Why does a christian need a gun?

According to the Terms of Service for the firearms section, debate is not allowed.

Threads of this nature here have often become contentious, and have been closed.

It seems like a good topic for debate areas (Ethics & Morality, etc.).

see you there? Hope so it, is a worthy subject to share as we keep in Galatians 5 attributes?
Best wishes all

johneb said:

For me this is a interesting question, but the moderators here do not feel it is worthy for discussion?

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I actually would like to answer that question!

I actually believe their is a Christian duty to protect your family, and other vulnerable people living in your neighborhood. You can see that idea throughout the Old Testament. Even in the New Testament saint Paul speaks in terms of government of the time

Romans 13:4
4For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.

In our times, this verse has some interesting implications because Government is suppose to be setup to protect the rights of its citizens, but government is also to be accountable to its citizens etc.


Now Christianity is a religion of peace and there are plenty of reasons to be that. But I do not believe Christ's words on things like "living by the sword" etc. were a universal mandate against never using weapons for defense etc. Jesus or the apostles never called the Roman centurions that sometimes converted over to Judaism or Christianity to renounce their profession etc. And such a thing does not make sense when you consider the Old Testament. The same God that inspired the New Testament gave us the Old Testament. If you believe that bearing weapons is a sin, then God would have been urging people to do evil in the times of the Old Testament, and that raises some serious heretical problems because only groups like the Gnostics, Marcionites, etc. believed those commands can from an evil "god" who was different than the God of the New Testament.

I believe words like "not living by the sword" etc. is about God's general will for human kind as far as the Gospel goes. Naturally God wants mercy, and if we can find ways to go the extra mile and show mercy that is great and the ideal thing. But we cannot always do that. Their are evil people out there. God is not only disciple maker, Satan also makes disciples who go out and do his bidding. And it is irresponsible for Christians to allow the disciples of Satan to hurt the innocent. That does not fulfill your duty as a father, or a Man, or even a responsible adult of either gender.


So I do not think a few verses in the New Testament means that Jesus is a full fledged hippy pacifist. Indeed Jesus will be returning back to Earth with a sword in his mouth to strike down the nations! Revelation 19:15

At times and for some, we can get in our relationship where we are protected, yet, can He not put us in a place to be His Hands and Feet in protection of His own? Been watching some testimonies of Nazi Germany and seeing a potential for more of that here, "mask nazi's" and such. The fellowship one with another is important, a family thing.

johneb said:

why did the apostle Peter have a sword?

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The events that took place at the Garden of Gethsemane were necessary so "all prophecies concerning Him be fulfilled."

“For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘And He was numbered with transgressors (Isaiah 53:12)’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” (Luke 22:37)

This is why Jesus replied with "That's enough," when his disciples said, “Lord, look here are two swords." (Luke 22:38) Two swords were more than enough needed for that moment in the garden when Peter would draw his sword on one of the men who came to arrest Jesus. Jesus allowed Peter to do this in order to fulfill the prophecy that He would be "numbered with transgressors."

So when Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” (John 18:11) It was at this point the prophecy found in Isaiah, "He was numbered with transgressors", had been fulfilled.

Since the purpose of Peter carrying and using a sword was so he would be in violation the a law in order that Jesus would be seen as a transgressor (Criminal), this example shouldn't be used to support the argument that Christians need a gun.

disagree, Jesus also told of " then, in that time you will need a sword".

johneb said:

Why does a christian need a gun?

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Besides, God forbid, needing to shoot someone?

That wrong view totally violates reasonable thinking, participation is the shooting sports enables nearly all to participate in the safest sport there is.
I've noticed people who allow themselves to succumb to propaganda tend to react with emotion, not reason.
best wishes

johneb said:

My answer to this would be, why did the apostle Peter have a sword?
1When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”

5They answered Him, “Jesus [a]of Nazareth.”

Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

7Then He asked them again, “Whom are you seeking?”

And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

8Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9that the saying might be fulfilled which He spoke, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.”

10Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

11So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?”

For me this is a interesting question, but the moderators here do not feel it is worthy for discussion?

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I read it as we are allowed to defend ourselves. Verse 11 just says that Jesus has a path to follow and Peter needs to let it happen.

It's all pretty clear.

I see what you mean, thank you

this looks they are having fun, and it is historical.

Just had fun sharing this.

There are those who insist it's wrong for Christians to own guns because they should look to God for protection.
Anyone who claims the moral high ground like that should prove it by removing the locks from their doors and windows and cars etc.

Kindly said. I know He has protected us all at one time or other, some by one means, some by another.
Best wishes

ss51 said:

this looks they are having fun, and it is historical.

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Yes, glad you mentioned this. Most enjoyable for me has been building BP rifle kits; a combination of wood and metal work. You?

Oops, didn't mean to make this thread go sideways. Sorry.

Yes, many of us enjoy the history and construction of these.