The Biblical View of Gun Ownership

I was recently asked the following question…

“I’m a lifetime NRA member, have my CC, and support self-defence, but I’m curious about the theological basis for stating that lethal self-defence is “the God-given” right?”

MY REPLY…

That is a great question, and one that I am glad you asked. First, I would submit that governments do not grant rights, they only recognize and protect them. While governments can grant privileges, most “rights” are given by God. In addition, I believe the United States was founded on principles that are as close to being from the view of individuals created in the image of God as any nation in history. However, it is important to remember that those rights were intended for people with a moral and religious compass. This is why we find ourselves struggling with so much gun violence. The right to bear arms is dangerous in the hands of wicked, godless people without a high view of the sanctity of life. “If we are too wicked for the government to continue recognizing that right” is a conversation worth having, but I would still submit the right is God-given and ought not be infringed.

THE RIGHT TO PROTECT ONE’S LIFE

Specifically, I have taught my congregation (during a series on Christian worldview) on the biblical worldview of self-defense and will try to share a brief overview of a much deeper subject here. First, the defense or preservation of life is certainly Christian. We have no obligation to lose our life to the wicked. David fled Saul’s spear, Jesus escaped the murderous crowd more than once, and Paul evaded harm by going over the wall. There was no obligation to allow harm, or “turn the other cheek” in all cases (an often-misused verse, which is obviously not a universal command based upon the bankruptcy, or physical maiming that would follow if you would universally obey the commands surrounding it”)

The scripture makes plain that a person can defend themselves against an attacker, or even in a situation in which a reasonable person would fear for their life. In Exodus 22:2, we see that if a person is breaking into a home, with unknown intent in the night, the homeowner may kill them without any bloodguilt. However, if in the light of day, when we can see this is just a thief, not a murderer, it would be a crime to kill him, life being more valuable than belongings.

THE RIGHT TO CARRY A WEAPON

Secondly, Jesus encouraged the carrying of weapons of self-defense in Luke 22. These were not metaphorical or spiritual swords, any more than the cloak, sack, or sandals He spoke of were metaphorical. They were literal swords, which were not hunting devices or butter spreaders, but a means of self-defense for people traveling on dangerous roads. We should also point out that there were Roman patrols, and others, who “policed” areas. So, Jesus did not teach that the disciples were to leave their well being in the hands of governmental authorities.

THE LOVING ACT OF BEING ARMED

I would also submit that loving one’s family and one’s neighbor can better be carried out by a person who can defend them from the wicked who would do them harm. The most wicked of deeds in humanities history have often occurred once a populace has been disarmed. Additionally, a firearm levels the field between persons, like an elderly woman and a young male attacker. The Bible plainly authorizes self-defense weapons, so it stands to reason that it is morally right to avail oneself to the best possible option to which they have access for self-defense. For those living in the United States, that would be a gun.

The love for neighbor also extends to those who would carry out evil. They may be prevented from doing so, if only they knew that they would be facing armed victims. The statistics bear out the fact that violence goes down when a population is armed (including gun suicides is the means used to skew these numbers, while limiting guns does not reduce suicides it only changes the means). For example, according to one study of FBI statistics, allowing concealed handguns to be carried reduced murder by 8.5%, rape by 5%, and severe assault by 7%. Thus, allowing an armed populace is an act of love.

THE MORALITY OF BEING ARMED

Norm Geisler wrote, “It is evil not to resist evil; it is morally wrong not to defend the innocent. Sometimes only physical force and taking lives are sufficient to accomplish this… To permit a murder when one could have prevented it is morally wrong. To allow a rape when one could have hindered it is an evil. To watch an act of cruelty toward children without trying to intervene is morally inexcusable. In brief, not resisting evil is a sin of omission and sins of omission can be just as evil as sins of commission. In Biblical language, “Anyone, then who know the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins”. Any man who does not protect his wife and children against a violent intruder fails them morally.”

I could go further regarding the United States specifically and discuss the rights and obligations of citizen governance and our laws, but that would tighten the scope to one nation, but the Bible teaches this right is God-given for all humans.

Wayne Grudem states, “The right to self-defense should be seen as a fundamental human right, and governments should protect that right. This is especially important for women, for the elderly, and for any others who might be less able to defend themselves from an attack or who might appear to be more vulnerable to an attack, but it is a right that should be available to all citizens.”

WALKING OUT THESE GOD-GIVEN RIGHTS

No, I do not believe that we should advance the Kingdom by force. I also do not believe that we should shoot someone who is absconding with our belongings. Further, I do not believe that everyone, based on temperament, should carry a weapon. However, I do believe the right to do so is “God-given” and encouraged by our Lord.

As Francis Shaeffer said, “In a fallen world some kind of force will always be necessary.”

Ultimately, each believer must prayerfully consider whether gun ownership is how they want to walk out their faith and each side of the conversation ought to love and respect one another as brothers and sisters in Christ who simply walk differently in this secondary issue.

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