Is being a Christian and liking Guns mutually exclusive?

[dms1972]

I would not say it was hypocritical. Hypocrisy I think is were one says its wrong to be interested in guns, but secretly harbours an interest in them. There is nothing wrong with metalurgy, or ballistics as areas of study IMO.

 

[SJP51]

"Turn the other cheek" did not mean let a thug kill you, break into your home, or threaten your family. So, yes, firearms are useful tools to the law abding Christian. I like to hunt, shoot, and practice self defense. I conceal and open carry where OK by law. I know many many other Christians that do the same.

 

[dms1972]

I think its ok for people to own a gun for personal or family protection (if they are sensible mature minded individuals) - and I can understand the attraction of trying out different guns, going to firing ranges etc. I am not so sure about why people need machine guns and I even saw in a video a gun that was basically anti-aircraft could be bought by the public? Is it really necessary to own those? Why?

 

[SJP51]

I think its ok for people to own a gun for personal protection (if they are sensible mature minded individuals) - and I can understand the attraction of trying out different guns, going to firing ranges etc. I am not so sure about why people need machine guns and I even saw in a video a gun that was basically anti-aircraft could be bought by the public? Is it really necessary to own those? Why?

The answer to your "why" is that the founders were throwing off a tyranical government when the COTUS was written. The 2nd Amendment is not about hunting or even self protection. The 2A was included in the COTUS to provide THE PEOPLE with the ability to fight their own government if the need ever arose. If the governement has machine guns, then THE PEOPLE need machine guns.

That in a nut shell is why.

 

[dms1972]

The answer to your "why" is that the founders were throwing off a tyranical government when the COTUS was written. The 2nd Amendment is not about hunting or even self protection. The 2A was included in the COTUS to provide THE PEOPLE with the ability to fight their own government if the need ever arose. If the governement has machine guns, then THE PEOPLE need machine guns.

That in a nut shell is why.

But in those days correct me if I am wrong (not from US) in those days there were militias (that is what I am reading), and it was congress who armed them, they must have been organised and regulated in some way - the wording of the 2nd suggests that. I thought it was for defense of each state from other states, or have I got that wrong, genuinely would like to understand it better?

 

[SJP51]

But in those days correct me if I am wrong (not from US) in those days there were militias (that is what I am reading), and it was congress who armed them, they must have been organised and regulated in some way - the wording of the 2nd suggests that. I thought it was for defense of each state from other states, or have I got that wrong, genuinely would like to understand it better?

The revolution against England was fought initially by citizens with their personnaly owned rifles, powder, and shot. Not supplied by any government or Congress as at that time there was no "government" or congress. The "shot heard 'round the world" was at Concord and Lexington where malitia (not regular troops) stopped the British from seizing a storehouse of personnally and community owned powder and shot. The militia were all able bodied men. Soon after the Declaration of Independce there was an army formed that was supplied by the newly formed government, but the malitia still fought.

The 2A does indeed suggest the militia be "well regulated". With over 20,000+ firearms related laws we regulated to death. The 2A does NOT say the malitia must be well organized.

Again, the intent of the 2A is not a government formed and controlled military. It is, rather, a force of men able to fight and throw off the chains of a tyranical government. Remember that at that day in time, the citizens had the exact same weapon as all standing armies: A black powder rifle. I believe it was the intent of the founders that the citizens have the same arms as the military, otherwise they'd have limited it to a sub-standard arm which at the time was a bow and arrow.

As an FYI, my household has 20+ rifles, 6 shotguns, and 15 pistiols. Well over 10,000 rounds of ammo. I'm no threat to anyone that is not a threat to me. But as the Gadsden Flag says: "Don't Tread on Me". I'll pray for your soul before and after, but I intend to be standing and free when it's done.

 

[dms1972]

The revolution against England was fought initially by citizens with their personnaly owned rifles, powder, and shot. Not supplied by any government or Congress as at that time there was no "government" or congress. The "shot heard 'round the world" was at Concord and Lexington where malitia (not regular troops) stopped the British from seizing a storehouse of personnally and community owned powder and shot. The militia were all able bodied men. Soon after the Declaration of Independce there was an army formed that was supplied by the newly formed government, but the malitia still fought.

The 2A does indeed suggest the militia be "well regulated". With over 20,000+ firearms related laws we regulated to death. The 2A does NOT say the malitia must be well organized.

Again, the intent of the 2A is not a government formed and controlled military. It is, rather, a force of men able to fight and throw off the chains of a tyranical government. Remember that at that day in time, the citizens had the exact same weapon as all standing armies: A black powder rifle. I believe it was the intent of the founders that the citizens have the same arms as the military, otherwise they'd have limited it to a sub-standard arm which at the time was a bow and arrow.

As an FYI, my household has 20+ rifles, 6 shotguns, and 15 pistiols. Well over 10,000 rounds of ammo. I'm no threat to anyone that is not a threat to me. But as the Gadsden Flag says: "Don't Tread on Me". I'll pray for your soul before and after, but I intend to be standing and free when it's done.

Personally I have nothing against people enjoy their guns, for some its just a hobby something they collect perhaps antique, and also be able to protect their loved ones. Is it just an interest and liking for guns or do you really think some eventuality might arise that you might need all those! How did you come to have accumulate so many, cause what you describe sounds like a small arsenal!

Also what do you consider a threat - I mean what if someone got in a heated argument with you used some salty language?

 

[dms1972]

As I said I don't think there is anything hypocritical in liking guns either because of their craftsmanship, or design, or having one for home protection. However there is a difference from the old rifle or shotgun which could be a work of art (with hours of engraving) and many recent guns in which are purely functional and no art in them at all.

 

[Anthony2019]

I have never handled a gun in my entire life and except on very rare occasions, I never see them. None of my friends or anyone I know has access to one and they will probably never have the opportunity to get them even if they wanted to.
Owning a gun is something that I have never had to think about.

 

[SJP51]

Personally I have nothing against people enjoy their guns, for some its just a hobby something they collect perhaps antique, and also be able to protect their loved ones. Is it just an interest and liking for guns or do you really think some eventuality might arise that you might need all those! How did you come to have accumulate so many, cause what you describe sounds like a small arsenal!

Also what do you consider a threat - I mean what if someone got in a heated argument with you used some salty language?

For me weapons are my hobby. I used to enjoy hunting of all kinds. Still do, just not as wildly passinate for it as I once was. I still enjoy skeet shooting and rifle range practice very much. Both are social activities with lots of like minded folks around. Pistols are nice, espeically in winter when shooting after work when the sun goes down requires an indoor range. I especially fond of black powder rifle shooting. Such a challenge! But all guns do have that walnut and blued steel artistic appeal. Just beautiful craftsmanship. Not a small arsenal, just a nice assortment of arms.

Did I mention I love archery, too! I have a 40 yard archery range behind the house. Lots of fun.

Eventually, yes, something might arise. Our government and some people are just crazy!

I agree with the law on use of deadly force, and salty lanquage and arguments do meet the requirement. Law allows the use of deadly force to defend my person or others from assault that could result in death or serious bodily injury, to prevent arson, theft in the night time, and other examples. I would not use deadly force unless I truely beleived I had no other choice.

 

[Beard Man]

A firearm is no different than any other tool like a knife, Machete, archery, etc.

No,not exactly!
A weapon is a weapon, it has only one purpose, and you know it.
Can you cut bread with a gun?
Can you split a tree with a gun?
So, the weapon is very different from other tools, such as a knife, machete etc.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

No,not exactly!
A weapon is a weapon, it has only one purpose, and you know it.
Can you cut bread with a gun?
Can you split a tree with a gun?
So, the weapon is very different from other tools, such as a knife, machete etc.

You can put food on your table with one.

 

[Beard Man]

You can put food on your table with one.

Oh,really?
Bread, plow the land with a gun?
))

 

[Darkhorse]

Oh,really?
Bread, plow the land with a gun?
))

Sure - or kill a deer with a plow.

 

[JohnDB]

I like guns...
But then I'm a tool junkie.
Powder actuated tools are a necessity in construction. They are just a different form of firearms.

I like shooting skeet and trap. It's something fun when out in rural areas without much to do.

Game meats can only be harvested using firearms...and I like game meats.

But

Owning guns is a huge hassle anymore. Restrictions on ammunition, paperwork for even purchasing a gun is long. Then the long term responsibility for securing and keeping the thing in working order. Then if you loan it out (usually to family) they are annoying with their lack of respect for the thing and trying to "permanently borrow it" as if you made it a gift.

So...yeah...I like them. Have used them. Don't mind them in the least.

But also as a Christian I am somewhat troubled about the sheer volume of handguns and the lack of expense associated with them.
$350 can buy a pretty decent hand gun...not even a week's wages. (After taxes)

Used to take almost a years wages to purchase a rifle when the constitution was written.

For @ $1,500-$2,500 I can purchase a rifle capable of hitting a target almost a mile away...of course it turns into pink mist when hit. (Scope and mount are extra)
Not sure why I'd need one of those.

I'm neither predator or prey...I am a person who doesn't want to have to shoot another person. I'm a Hamilton...in an Aaron Burr world.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Oh,really?
Bread, plow the land with a gun?
))

Duck, Pheasant, Partridge, Squirrel, Rabbit, Deer, Elk, Moose, Goose, wild boar, feral hog, bear; and I'm sure I missed a few.

Now, if you are vegan, one could also plug an elusive and stealthy yam; big game, maybe a field pumpkin or a big water-melon; small game you could clip an apple or an orange from high in the tree; no more settling for "low hanging fruit".

So the answer is "Yes, really!!!"

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

I like guns...
But then I'm a tool junkie.
Powder actuated tools are a necessity in construction. They are just a different form of firearms.

I like shooting skeet and trap. It's something fun when out in rural areas without much to do.

Game meats can only be harvested using firearms...and I like game meats.

But

Owning guns is a huge hassle anymore. Restrictions on ammunition, paperwork for even purchasing a gun is long. Then the long term responsibility for securing and keeping the thing in working order. Then if you loan it out (usually to family) they are annoying with their lack of respect for the thing and trying to "permanently borrow it" as if you made it a gift.

So...yeah...I like them. Have used them. Don't mind them in the least.

But also as a Christian I am somewhat troubled about the sheer volume of handguns and the lack of expense associated with them.
$350 can buy a pretty decent hand gun...not even a week's wages. (After taxes)

Used to take almost a years wages to purchase a rifle when the constitution was written.

For @ $1,500-$2,500 I can purchase a rifle capable of hitting a target almost a mile away...of course it turns into pink mist when hit. (Scope and mount are extra)
Not sure why I'd need one of those.

I'm neither predator or prey...I am a person who doesn't want to have to shoot another person. I'm a Hamilton...in an Aaron Burr world.

I'm an engineer, and I too appreciate machinery done well. Oh that I could buy toolling that would last as long as a well made fire arm (their are some).

Long range target shooting is an ultimate form of the technology. I live in Canada, it is a worse hassle here, and our gear is more expensive, and it is worth every penny. BTW, we can not use firearms for self defense here, we can not "carry" pistols anywhere but our approved ranges; but still, worth it!!

 

[Beard Man]

Sure - or kill a deer with a plow.

Yes, but can you plow with a gun?

 

[Beard Man]

you could clip an apple or an orange from high in the tree; no more settling for "low hanging fruit".

Very funny!

 

[FenderTL5]

The 2A was included in the COTUS to provide THE PEOPLE with the ability to fight their own government if the need ever arose.

That is not even remotely true. In fact that is the exact opposite of truth.

The Bill of Rights, that includes the 2nd Amendment, was written after the war had ended. Washington has dismissed the Continental Army back to their homes. There was no standing army. None, nada.
Many in the congress wanted to keep it that way. The 2nd Amendment provided for a citizen militia to protect the the newly formed government. The language is right there in the Amendment:
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

And yes "well regulated" meant trained and organized.