootings, the right of the people to keep and bear weapons has come under intense scrutiny and has sparked a passionate discussion. Several recent surveys appear to indicate that the majority of Americans want tougher gun regulations. The strange thing is that this has happened at the same time as national background checks for retail firearm sales (which are completed every time someone purchases an assault weapon from a gun store) have risen to unprecedented levels.

Contrary to popular belief, the weapons business is thriving, despite widespread calls for increased gun regulation.

Is there anything in the Bible that mentions the right to keep and bear arms?

Is Self-Defense Biblical?

Founder of the Wall Builders, conservative activist David Barton, claims that the original objective of the Founding Fathers when crafting the Second Amendment was to provide residents “the biblical right to self-defense.” A signer of the Declaration of Independence who was instrumental in drafting the Second Amendment in the First Congress, Richard Henry Lee (1732–1794), wrote that “it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and that they all be taught alike, especially when young,” in order to preserve liberty.

For Barton, as many of the founding fathers did, the ultimate goal of the Second Amendment is “to make sure you are able to defend yourself against any kind of unlawful force that is directed at you,” be it from a neighbor, an outsider, or even your own government, as many of the founding fathers recognized.

In contrast, stories of battle and the usage of weaponry such as swords, spears, bows, and arrows, darts, and slings were well-documented in the pages of the Bible, which was written thousands of years before the present day.
Wilsbach is a former combat veteran who also offers self-defense lessons to anyone who are interested.
He reminded me that in the Old Testament, there is a phrase that says “It was anticipated that the Israelites would have their own personal weapons.
The Marines were not dispatched to the scene.
And every single one of them was armed with a sword.
And around four hundred soldiers followed David to the top of the mountain, while two hundred remained with the baggage.
Psalm 144:1 says, “Blessed be the Lord, my rock; he trains my hands for fight, and my fingers for warfare.” Weapons were used in the Bible for a variety of purposes, including self-defense; this is not explicitly outlawed anywhere in the Bible.
In his final teaching to the disciples before going to the cross, Jesus advised the apostles to acquire side weapons for self-defense and to have them with them at all times.
He addressed them as follows: “To be sure, those who have a moneybag and a knapsack should take advantage of the situation.

For I declare to you that the following Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was counted among the transgressors.’ For all that has been written concerning me has come to pass.” And they replied, “Look, Lord, here are two swords for your consideration.” And he told them, “It’s enough for me now.” (Luke 22:35-38, English Standard Version) In contrast, as soldiers surrounded Jesus during his arrest, our Lord urged Peter (inMatthew 26:52-54 andJohn 18:11) to lay down his weapon: “For everyone who takes the sword will fall by the sword,” our Lord said.

This phrase is interpreted differently by different academics. Some feel it was a call to Christian nonviolence, while others believe it merely meant in a broad sense that “violence produces more violence.”

Peacemakers or Pacifists?

As recorded in the English Standard Version, Jesus instructed Peter to “return your sword to its proper position.” Wilsbach went on to say, “That would be at his side, no doubt about it. In other words, Jesus did not say, “Throw it away.” After all, Jesus had just moments before instructed the followers to equip themselves with weapons. The motive for this was self-evident—to safeguard the lives of the disciples rather than the life of the Son of God himself. ‘Peter, this is not the appropriate moment for a brawl,’ Jesus was saying at the time.” It’s noteworthy to note that Peter openly carried his sword, which was a weapon that looked a lot like the sort of weapon used by Roman troops at the period.

He permitted this, but forbade him from employing it aggressively.

The Bible is unequivocal in its instruction that Christians are to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to turn the other cheek (Matthew 5:38-40).

Life and Death, Good and Evil

A sword, like a pistol or any other firearm, is not inherently aggressive or violent in and of itself. It is merely a physical thing that may be utilized for either good or bad purposes. If someone with a malicious intent wields a weapon, that weapon can be utilized for violent or wicked means. In reality, violence does not necessitate the use of weapons. When Cain murdered his brother Abel in Genesis 4, the Bible does not specify what sort of weapon was used. Cain may have attacked with a stone, a club, a sword, or even his bare hands, depending on the situation.

Hunting, leisure and competitive sports, as well as maintaining public order are all possible uses for weapons in the hands of law abiding and peace-loving individuals.
Leading Christian apologists James Porter Moreland and Norman L.
Allowing a rape to take place when one might have prevented it is wrong.
Putting it simply, not fighting evil is an act of omission, and an act of omission may be just as harmful to one’s own well-being as an act of commission.
However, if the thief is slain in broad daylight, the person who killed him is guilty of murder.” (NLT) Why is it considered murder if a burglar is murdered during a break-in that occurs during the day?
At night, it is hard to observe and determine what someone is up to; whether an intruder has come to steal, inflict bodily injury, or kill is unknown at the moment of the intrusion.
Using this method, we can determine if a burglar has come to steal a loaf of bread via an open window or whether the invader has arrived with more aggressive intentions.

God does not provide a special permission for the purpose of murdering someone for stealing. That would be a heinous crime against humanity.”

Defense, Not Offense

Even the Scripture does not encourage revenge (Romans 12:17-19) or vigilantism, it does permit Christians to defend themselves, oppose evil, and stand up for those who are unprotected. Wilsbach explained it thus way: “According to my beliefs, I am responsible for defending myself and my family, as well as my home. There are scriptures that teach peace and harmony for every verse that I have used to make a case for my position on the subject. I agree with those passages; nevertheless, when there is no other option, I think I am obligated to protect people who are not defending themselves.” An further obvious foundation for this concept may be found in the book of Nehemiah.

Workers who carried supplies completed their task with one hand while simultaneously wielding a weapon with the other, and each of the builders worked with a sword strapped to his side.
Christians are not prohibited from possessing firearms in any part of the Bible.
Anyone who possesses and carries a firearm should have sufficient training, as well as be aware of and strictly adhere to all applicable safety regulations and laws.
In my opinion, the use of lethal force would be reserved for the last resort, when no other alternative was available, in order to prevent a terrible act from being done and to safeguard human life.

How should a Christian view gun control?

QuestionAnswer The recent shootings that have taken place around the United States have created a great deal of distress. Following the senseless and sad events of the past few weeks, the debate over gun legislation in the United States has re-ignited. Politicians, athletes, and theologians have all expressed their opinions on the subject of gun regulation. Guns are freely available in the United States, and their possession is guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States. What should a Christian’s position on gun control be?

Because the Bible was written thousands of years before the creation of any form of firearm, the word “gun control” will not be found in the pages of the Bible.
Wars, according to the Bible (Mark 13:7; James 4:1), are an unavoidable part of life in a fallen world, and weapons are considered to be an essential aspect of combat.
The presence of thieves was widespread in various places of Israel (see Luke 10:30), and many people carried weapons with them when they went.
The truth is that Jesus Himself discussed it in a good light on at least one occasion (Luke 22:35-38).
This would have to apply to firearms regulations as well.
The Bible does neither prohibit or command the ownership of weapons, and it does not command the possession of weapons either.
“All who draw the sword shall perish by the sword,” according to the Bible, is another precept to keep in mind (Matthew 26:52).

Although Peter’s activities were unsuccessful in the face of a “large mob armed with swords and clubs” (verse 47), his impulsive activity belied Jesus’ humble attitude (verse 50) and worked against the fulfillment of Scripture (verse 54).

Personal liberty is supported by Christianity.

America has long embraced the notion of personal freedom that is consistent with this principle, and the country’s foundational papers offer broad liberties in the use of guns as well.

Guns, according to this theory, are diametrically opposed to peace.

There is nothing theologically, or even rationally, that connects weapons to a lack of peace; in fact, guns can occasionally be used to maintain civic peace in conflict areas.

To assert that there is no moral component to the matter is not to suggest that there is none.

What is more essential is the morality of the person carrying the firearm, and this is something that is all too frequently overlooked in the debate over gun regulation.

A moral and spiritual dilemma exists, and sin is at the root of the problem.

Killing may be made more difficult, but not impossible, if a certain weapon was taken out of circulation.

The possession of a firearm and the knowledge of how to use one are not inherently sinful.

We don’t have to pretend that firearms will never be used, but pointing a gun at someone should always be a last choice.

So, what should a Christian’s position on gun control be?

In our capacity as citizens, we are expected to comply with any gun restriction legislation the government enacts.

There are compelling arguments in favor of allowing law-abiding persons to own firearms.

In the end, firearms are not the source of the problem. Sinful individuals are the source of the problem. Return to the page with the most recent Bible questions. What should a Christian’s position on gun control be?

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Should a Christian own weapons?

Answer Because of the increasing degree of violence in our society and the exhortation to peace found in Scripture, there is considerable disagreement among Christians over whether it is proper for a Christian to carry firearms. A thorough examination of the Bible, on the other hand, provides insight into historical behaviors that are relevant to this situation today. We may go to the apostles, who were armed, as an illustration. During the night that Jesus was betrayed, He instructed His people to carry swords with them.

A servant of the high priest had his ear severed by Peter as Jesus was being led away to be imprisoned by the authorities (John 18:10).
Peter’s possession of a sword was not condemned; rather, it was his particular use of it that was.
The apostle John advised them to “not not extort money from anybody by threats or false accusations, and to be satisfied with your earnings” when asked what they should do to live for God (Luke 3:14).
Also consider David, who extolled the virtues of God, praising him as “one who trains my hands for fight, my fingers for warfare” (Psalm 144:1).
Christian firearm ownership is never prohibited by the Bible, but it does include certain guidelines to keep in mind.
Christians who are considering purchasing a weapon should pray about whether or not doing so would contribute to the advancement of peace.
It is possible to glorify God by using a firearm for hunting, military or law enforcement duties, or self-defense.
Third, a Christian should follow all applicable laws, including gun regulations, in his or her community.
Furthermore, we are to pray on behalf of the governmental authorities that are in charge of our communities and country (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

In some situations, a weapon can be beneficial and even vital; nonetheless, Christians should carefully assess their motives and purposes for having a firearm, and local rules should be respected while using a weapon in a public place.

What does the Bible say about Christians owning weapons?

Modern Christians hold a variety of perspectives on guns, ranging from those who advocate for nonviolence at all costs to others who feel that possessing a firearm is a God-given right. The truth as revealed in the Bible is somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. Guidelines in the Bible create a balance between the right to preserve life and the reality that Christians may be subjected to persecution from time to time, according to the will of God. In Exodus 22:2-3, God demonstrates that self-defense must be proportionate; under the Mosaic Law, it was permissible to protect one’s life with greater zeal than one’s property.

Armed militaries were allowed, and in some cases, even mandated, throughout the Bible.
In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah wielded a sword and slew the priests of Baal.
In fact, some of Jesus’ most eloquent words are reserved for a military leader (Matthew 8:5-13).
However, contrary to popular opinion, the Bible does not state that Christians have an innate right to own a gun—even if the government permits them to (1 Corinthians 10:23).
Jesus declined to defend Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane because he knew there was a larger purpose for His sacrifice (John 18:10-11).
Before purchasing a weapon, a Christian should consider his or her goals as well as his or her training.
To ensure that the weapon is handled effectively and does not cause unintentional injury, it is critical to have proper training.

The greatest commandment that Jesus gave us is to love God and to love our neighbors.

Truths that are related: Self-defense is important.

Is there anything in the Bible that speaks to war?

How can I put the kingdom of God first in my life?

Return to: The Reality of Life’s Decisions

Does God want Christians to be a ‘good guy with a gun’?

— The Royal National Society (RNS) Is it possible that Jesus wants you to own a gun? He claimed he’d been pondering the topic “for quite some time,” and was unclear of how to reconcile his Christian religion with his admiration for weapons and self-defense. Following a shooting event near his home in 2017, he informed Religion News Service that he began seriously contemplating the question of God and weapons. In February of that year, two Indian men, Srinivas Kuchibhotla and Alok Madasani, were having an after-work drink at Austins Bar and Grill when a guy called Adam Purinton began yelling at them and interrogating them about their immigration status.

Purinton had been thrown out of the pub, but he returned and opened fire, killing Kuchibhotla and injuring Madasani and another guy who had come to their aid to protect them.
According to Berry, following the shooting and other violent episodes in his hometown, he battled about whether God would approve of his carrying a hidden weapon to protect himself and others.
“If a violent crime is taking place, or if a lady is being raped, is it improper, scripturally speaking, to protect that person so that they don’t die?” he said in a recent phone interview with Religion News Service.
RNS and the Associated Press collaborate on some religion-related news articles.
Following the collection of more than $480,000 in legal defense money for Kyle Rittenhouse through a Christian crowdfunding website, questions about God and weapons have lately gained attention.
Visitors were encouraged to contribute to the campaign in order to “give back to someone who heroically attempted to protect his neighborhood,” according to the campaign’s organizers.
Others have questioned the motives of those who claim to worship Jesus Christ.

Guns – What Does the Bible Say?

A report from the Royal National Society says that Jesus would like for you to own a gun, would you agree? He claimed he’d been pondering the topic “for quite some time,” and was unclear of how to reconcile his Christian religion with his interest in weaponry and self-defense. Following a shooting event near his home in 2017, he told Religion News Service that he began really debating the question of God and weapons. After-work cocktails at Austins Bar and Grill were interrupted by a guy called Adam Purinton who began yelling and interrogating them about their immigration status in February of that year.

Purinton had been thrown out of the pub, but he returned and opened fire, killing Kuchibhotla and injuring Madasani and another man who had come to their rescue, before being shot himself.
According to Berry, following the shooting and other violent episodes in his area, he anguished about whether God would approve of his carrying a hidden weapon to protect himself and others.
“If a violent crime is taking place, or if a lady is being raped, is it improper, scripturally speaking, to protect that person so that they do not die?” he said in a recent phone interview with Religion News Service.
The Religious Stories Service and the Associated Press collaborate on some religion-related news.
A Christian crowdfunding website has received more than $480,000 in legal defense money for Kyle Rittenhouse, prompting questions about God and weapons to make headlines.
Visitors were encouraged to donate to the campaign in order to “give back to someone who heroically attempted to protect his neighborhood,” according to the campaign’s coordinators.
According to Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of “Jesus and John Wayne: How Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation,” the concept that a Christian may be a “nice person with a gun” is well-established in many white evangelical groups, according to her research.
Correia is a staunch proponent of gun ownership who also maintains a successful YouTube channel, where he deconstructs footage of violent occurrences and discusses how “good men” may have intervened to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

During an interview with RNS, Correia stated of the conference, “We make no bones about the fact that we attempt to make it centered on Jesus and that he is exalted in our time.” If an attack occurs, Correia frequently references the Bible to argue that a Christian has the right to defend himself or herself in the case of a conflict.

In his words, “I have the right to define my own limits, and no one has the right to attack me physically or endanger my life.” The right to defend the border that states, “I will not be compelled and I will not be murdered” is protected by the First Amendment.
A popularization of the notion may be seen in the 2015 film “American Sniper,” in which the father of the main character, Chris Kyle, informs his family that “there are three categories of people in this world: sheep, wolves, and sheepdogs.
In order to prey on other people, wolves resort to violence.
As a matter of personal belief, Correia is opposed to it: “I am a sheep in God’s sight,” he said, but added that the technique is “very popular in Christian self-defense circles.
As part of their justification for training, some evangelical leaders have used the term “sheepdog” to describe their programs, and the notion of safeguarding the “flock” has been cited as well.
Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church and former president of the national Southern Baptist Convention.
“One of the things a pastor is assigned to do is to guard the flock, and that includes spiritually and biblically protecting the flock.” I also take very seriously the responsibility of physically watching after the flock, which is God’s people.

Jerry Falwell Jr.

He claimed to have a pistol holstered behind him, which he then pulled out and pointed it at the audience.

A concealed weapon holder who has attended and been trained by Correia personally, Berry also spends a lot of time at his local shooting range.

He is skeptical of what he calls a “civilian commando attitude,” as well as combinations of faith, firearms, and politics, which he refers to as a “toxic witches’ brew.” He also criticizes the “toxic witches’ brew” of faith, weapons, and politics.

He believes that many interpretations of current evangelical Christianity are “folk religion,” since they do not take Scripture seriously and are excessively dismissive of others.

Rittenhouse was charged with second-degree murder and attempted murder.

Moreover, while Correia said emphatically that his beliefs are not intended to condone indiscriminate violence, he stopped short of criticizing Rittenhouse or others who came to his support.

In my opinion, that’s misguided indignation since it implies that what he did was both morally wrong and criminal.

I can tell you that I do not believe that going to a riot with an AR-15 was a good decision.” Certainly, religious organizations have been among the most outspoken in their support for gun control measures.

There are also anti-gun evangelicals who are enthusiastic about it, such as Shane Claiborne, who leads a program that converts firearms into garden implements, which is a literal embodiment of the Biblical instruction to “swords into plowshares” (swords into ploughs).

As he put it, “I feel that the United States has a unique combination of faith, patriotism, militarism, self-sufficiency, family, and sometimes regional traditions, which has caused many to believe that gun ownership is an essential right, and something that Christians should hold to be vital.” Theologian Du Mez concurred, noting that pro-gun theologies frequently come into contact with elements of sexism and racism.

“This picture of a strong masculine guardian was always a white racial ideal for white evangelicals,” she explained.

According to RNS, Berry is still experiencing “stress” within himself as a result of his decision to carry concealed.

A violent man will eventually meet his end in a violent manner, he believes, noting that police responses to violent incidents are frequently insufficient to make a difference.

Adding more “good guys” with guns, he insisted, would be the solution. “Killing is not your ultimate goal. You want to put an end to violent behavior. A contribution to this report was made by Tim Morgan.

God and Gun-Control: What Does the Bible Say?

What does the Bible have to say about gun regulation? Are the recommendations for using defensive weaponry in the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, to put it another way, identical? Because of recent tragedies, gun regulation has re-emerged as a topic of discussion. From a political standpoint, all sides of the United States political spectrum are presenting their arguments for and against stricter gun control measures. Some politicians are now publicly calling for the removal of the Second Amendment, which is a significant step forward.

When faced with difficulties like these, my first instinct is to turn to the scriptures to see what principles we may use to guide us in our thoughts and actions.

Our lives and our holiness may be found in the Scripture, which contains all we require.

First and foremost, it may come as a surprise to learn that the Bible speaks directly to topics such as these.

That is, you will not find a specific passage in the Bible that states, “Thou shalt not possess a weapon.” Alternatively, one that states, “Thou shalt possess a weapon.” In reality, when it comes to direct communication, the Bible is deafeningly silent on the subject.

The Bible is a redemptive-historical work of literature.

This book of the Bible was not designed for us to use as a source of support or opposition to the social challenges of our day.

However, we may derive essential lessons from its various stories and letters that will assist us in knowing how to behave or act in particular scenarios that may or may not be part of its core aim.

What can we take away from the Bible in terms of principles?

From there, we may apply biblical concepts to our more modern-day applications, such as gun control, by adapting them.

When dealing with situations such as these, the first truth, on the other hand, is the most crucial one to remember.

Here’s everything you need to know: The God of the Old Testament is identified as Jesus.

How many times have you heard someone argue that the God of the Old Testament was judgemental, cruel, or that he commanded battles that resulted in the death of thousands of people, and so on?

After all, wasn’t it Jesus who stated, “Those who live by the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 10:28)?

He is the God of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).

Due to His creative power, everything in the universe—both visible and unseen, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—has been formed by Him and for Him, whether in the heavens or on earth.

He is the beginning and the end of all things, and in Him all things are held together” (Colossians 1:15-17).

As God described himself in Isaiah 46:9-10, this is the same sort of language that God used about himself.

As an example, when it comes to the question of weaponry, Jesus is the God of the Old Testament who instructed the armies of Israel to equip themselves in preparation for battle.

As recorded in I Samuel 30:8, he is the one who pushed David to pursue the Amalekites when David was little more than a commoner leading his own band of disgruntled men to rescue his family from their attackers.

According to Matthew 5:39, he is the same Jesus who commanded his disciples to turn the other cheek when they were assaulted and to love their adversaries (Matthew 5:44).

What principles can we draw from this for ourselves as individuals (not as a community or as a nation—those are whole other issues)?

The first of these is difficult for many people to grasp, but it is crucial if we are to have a biblical (rather than a political) perspective on the use of weaponry in our society.

Home invasion is addressed in Exodus 22:2 by God, who provides the law.

Essentially, the inference is that the man protecting his home is doing it in complete darkness.

In the course of protecting his house and family, he accidentally murders the intruder, but he did so unintentionally.

Thus, the sentence implies that the defender kills the invader with deliberate purpose.

I’m perfectly aware that this does not sit well with many people in the United States.

Many jurisdictions even have laws on the books that allow a defense to terminate the life of a house intruder if he thinks his own life is in danger as a result of the invasion.

We are concerned with the scriptures, which are our ultimate authority in all aspects of life; they are more authoritative than the law and more authoritative than a constitution.

With the exception of battle, the scriptures ban us from purposefully killing another human being created in God’s image, regardless of the context or the weapon used to do this.

There are a number of additional ideas that we may learn from the Bible, including: Weapon ownership was widespread during biblical times.

Any man above the age of 20 was required to be armed since he may be called upon to serve in the Israeli army in defense of the country (Numbers 26:2).

(John 18:11).

Weapons for self-defense were required in homes.

These few instances appear to support the notion that God’s people needed to be familiar with and have practice with weapons, both for personal protection and for fighting in battle.

“There was no blacksmith to be found in all of Israel,” the Bible says of King Saul as he prepares to lead his army into war.

Israel, according to the implication, was at a significant disadvantage in the fight against the Philistines because Israel lacked the practical tools to defend itself on an equal footing with the latter.

Judges 20:16 is the first known reference to a sling in antiquity, and it is also the most common.

In ancient times, a skilled soldier could hit a target from up to 400 feet distant with a sling.

Slings, bows, spears, swords, and daggers were all common weapons used in battle.

It was legal to inflict bodily injury on another person in self-defense.

Do you own a firearm?

It is quite feasible to use a gun in self-defense without resorting to purposely murdering your adversary in order to protect yourself.

A single Apostle or early follower used weapons or violence in the course of establishing the Kingdom of Heaven and Earth.

When it comes to defending one’s Christian faith, firearms and violence are strictly prohibited.

However, if we are assaulted because of our beliefs, we have the right to stand up and defend ourselves vocally, as Paul did throughout the book of Acts.

Violence of any type in the name of the Gospel, on the other hand, is a violation of Jesus’ word and example.

The Apostles, according to the book of Acts, were no exception.

It is a difficult lesson to learn, and many people find it difficult to accept. There may, however, come a time in a Christian’s life when being assaulted for the cause of Christ will require us to give up both our rights and our lives in order to protect others.