Is being a Christian and liking Guns mutually exclusive?

[marineimaging]

I once said that I like guns and think of them as a beautiful technical art. I was nearly kicked off of FB and the hate mail was on one reason I left FB. It seems that some people have the impression that if you say that you are a Christian and like guns then you are a hypocrite. Not so. I am also a former machinist and fabricator, a marketing management professional, a 3D CAD artist, and I have built thousands of fixtures for manufacturing engineering of products almost everybody has seen in some form. I do not mean that all guns are beautiful, technical, nor an art. However, I do appreciate those which are made in high or moderate volume manufacturing and have the look and feel of fine craftsmanship. I really appreciate it when I see an older a gun with more tight fitting the parts and which as been around for many years and still shoots accurately and reliably. What about you? Do you think that being a Christian and like guns makes you (me) a hypocrite?

 

[lovefirst36]

No, I do not. I like target shooting. I like the calmness and quiet of focusing on the target. It helps me relax and its fun. I also keep my pistol because it helps me feel safe. If I was ever attacked I would be able to protect myself and my children. I would never use it in an unChristian like manner, to intimidate, commit a crime, hurt someone. So no I don't think it makes you a hypocrite.

 

[Servant68]

Not sure you want to open this can of worms.

The most vile and hateful things I've ever been called on the internet were by "Christians" here on this site and in this forum simply because I believed in the Biblical concept of self-defense and defense of family.

 

[Darkhorse]

No hypocrisy at all.

To be honest, I had a few qualms and conflicts in my young-and-ignorant years between following Jesus's commandments and using guns defensively. These came to an abrupt end when I was placed in a situation where my hesitancy to act nearly cost my mom's life. I learned that we may have a choice about defending ourselves, but we have an obligation to defend others.

Nowdays, I don't count on trying to reconcile all the fine points of theology when confronting a dangerous situation. Instead, I depend on God's grace to cover all my imperfections while trying to make sense out of a crazy world.

 

[Servant68]

The big taboo on this site is questioning someone's salvation. You just don't do that. However, if you reveal that you believe in self-defense and actually carry a firearm or knife for such purpose, you will be accused of not being a Christian, of being filled with murder in your heart, and being an agent of satan. Pretty extreme stuff...

It's funny how people will take select verses out of the Bible to push their agenda without understanding the culture or history of the people and the region.

For instance, I've heard it argued that since the Jewish people rarely carried swords or other defensive and offensive weapons, that God did not condone the use of such.

Not true.

The Jewish people have been historically oppressed and in ancient times, weapons were seen as the great equalizer, just like today. You can't make slaves and lessor citizens out of people who are able to defend themselves.

You can see a glimpse of this in 1 Samuel 13:19-20...

19 Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, "Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!" 20 So all Israel went down to the Philistines to have their plow points, mattocks, axes and sickles sharpened.

You will note that the Philistines were the evil and oppressive people and refused the Israelites access to weapons. They even banned the ancient version of the gun store to prevent the Israelites from having access to weapons.

Just like the modern version of those who seek to keep weapons away from people; it is for control and enslavement.

 

[HereIStand]

There is no conflict. Use your knowledge for sport or self-defense. I recently joined the NRA, even though I only have an old shotgun in need or repair.

 

[Sabertooth]

Peter (and probably other disciples) carried a sword while he was following Jesus. See Matthew 26:51-52

Jesus told Peter that it was inappropriate at that moment, but He did not forbid him to carry it the rest of the time.

 

[Southernscotty]

Well everyone knows my stance. I am a southern boy raised with guns in every corner. I love them, They are a tool just like my fishing pole. I do not wanna harm no one and the thought has never entered my mind. If it came down to it YES I would defend my family and my congregation. Simply put. If that makes me wrong, Or a bad pastor? Then attend a different church.

 

[marineimaging]

No hypocrisy at all.

To be honest, I had a few qualms and conflicts in my young-and-ignorant years between following Jesus's commandments and using guns defensively. These came to an abrupt end when I was placed in a situation where my hesitancy to act nearly cost my mom's life. I learned that we may have a choice about defending ourselves, but we have an obligation to defend others.

Now I don't count on trying to reconcile all the fine points of theology when confronting a dangerous situation. Instead, I depend on God's grace to cover all my imperfections while trying to make sense out of a crazy world.

I certainly understand where you are coming from. When I was young I fished and hunted but wouldn't carry in public so much becasue I didn't believe in civilians carrying guns even though I was an expert in the military and in law enforcement. Then, one day about 6-8 years ago a light went on and I haven't looked back. To add to what you said, we have to remember that if we are faced with a life or death situation where we have to make a choice, Jesus has not stopped caring and has not stopped loving and has not stopped intervening. I put mine on (concealed) and even carry a backup magazine but I still pray to go through the day and never need it. It makes me more careful in what I do and say because I don't want to be considered the aggressor before a Grand Jury..., so I am a nicer guy for it.

 

[marineimaging]

Well everyone knows my stance. I am a southern boy raised with guns in every corner. I love them, They are a tool just like my fishing pole. I do not wanna harm no one and the thought has never entered my mind. If it came down to it YES I would defend my family and my congregation. Simply put. If that makes me wrong, Or a bad pastor? Then attend a different church.

10-4 See above?

 

[marineimaging]

10-4 See above?

Also, the wife and I were carrying a .380 each in church but we always sit near the front. I began to think that if anybody comes in they are coming in behind me and the main doors are about 50 yards away. Realizing a .380 with 3.4" barrel would never shoot accurately that far I decided to carry my .40 PT-101-P with a 5" barrel because I know it will shoot accurately enough that distance if I needed to. The problem of drooping pants was settled with a pair of strong suspenders under my shirt. Meanwhile, the wife is carrying a Ruger LCR in .38. If anything happens she is going down to the floor and protecting those around her from anybody getting within her comfort zone. If I were you I think I would have a new podium made with a cubby and secret latch for a MMSR with spare mags. I can design one that would look really nice. Hay, maybe I just come up with a new business idea.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

The only people who hate other christians who own guns are usually the type of people that are likely to judge MANY christians because they have opposing views. Those are the kind of christians I avoid.

Just last week we bought a S&W 380 Bodyguard pistol for the home. While I would have prefered something a bit bigger, we want my wife and mother to be able to use it in case someone ever broke into the home. It doesn't have much recoil and is small enough to use for them since they are smaller. Got regular FMJ ammo (for target practice) and hollow point ammo for actually using if we had to shoot someone so the bullet breaks apart inside for more damage and doesn't go through the body and thus through the home and hurt others.

We don't want to ever have to use it for what its designed for. But its about safety. About twelve men in our church have carry-conceal permits and carry their pistols to church every week. I mean most members don't know of course since some wold be freaked out by it.

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

I forgot to add my wife refuses to learn to use it and wants nothing to do with it. Shes not from america and says she doesn't understand why we americans love guns and need them in our house. Then she points out the school shootings and other issues we have here. I tell her thats not a gun problem, its a culture issue when it comes to shootings. I also remind her in her country they have terrorists and druggies with guns that are always using them too. Don't think she realizes how many people own guns in other countries.

 

[Albion]

What about you? Do you think that being a Christian and like guns makes you (me) a hypocrite?

Certainly not. There is no sense to such an accusation.

 

[marineimaging]

I forgot to add my wife refuses to learn to use it and wants nothing to do with it. Shes not from america and says she doesn't understand why we americans love guns and need them in our house. Then she points out the school shootings and other issues we have here. I tell her thats not a gun problem, its a culture issue when it comes to shootings. I also remind her in her country they have terrorists and druggies with guns that are always using them too. Don't think she realizes how many people own guns in other countries.

I was able to host a lot of people from other countries in my former position as a marketing manager for an international marine based company. I encountered only 1 person who was not jealous of the fact we could carry guns here in America. They all loved the western style and the AR's. Rather than taking them to lunch I took them to grab a burger or American hotdog (again, jealous) and then we headed to the range and picnicked there. We would either shoot targets or skeet and when we left they were beaming. The next year when they came back they didn't even want to stop of hot dogs. Business meeting in a flurry then to the range until it was time for their flights. The only dissenter was an Aussie. He hated guns with a passion and thought we were all crazy. I probably shouldn't have told him that his dislike for guns was probably inbred of his forefathers since the Island of Australia was a penal and leper colony and they probably and an irrational loathing of guns. (Just kidding. I was really civil and didn't say anything. After all, I am a Christian with nothing but love for my fellow man here on earth.)

 

[marineimaging]

I forgot to add my wife refuses to learn to use it and wants nothing to do with it. Shes not from america and says she doesn't understand why we americans love guns and need them in our house. Then she points out the school shootings and other issues we have here. I tell her thats not a gun problem, its a culture issue when it comes to shootings. I also remind her in her country they have terrorists and druggies with guns that are always using them too. Don't think she realizes how many people own guns in other countries.

Is she aware that London officially passed New York in murders over the past 100 days? I think 17 were with guns and the rest with knives.

 

[Servant68]

I was able to host a lot of people from other countries in my former position as a marketing manager for an international marine based company. I encountered only 1 person who was not jealous of the fact we could carry guns here in America. They all loved the western style and the AR's. Rather than taking them to lunch I took them to grab a burger or American hotdog (again, jealous) and then we headed to the range and picnicked there. We would either shoot targets or skeet and when we left they were beaming.

At the indoor range where my GSSF matches are, there was a group of about 8 younger Asian students that showed up a couple of months ago to shoot. If I had to guess, I would say they were Korean.

The range employees were very patient and had them shoot a .22 revolver. It was fun watching them beam with pride as they blasted away at targets.

It's odd that of all the non-Americans I know, the only ones who hate guns are white Western Europeans. It's like it's ingrained in their DNA to be victims. Odd since historically they were conquerors.

 

[Darkhorse]

It's odd that of all the non-Americans I know, the only ones who hate guns are white Western Europeans. It's like it's ingrained in their DNA to be victims. Odd since historically they were conquerors.

But in the 19th and 20th centuries they became victims.

First, victims of democratic socialism;

Then, victims of World War 2;

Lastly, victims of atheism.

 

[marineimaging]

But in the 19th and 20th centuries they became victims.

First, victims of democratic socialism;

Then, victims of World War 2;

Lastly, victims of atheism.

When I was last in Scotland I had to endure a lot of chiding and ridiculing when I fell into the trap of commenting about owning guns and hunting at a party hosted by the homeowner where I was staying at the time. I mean, they were not just ignorant. I have been around some salty people working around the docks and machine and fab shops all over the US but these people were vehemently brutal. I have seen ____________(fill in the blank) in jail treated with more respect. The same thing in Rotterdam although it wasn't as widespread.

 

[Sabertooth]

I learned that we may have a choice about defending ourselves, but we have an obligation to defend others.

Sometimes, it is necessary to do the first in order to do the second.