Designing a weapon to defend myself and family

[madidson857]

Hello people,

This question might sound weird and quite inappropriate for a Christian, though I can't really call myself a Christian as I recently realized I most likely never truly repented.
I currently try to fix this, but eh, not really the topic here, or maybe it is.
I hope this question is in the right category as well, I guessed this one would fit best as it discusses ethics.

I live in a country where violence is quite present, like a lot of other countries, even though it isn't at war. The kind of "civil violence", like theft and more.
I am not an engineer but like weapons, which I also don't know if it is a sin or not. I usually don't do this, but was thinking of designing a weapon to defend myself/my family in case someone would break into our home or steal our car on the highway.
Killing isn't great, but having my grandmother killed neither. I don't want to make a deadly tool but some kind of baton or I don't know if things go wrong.

As you could have noticed, I didn't even think of what it could be like, as I wonder seriously if this kind of thoughts/behavior is displeasing Jesus.
Why would I think that, because on one hand, He wants us to rely on him for safety, which I would like to but is quite hard to when seeing what's happening around.
I think there is a quote in the Bible for that with arrows but I can't remember it. I didn't read the Bible which is a shame.
On the other hand, I think Jesus asked His disciples to buy a sword but not use it, I think?

What should I do? Can I resume my activities or give it up?

 

[Sir Joseph]

Hello people,

This question might sound weird and quite inappropriate for a Christian, though I can't really call myself a Christian as I recently realized I most likely never truly repented.
I currently try to fix this, but eh, not really the topic here, or maybe it is.
I hope this question is in the right category as well, I guessed this one would fit best as it discusses ethics.

I live in a country where violence is quite present, like a lot of other countries, even though it isn't at war. The kind of "civil violence", like theft and more.
I am not an engineer but like weapons, which I also don't know if it is a sin or not. I usually don't do this, but was thinking of designing a weapon to defend myself/my family in case someone would break into our home or steal our car on the highway.
Killing isn't great, but having my grandmother killed neither. I don't want to make a deadly tool but some kind of baton or I don't know if things go wrong.

As you could have noticed, I didn't even think of what it could be like, as I wonder seriously if this kind of thoughts/behavior is displeasing Jesus.
Why would I think that, because on one hand, He wants us to rely on him for safety, which I would like to but is quite hard to when seeing what's happening around.
I think there is a quote in the Bible for that with arrows but I can't remember it. I didn't read the Bible which is a shame.
On the other hand, I think Jesus asked His disciples to buy a sword but not use it, I think?

What should I do? Can I resume my activities or give it up?

I won't judge whether your thread's in the right place or not madison857, but as a Christian and retired law enforcement officer with both experience and attraction for weapons, I'll offer my perspective on your various questions.

While many people, both Christians and non-Christians, use the Bible to oppose all forms of violence, such is a simplistic view accomplished only by hand picking certain versus. If we're to turn the other cheek as Jesus taught, why did he send his own apostles out armed with swords? And clearly God advocated violence and killing in the old testament when he authorized the death penalty for certain sins and coordinated wars upon evil nations. It's obviously a complex issue with multiple perspectives and answers. Here though is a good video on the subject I recommend. It addresses the entire moral issue of killing, including your self defense concerns.

Personally, I think Christians are called to accept persecution for their faith, which might mean submitting to violence under certain circumstances. However, I don't think that equates to enabling a criminal freedom to commit predatory acts upon innocent victims, be that self, family, or strangers. Thus, violence is not only morally justified, it becomes necessary if evil is to be curtailed at all. If you accept that view, then let's consider the options for personal defense.

Nothing beats the simplicity, convenience, and effectiveness of a gun. It levels the playing field so that the strong can't easily victimize the weak. I like guns and think they're prudent weapons to have, but for many people or places I recognize they may not be appropriate. For those cases, there are other less effective options that are still worthwhile.

Although I carried and respect a taser for work, I think its short term effect makes it less suitable for personal defense. Even worse, the stun gun which requires physical contact. A baton? I carried several types and trained extensively with them but never felt comfortable or confident with one. It takes physical fighting ability to a higher level than what most people want to engage in. A knife? It carries all the legal risks as a gun, but with far less convenience, safety, and effectiveness. There are other neat weapons for sure, but OC pepper spray probably ranks as the most popular, easiest, low level deterrent.

Understand first that OC spray is no more than 80% effective at stopping an assailant. That means, it'll stop the casual thief or thug looking for an easy target but not a determined killer or person hyped up on drugs. You want better? Buy a gun. The OC pepper spray though is better than nothing and is a well proven, viable option that's generally less restricted than firearms, poses no serious injury to the parties involved, and risks far less legal liability.

There are several cool looking pepper ball guns that look real and work well, but they're expensive. For a fraction of the price ($30-60), one can buy a large bear canister size pepper spray that'll work 20 feet away, as well as small ones for pocket or purse carry.

Personally, I think a can of bear spray near the front door and a readily accessable gun in the bedroom is a good defense arrangement. Out in public, choices get less convenient, but they're still abundantly available. In any case madison 857, you needn't put too much effort in designing some new, specialized weapons system for yourself or family. There's already more out there available for purchase now than you could imagine. Take your time and consider your laws, abilities, and available finances.

Now, if you've made it this far, allow me to preach a word. As a law enforcement officer, I wore body armor and carried a rifle, shotgun, 2 handguns, taser, baton, and pepper spray. I felt well trained, prepared, and capable, yet prayed earnestly every day for the Lord to watch over and protect me. I had several close calls, but my best comfort came from knowing that not only was the Lord watching over and protecting me, but should I die, I had assurance of my salvation and eternal life in the new world to come. Now that my friend, is the priority defense to get right in your life. Fear God first, then you can work on your fears of man.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Turning the other cheek had to do with the custom of a challenge, made to you from another. The
custom was to tap or slap the cheek of the person being challenged. Jesus's instruction was to turn
the other cheek in a show of nonresistance. In other words, Jesus was saying don't accept the challenge.

This had nothing to do with shooting a person invading your house and threatening your loved ones.
The right to defense can be used here and it would even be immoral to allow the invader to harm your
wife and children.

However, often people overreact and use a firearm when no violence or harm was intended.

If memory serves me right, there was a case in Florida. I young man visiting from Japan,
when with his friend dressed in a costume for Halloween. He approached a house waving
his arms and making a ghostly scream. The homeowner came out with his gun and shot the kid,
outside of the house, killing him. If I remember correctly, the home owner got off on
the "stand your ground," law.

 

[madidson857]

Thank you so much for your replies. It really helped me understand how God wants us to defend yourselves.
As Sir Joseph said, I think the idea of a baton or physical weapon to defend myself isn't the best. I'll try to see with some standard non-lethal options like a spray. Again, I thank you very much for your answers!

 

[Ace777]

What should I do? Can I resume my activities or give it up?

The best weapon is tear gas on your keychain. Even dogs back down if you are getting ready to spray them. If it is a mild attack just bit of spray to let them smell it will stop them. If it is a 800 pound bear you may want a bigger container of it. They highly recommend people carry pepper spray in Alaska when there is a risk of being attacked by any sort of an animal.

If someone had a gun you could use the tear gas for a diversion so you could go in and take the gun away from them.

The biggest advantage is the police almost never arrest someone for using tear gas. There is a person serving 70 years in prison for shooting a student for stealing beer out of his garage. So even you are at risk of being arrested when you are defending your property.

 

[timewerx]

It is also an option to move someplace safer.