Would you shoot a home invader?

[Fantine]

I don't own a gun, and neither does anyone in my home, and so no, I wouldn't shoot a home invader.

Why don't I own a gun? Most murders are committed by people who have relationships with the victims--sometimes family members, ex-husbands, jilted lovers, etc.

And what are they using? Guns that are stored in the homes they are living in together. Those same guns that can be accidentally fired by their children, or, in a moment of despair, used in suicides.

I am willing to rely on passive restraints (deadbolt locks, alarm systems, etc.) to protect myself against unknown intruders, because I know in my heart that most American homes are safer without rather than with guns.

 

[jakeet]

Hell yes, god bless castle laws.

 

[Satt]

I don't own a gun, and neither does anyone in my home, and so no, I wouldn't shoot a home invader.

Why don't I own a gun? Most murders are committed by people who have relationships with the victims--sometimes family members, ex-husbands, jilted lovers, etc.

And what are they using? Guns that are stored in the homes they are living in together. Those same guns that can be accidentally fired by their children, or, in a moment of despair, used in suicides.

I am willing to rely on passive restraints (deadbolt locks, alarm systems, etc.) to protect myself against unknown intruders, because I know in my heart that most American homes are safer without rather than with guns.

Do you own any kitchen knives?

 

[Fantine]

Do you own any kitchen knives?

Kitchen knives serve a useful purpose, even if they can potentially be misused.

Guns serve absolutely no useful purpose in my life.

 

[Satt]

Kitchen knives serve a useful purpose, even if they can potentially be misused.

Guns serve absolutely no useful purpose in my life.

That first sentence could also be used to defend guns.

The second sentence is also good. I am glad you have no use for them.

May you always be safe and blessed.

 

[jakeet]

What is the point of this discussion? Like you would stop to think whether or not to shoot the guy who just broke down your front door. There is a reason most states have castle laws. So you can defend your home and possessions with out having to worry about braking the law.
Second, what is with all this talk about guns? Guns are not evil, guns are not the problem. It is how you use them that is the problem. There is nothing malevolent about a gun, a gun just moves a piece of metal by way of a hammer striking a pin that ignites a primer that ignites a sulfur, potassium nitrate, and charcoal mixture. What is wrong with that? Pens on the other hand can write decorations of war that will end thousands of lives, does that make pens evil? Maybe pens should have no place in my life?

 

[Cooch]

As the original post specified Home Invasion, we shoulkd attempt to define that. For what it is worth, the Wikipedia definition agreed with the others that I've seen.

Home invasion is the act of burglarizing a private and occupied dwelling for the purpose of committing a violent crime (such as robbery, assault, rape or murder) against the occupant(s). It is not a legally defined offense (federally) in the United States, but may be in Australia, and New Zealand (where it can be applied even if entry is not forced).
Home invasion differs from simple burglary in its violent intent, much the same way as the violent crime of robbery is differentiated from simple larceny.

Therefore, someone caught walking out with you food processor and the china dog from your mantlepiece is not a "home invader".

Someone who deliberately enters your home, in the knowledge that you are present, and with the intent of doing you harm is a Home Invader, and under current law in my state, you will not be charged if - prima face - you shoot him in self defence.

Not only is this recognised in law, but the increased safety to other less able members of the community from such actions, lead me to believe that self-defence is not merely a right, but an obligation...... and a firearm is the safest and most effective method by which a householder may defend themselves.

Peter

 

[PreachersWife2004]

Awesome points, Cooch.

 

[jakeet]

So what, we should politely ask the intruder if he/she is a home invader or a robber before we can shoot them? Are we going to turn this into a dictionary argument? If they are in your house, shoot them. simple as that. Later you can tell the police you felt threatened if you are worried about the law.

 

[Fantine]

While owning a gun in one's home might present some potential advantages if that home is invaded, it also presents clear and present dangers to the family.

These dangers are exacerbated if any member of the home suffers from depression, has even occasional problems with alcohol or drug use, has anger management problems, or has a tendency towards psychological or physical abuse.

These dangers are exacerbated even more if the gun is not stored safely and properly and ther are children in the home.

And what that means is that for many if not most families, having a gun in the home is far more dangerous than not having a gun in the home.

But owning a gun is their choice--my family can make a sensible decision in our own best interests, but we can't change the right of others to make foolish ones.

 

[jakeet]

...having a gun in the home is far more dangerous than not having a gun in the home.

Tell that to them:h ttp :// w ww. you tube. com/ watch?v =6H5n8P-o53M
ht tp :// w ww. you tube .com/ watch ?v =Oz3VX1ZAqoA&feature=related
ht tp://w ww .you tube . com/watch? v=LhB0G-k3 Y2k&feature=related
ht tp: //w ww. you tube . com/ watch?v =gDl0E2bG nf c&feature=related
(without the spaces, had to get around the no posting links without 50 posts rule some how.)
A little off topic but someone pointed out how they are still not used to living in a country where the police carry guns. For anyone who has lived in a country where the police don't carry guns, how do the cops get people to obey them. Here in the us they can say "stop or i'll shoot." (Even though they can't unless you are shooting at them.) Or use them to threaten people braking the law. What do the cops do in those other countries say: "stop or i'll just keep saying stop"?

 

[drich0150]

While owning a gun in one's home might present some potential advantages if that home is invaded, it also presents clear and present dangers to the family.

These dangers are exacerbated if any member of the home suffers from depression, has even occasional problems with alcohol or drug use, has anger management problems, or has a tendency towards psychological or physical abuse.

These dangers are exacerbated even more if the gun is not stored safely and properly and ther are children in the home.

And what that means is that for many if not most families, having a gun in the home is far more dangerous than not having a gun in the home.

But owning a gun is their choice--my family can make a sensible decision in our own best interests, but we can't change the right of others to make foolish ones.

The same argument could legitimately be made about kitchen knives and non safety scissors.

Everything in it's place.

 

[Cooch]

While owning a gun in one's home might present some potential advantages if that home is invaded, it also presents clear and present dangers to the family..

That danger is grossly exaggerated. When responsible precautions are taken, the risk is lower than that of owning a car.

By ignoring the issue of responsibility, you are assuming that everyone meets the lowest common denominator. Millions of people every year prove the error of that assumption.

 

[Rick Otto]

Being alive presents "clear & present dangers".

 

[Duckybill]

Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV)
25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

 

[ARBITER01]

Person breaks into my house, they are not walking out. I'll put at least 2 rounds if not more into his/her chest then call the police. They will have gambled and lost.

 

[PreachersWife2004]

Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV)
25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Yep. I trust in the Lord and I've been safe for 36 some odd years. Haven't had to get the gun out yet, and Lord willin' I won't have to. We've been fortunate that we have not been home when our parsonage got broken into. However, the fact that we have the gun and would use it if necessary does NOT mean...and I repeat, IT DOES NOT MEAN WE DON'T HAVE FAITH IN GOD.

So stop insinuating it already. Good grief.

 

[drich0150]

Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV)
25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Didn't King Solomon command large armies? What about his Father David? Did he not also command large armies. Do you think Those armies were equip solely with trust? Remember Armies, like guns on a personal level, are weapons nations can use to defend themselves with. Does the fact these two great servants of God had armies, mean they did not trust God?

When David was matched against Goliath, didn't he use a weapon that fired projectiles?

In truth a solid Trust in God has nothing to do with how one equips Himself, or how he uses that equipment. unless that person uses that equipment to not trust God.

 

[Duckybill]

Didn't King Solomon command large armies? What about his Father David? Did he not also command large armies. Do you think Those armies were equip solely with trust? Remember Armies, like guns on a personal level, are weapons nations can use to defend themselves with. Does the fact these two great servants of God had armies, mean they did not trust God?

When David was matched against Goliath, didn't he use a weapon that fired projectiles?

In truth a solid Trust in God has nothing to do with how one equips Himself, or how he uses that equipment. unless that person uses that equipment to not trust God.

Solomon and David were not under the New Covenant.

"Love your enemies" "Do good to those who hate you" "Turn the other cheek" "Overcome evil with good" "The Son of man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them", etc.

 

[Duckybill]

Yep. I trust in the Lord and I've been safe for 36 some odd years. Haven't had to get the gun out yet, and Lord willin' I won't have to. We've been fortunate that we have not been home when our parsonage got broken into. However, the fact that we have the gun and would use it if necessary does NOT mean...and I repeat, IT DOES NOT MEAN WE DON'T HAVE FAITH IN GOD.

So stop insinuating it already. Good grief.

My God doesn't need guns to protect His own. Only His Word. And He doesn't need us to be merciless and kill others, sending them to Hell. I haven't owned a gun in nearing half a century living in this wicked world.

Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)
4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' "

Take note of the word LIVE.