Balancing the Second Amendment: A Christian reflection on Gun Control
A man aiming a rifle. (Photo by Thang Cao from Pexels)
On October 25, Maine witnessed one of the most tragic mass shootings in recent United States history. A gunman unleashed a deadly attack at two separate locations in Lewiston, resulting in at least 18 fatalities and leaving over a dozen individuals injured. The assailant targeted a bowling alley hosting a children's league and a local bar, as reported by officials.
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, it was revealed that Robert Card, aged 40, was unfit to possess a weapon, handle ammunition, or engage in live fire activity. This decision came after he exhibited erratic behavior and underwent evaluation at an Army hospital.
The tragic incident, constituting the deadliest mass shooting in the United States in 2023, prompted a thorough 48-hour search. The search concluded with authorities discovering Card's lifeless body inside a recycling facility box trailer. He had inflicted a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
This incident contributes to a series of nearly twelve mass shootings spanning almost a quarter-century, occurring in diverse locations such as music festivals, nightclubs, and schools. It mirrors the persistent and unparalleled epidemic of gun violence afflicting America.
The staggering estimate places the current number of guns in the United States at over 300 million, with an average of approximately one firearm for every person. On a daily basis, 85 individuals lose their lives to gun-related incidents, while more than twice that number suffer injuries.
The enduring debate over gun control in the United States has remained contentious for decades. For Christians, navigating this issue necessitates thoughtful reflection on both biblical principles and practical realities.
The Second Amendment and its historical context
The Second Amendment ratified in 1791, states, "A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." This constitutional provision arises from a rich historical background wherein militias were indispensable in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty. The venerable Founding Fathers endeavored to guarantee that individuals possess the necessary means for protecting themselves and their communities.
Aligned with the Second Amendment, advocates assert that an armed citizenry is a formidable deterrent against oppression while safeguarding personal liberties. Nevertheless, a perplexing question arises: How can devout Christians reconcile this constitutional entitlement with their faith, which advocates love, peace, and compassion?
The Bible and gun control
Should Christians Own and Advocate for the Right to Carry Guns?
Value of life
In the latest available data from 2021, a total of 48,830 individuals in the U.S. lost their lives due to gun-related injuries. This data encompassed fatalities resulting from both gun murders and gun suicides, as well as three less common categories of gun-related deaths.
While gun-related murders typically receive more public attention, suicides have consistently constituted the majority of gun deaths in the United States. In 2021, 54% of all gun-related fatalities (26,328) were attributed to suicides, whereas 43% (20,958) were classified as murders.
For Christians, these statistics resonate with biblical teachings that underscore every individual's creation in the image of God. The concern for the preservation and protection of life emerges as a guiding principle in discussions about gun control. It prompts a careful examination of the intersection between faith values and the complex landscape of firearm-related issues.
The call to love
In the scriptural narrative, a recurrent theme underscores the significance of love and compassion. Echoing this sentiment, Jesus Christ, in Matthew 22:39, unequivocally pronounced, "Love your neighbor as yourself." This divine call compels Christians to actively pursue the welfare of others to foster a society characterized by justice and mercy. A pressing question emerges within this framework: How does this sacred imperative blend with the possession of firearms?
Advocates speculate that responsible gun ownership can manifest as an expression of neighborly love. In situations necessitating self-defense, possessing the means to protect oneself and others aligns with this biblical principle. However, the challenge persists in navigating the delicate balance between the right to bear arms and the imperative to wield them judiciously.
Self-defense and stewardship
The Bible acknowledges the right to self-defense. In Luke 22:36, Jesus instructs his disciples to sell their cloaks and buy a sword. However, the context and interpretation of this passage can vary. Some argue that it speaks to the right of self-defense, while others emphasize its metaphorical or specific historical context.
Wisdom in legislation
In the pursuit of a balanced approach to gun control, Christians must also recognize the role of government in maintaining order and promoting justice. Romans 13:1 states, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." This verse underscores the importance of obeying just laws and supporting measures that uphold the common good.
Examining the Newtown mass shooting, a man in Henan province stabbed twenty-two children and one adult at a primary school. Debate surrounds the effectiveness of strict gun laws in preventing violent crime. Notably, the Chinese attack resulted in all victims surviving, diverging from the tragic outcome of twenty-six deaths at Sandy Hook Elementary. This contrast underscores the weapon's impact, prompting a nuanced consideration of the role of gun regulations.
This divergence underscores the impact of the weapon used. Had the Connecticut shooter been armed with a knife instead of a gun, it is plausible that many of the young victims would have survived. Nevertheless, by seeking God's wisdom, Christians can contribute to the development of just and effective policies.
In pursuit of non-violence
Matthew 5:9. (Bible verse image from Bible Portal)
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." - Matthew 5:9
While the Bible acknowledges the world's fallen nature, it also calls Christians peacemakers. This notion raises the question of whether widespread gun ownership contributes to or hinders the pursuit of peace.
Jesus consistently promotes a stance against violence. In the Sermon on the Mount, He advocates for nonviolent love toward enemies (Matt. 5:38–48). He explicitly discourages the use of violence in advancing God's kingdom (Luke 9:51–56). Romans 13 emphasizes that the role of wielding the sword for God's judgment rests with the government, not individual believers.
Early Christ followers have internalized these nonviolent principles. This stance is evidenced by their abstention from participating in the AD 66 revolt against Roman oppression. Their action led to the temple's destruction as they chose to flee Jerusalem instead.
Throughout the New Testament, a consistent anti-violence message prevails. It urges the community to emulate Jesus by embracing suffering rather than causing it. Considering all these teachings, it becomes challenging to envision Jesus resorting to the use of a gun, even if it were available to Him. As our moral, spiritual, and intellectual guide, followers of Christ should carefully reflect carefully on the implications of these teachings for their own conduct.
We might consider using a firearm for self-defense or to protect our family or potential victims. But we should lament being in a situation where preserving innocent lives seemed to necessitate taking another life. Ideally, we would prefer to reside in a society where individuals with harmful intentions face more significant challenges in acquiring firearms to carry out their immoral acts.
Balancing the Second Amendment with Christian values necessitates an exquisite and refined approach to gun control. It takes into account historical context, timeless biblical principles, and pragmatic realities. While grappling with this multifaceted matter, we are called upon to contemplate the highest mandate to express love to our neighbors.
