Christianity and gun control (not compatible) A young man posted this article on another forum and is a very good read as this has always been a debatable topic. "interesting article, which basically states that Gun control is not biblical. Among the points is that God never mentioned banning weapons, but punishing the murderers, thieves, etc, that people are responsible for their actions, while many people today tend to blame others. ie frivolous lawsuits. It also said that the leaders of a country tend to reflect the people. ie, immoral people, immoral leaders. that is what happens when Jesus is not the king of America, or whatever country you live in. " What Does the Bible Say About Gun Control? by Larry Pratt http://gunowners.org/fs9902.htm
Not a Biblical scholar but have run across a few verses and examples that support being able to take care of self and family. In Luke 22:36 Jesus tells His disciples to buy a sword during His second commisioning to go into the world. Believe it was David who prayed for his bow arm to be strengthened. As the temple was being rebuilt the workers were told to keep their weapons handy and listen for the trumpet which would warn them of approaching danger. Even in the garden of Gethsemene as Jesus was being taken one of the disciples pulled his sword and cut off a guard's ear. There is a caution that Jesus tells him--he who lives by the sword dies by the sword. IMO, Jesus saw that the disciple had no chance to succeed and wanted no bloodshed. He knew His destiny and did not want the disciple to die unnecessarily. One needs to pick his battles if he is to live to fight again. Takes no brains to commit "suicide" for a cause--we see that in the muzzie bombers. Jesus also said that we should be gentle as a dove but wise as a serpent. We have to be very aware of our enemies and their activities. The time will come when our "swords" will have to be used--it is up to us to become proficient with them.
Luke 22:36 - He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. Christians Packing Guns Jason [/FONT]
