dreamermind
Well-Known Member
My husband wants to get one. I have many reservations about it and at the same time it interests me to learn how to shoot and to do so safely. I’m really on the fence. What do you guys think?
Should a Christian own a gun?
- Thread starter dreamermind
- Start date
cheeky200386
Well-Known Member
I lean on submitting to one's husband in this case, especially if you're already expressed concern. Praying about it seems like a good first that I'm sure you've already been doing. I've always wondered about self-defense as a Christian too. My husband owns a gun but he's a police office. He doesn't want me to have one so I have submitted to his desires there.
I know the bible talks about fleeing when persecution comes. I'm curious to hear what others have to say too. Great question!
I know the bible talks about fleeing when persecution comes. I'm curious to hear what others have to say too. Great question!
greg64
Well-Known Member
It depends on the person. Are you prepared to take a life to save your family from harm? If yes, then yes. If no, go with your conscience. For me, the answer is yes. Murder is forbidden in the Bible, but not self-defense.
Other than that, it's just a very powerful tool -- nothing more. The rest depends on the person holding it.
Other than that, it's just a very powerful tool -- nothing more. The rest depends on the person holding it.
dreamermind
Well-Known Member
I am praying about it, definitely! Thank you.
Goodboy
Won't Be Long Now!
I believe you should be able to feel safe in your own home, regardless as to what is happening outside. So I would say yes, if you are emotionally stable and would only shoot an intruder, it is reasonable for you to have a gun and I do.
I know this question was not asked, but I would not recommend getting a permit to carry a gun or taking a gun outside of your house. I live in Florida and could get a permit to carry, but decided not to. Here is my reasoning.
Suppose I have gun on me and get into a minor fender bender. Suppose the guy in the other car starts to argue with me and I with him. Suppose at some point he wants to fight me. Well I have no option but to pull out my gun and if he keeps coming I will have to shoot him. Why would I pull out my gun? Because I don't want him to get my gun and then shoot me. So my point is, that if I don't have a gun, then chances are we might get into a fist fight at worst.
I am not saying what others should do, just what my recommendation would be.
I know this question was not asked, but I would not recommend getting a permit to carry a gun or taking a gun outside of your house. I live in Florida and could get a permit to carry, but decided not to. Here is my reasoning.
Suppose I have gun on me and get into a minor fender bender. Suppose the guy in the other car starts to argue with me and I with him. Suppose at some point he wants to fight me. Well I have no option but to pull out my gun and if he keeps coming I will have to shoot him. Why would I pull out my gun? Because I don't want him to get my gun and then shoot me. So my point is, that if I don't have a gun, then chances are we might get into a fist fight at worst.
I am not saying what others should do, just what my recommendation would be.
If in the USA... if you want to own a gun, then yes, you should get one. It doesn't matter if it's for personal protection or to shoot cans off a fence or to hunt for critters, or maybe you just like the feel of that cold hard steel in your hands.
Last edited:
fl2007rn
Well-Known Member
My husband and I both have our concealed carry permit and we live in Florida. We like going to the range for target practice and have a variety of guns from 38 Special up to AR-15. We keep them locked up in our gun safe, except for one gun that my husband keeps in the night stand for protection. If you are considering getting a gun I would suggest you go to your local range and take some lessons and try different types of guns to see what you like. Gun safety is extremely important and getting proper instruction is key for following the law and being more comfortable with a firearm.. I grew up shooting shot guns with my dad and was in the Army for 6 years and learned how to shoot the M16A1 assault rifle. You might surprise yourself if you take some lessons and learn how to shoot you might really enjoy it.
Jonathan
Well-Known Member
I have deliberately NOT read any of my fellow brother's and sister's comment in order to answer this question fairly from my own experience.
Soooo... is either you or your husband emotionally unstable or has a substance abuse problem? Are you two reckless and impulsive?
If you can honestly say "NO" to the above, then go for it. I think every sane man or woman in this country could benefit from owning at least one firearm, as long as they use it and store it safely.
Also, don't be afraid of a gun. It took awhile, but I changed my mom's opinion about guns by taking her to the range and I even bought her a Walther p22.
No, she is no Annie Oakley, and quite frankly, the gun spends most of it's time in my safe, but by getting her to the range and letting he get hand's on experience was the best education she could have.
Long story short, as long as your relationship and psychological health is steady, don't fear owning a gun. After getting used to one, you won't see them in the same way you used to. You will realize they are tools, nothing more and nothing less.
Hope that helps.
Soooo... is either you or your husband emotionally unstable or has a substance abuse problem? Are you two reckless and impulsive?
If you can honestly say "NO" to the above, then go for it. I think every sane man or woman in this country could benefit from owning at least one firearm, as long as they use it and store it safely.
Also, don't be afraid of a gun. It took awhile, but I changed my mom's opinion about guns by taking her to the range and I even bought her a Walther p22.
No, she is no Annie Oakley, and quite frankly, the gun spends most of it's time in my safe, but by getting her to the range and letting he get hand's on experience was the best education she could have.
Long story short, as long as your relationship and psychological health is steady, don't fear owning a gun. After getting used to one, you won't see them in the same way you used to. You will realize they are tools, nothing more and nothing less.
Hope that helps.
Almost Heaven
Well-Known Member
Well, I guess great minds DO think alike. I was going to do the same thing. I've only read Jonathan's post so far.
Armor of Light
Praising my Savior all the day long!
This world is a violent place with ruthless wicked people. I could tell you of several incidents less than a mile from our home where citizens including police of all ages have lost their lives to thugs or drugged out meth heads, through home invasion, robbery or running evading police then entering any home they could to get away. Since it's my constitutional right for self protection I am armed, I am well trained in firearms, our whole family hunts and my brother is a firearms instructor. It's up to each individual to decide , and if you decide to be armed and you have never had a firearm then get classes and be schooled and know everything about the firearm you choose and how/when to use it, what it can do to you and others around you.
Jonathan
Well-Known Member
Exactly. If you've never owned a firearm, take a class. It was a requirement for me to get my CHP (Concealed Handgun Permit), but a lot of safety education as well as education on Virginia law came with the package.
You absolutely HAVE to know about gun safety (it's not that hard but you need to do it) and the LAW in your state and locality. And if you decide to travel with your firearm, learn the laws of the states you are passing through!!
greg64
Well-Known Member
If you live in a state that allows it and decide to own a firearm, I'd highly suggest going for your concealed permit, even if you never plan to carry a concealed weapon or even own a handgun. Reasons for that are first and foremost the training that comes as part of the package, including safety, responsibility, moral considerations, and legal. Having the carry permit also helps with purchasing and makes it less likely that you'll inadvertently break the law when transporting a weapon. I have mine, but rarely carry since my employer forbids weapons on their property and I would be fired if found out.
Jonathan
Well-Known Member
You just said it better than I did. Wise words.
dreamermind
Well-Known Member
Thank you all for the excellent answers and things to take into consideration. Definitely appreciate all the honest replies.
As anyone who has studied the topic of self-defense can tell you, the first rule you learn is to "avoid conflict", which I think befits the Christian ethos to a "T". The old adage about "an armed society is a polite society" actually reflects that mindset. But, I've also known guys who studied martial arts in order to go out and cause more trouble (more effectively) and, I'm sure that there are gun owners with the same unfortunately attitude. Don't be "that guy".
But, this is a world with a lot of sheep who often need protection from many wolves. Unsurprisingly, many of us are called to be shepherds in our various roles. You know who you are. You can see it here in how Chris and Adrian (and others) conduct themselves. In lots of cases and places, a weapon is just a shepherds tool that might be necessary, depending on the wolves in question.
I want to protect my wife, but can't always be with her. When she's alone at home, or out running dogs, or at work (with children), she has to step up and be the shepherd. So, yes, she often carries or has access to a gun. I've even seen her (many times) washing dishes after coming home from being on the trail with our dogs with it still on her belt. That always makes me smile.
But, this is a world with a lot of sheep who often need protection from many wolves. Unsurprisingly, many of us are called to be shepherds in our various roles. You know who you are. You can see it here in how Chris and Adrian (and others) conduct themselves. In lots of cases and places, a weapon is just a shepherds tool that might be necessary, depending on the wolves in question.
I want to protect my wife, but can't always be with her. When she's alone at home, or out running dogs, or at work (with children), she has to step up and be the shepherd. So, yes, she often carries or has access to a gun. I've even seen her (many times) washing dishes after coming home from being on the trail with our dogs with it still on her belt. That always makes me smile.
borrowedtime
Well-Known Member
Short answer. 1) Remember intent matters. Defense isn’t outlawed in the Bible (with God even saying a thief entering at night and killed, there will be no blood on the owners hands) 2) Guns are not toys. If someone is buying a gun for self defense they need to realize the only answer is the death of a offender when the situation warrants it and should never be pulled out in situations that don’t meet a imminent death situation.
I am highly 2A and a Marine Veteran. I encourage my daughters to buy guns when they are older cause if they are physically assaulted waiting for the cops could be very bad.
HOWEVER, i used to a long time ago go to the residential common area gym. There was this super super sweet lady in her 60’s (me mid 20’s at that time) and she got to know me and that I was a vet and knew and understood guns. She approached me and asked me about what kind of pistol she should purchase. I was highly confused by her approach cause everything up to that point suggested she was someone who would be heavily scared for life taking someone’s life.
I pointed out to her guns were not toys. They ended life. She had asked if she could use the gun to shoot someone in the knee and I asked her what if she misses and now the invader has a gun. She paused and thought. I explained to her in my house it’s me and my wife and 2 daughters. If someone enters my house at night the risks are too high and I would protect them at any cost. She seemed troubled by it and I told her lovingly to go home for the day and think. Don’t let me influence her decision. Have a heart to heart with God and decide if she could live with ending someone’s life and I would gladly help her find ANY solution to her problem but when guns come out for defense a life will end.
She came the next day and hugged me and said she couldn’t do it. She for some crazy reason thought I would think less of her and we had a little laugh over it. Reiterated that to me i understand not all situations require guns but when they do my family is easily a priority but it’s a heavy burden to carry if you don’t see that.
She thought that was the end of my help and said she would figure something out. I told her my intent wasn’t to force her in any direction and before I sent her to my friend at the gun store to know whether she should seek lethal or non lethal and grabbed his name number and address of his store and wrote down non lethals to look at as well as offered to go if she wanted a second opinion or if she wanted a call ahead and she gladly accepted a call ahead to my friend and she got “bear mase” and a high voltage taser.
It’s not unbiblical to own a gun. Voice your concerns to your husband and he should be able to comfort you.
If there’s history of abuse then fight against it but if not, trust in the Lord and your husband that all is well and wisdom will be given on when to use it and when to not.
I am highly 2A and a Marine Veteran. I encourage my daughters to buy guns when they are older cause if they are physically assaulted waiting for the cops could be very bad.
HOWEVER, i used to a long time ago go to the residential common area gym. There was this super super sweet lady in her 60’s (me mid 20’s at that time) and she got to know me and that I was a vet and knew and understood guns. She approached me and asked me about what kind of pistol she should purchase. I was highly confused by her approach cause everything up to that point suggested she was someone who would be heavily scared for life taking someone’s life.
I pointed out to her guns were not toys. They ended life. She had asked if she could use the gun to shoot someone in the knee and I asked her what if she misses and now the invader has a gun. She paused and thought. I explained to her in my house it’s me and my wife and 2 daughters. If someone enters my house at night the risks are too high and I would protect them at any cost. She seemed troubled by it and I told her lovingly to go home for the day and think. Don’t let me influence her decision. Have a heart to heart with God and decide if she could live with ending someone’s life and I would gladly help her find ANY solution to her problem but when guns come out for defense a life will end.
She came the next day and hugged me and said she couldn’t do it. She for some crazy reason thought I would think less of her and we had a little laugh over it. Reiterated that to me i understand not all situations require guns but when they do my family is easily a priority but it’s a heavy burden to carry if you don’t see that.
She thought that was the end of my help and said she would figure something out. I told her my intent wasn’t to force her in any direction and before I sent her to my friend at the gun store to know whether she should seek lethal or non lethal and grabbed his name number and address of his store and wrote down non lethals to look at as well as offered to go if she wanted a second opinion or if she wanted a call ahead and she gladly accepted a call ahead to my friend and she got “bear mase” and a high voltage taser.
It’s not unbiblical to own a gun. Voice your concerns to your husband and he should be able to comfort you.
If there’s history of abuse then fight against it but if not, trust in the Lord and your husband that all is well and wisdom will be given on when to use it and when to not.
Last edited:
I take the defense of my family very serious. While we lived in NC, both of us had a conceal carry license and I never left home without carrying. Since moving to Oregon, my wife has her conceal carry, and I was in the process of getting mine when the pandemic started, so I will get it soon.
I keep my pistol on my nightstand every night unless my little granddaughter is spending the night. Some folks like to keep it locked up at all times, but that is not an option for me. In the unlikely event I would ever need it, a delay in even a few seconds trying to unlock it from a safe could be deadly. But, I do not keep a round in the chamber, but a loaded magazine is inserted. My reasoning is that there have been a few instances where someone waking up from a dead sleep, heard a noise, and In fumbling around for their gun, accidentally fired, or shot at someone they should not have, like a family member. The second it would take me to inject a round will give me a little more clarity. But, my way is not the norm, as most keep it with a round already inserted. Plus, we have a good security system, and a dog that would bark if any unusual noise was heard.
There is nothing in the bible against self defense.
I highly suggest everyone to go above and beyond what they learned from a conceal carry class, and fully understand the laws for your state and others you might travel to, as to when it is legal to brandish a weapon.
I keep my pistol on my nightstand every night unless my little granddaughter is spending the night. Some folks like to keep it locked up at all times, but that is not an option for me. In the unlikely event I would ever need it, a delay in even a few seconds trying to unlock it from a safe could be deadly. But, I do not keep a round in the chamber, but a loaded magazine is inserted. My reasoning is that there have been a few instances where someone waking up from a dead sleep, heard a noise, and In fumbling around for their gun, accidentally fired, or shot at someone they should not have, like a family member. The second it would take me to inject a round will give me a little more clarity. But, my way is not the norm, as most keep it with a round already inserted. Plus, we have a good security system, and a dog that would bark if any unusual noise was heard.
There is nothing in the bible against self defense.
I highly suggest everyone to go above and beyond what they learned from a conceal carry class, and fully understand the laws for your state and others you might travel to, as to when it is legal to brandish a weapon.
My first response will always be to avoid the situation, and flee if possible. However, there could be a time when that is not an option, and I want to be prepared. Only in an extreme case would I even brandish my weapon, let alone fire it.
Having a weapon is not always just for self defense. Example - If I happened to see a few men attacking a woman, and I knew her life was in danger, I would be legally justified in using whatever means is necessary to save her. I learned a lot of self defense and offensive combat in my 29 years in the Marines, but my almost 63 year old fists are not what they use to be...
I pray none of us ever are in a situation where pulling a trigger is needed.
dreamermind
Well-Known Member
Thank you all for sharing your personal stories. You all brought up some very important things to think about and I am praying about it and taking them all into consideration. I hope this thread is a help also to anyone else thinking about this for themselves.
dreamermind
Well-Known Member
Thank you all for sharing your personal stories. You all brought up some very important things to think about and I am praying about it and taking them all into consideration. I hope this thread is a help also to anyone else thinking about this for themselves.
Similar threads
