I recently received a wonderful gift for an all-expense paid Texas CHL (Concealed Handgun License) course so that in the near future I can lawfully carry a concealed weapon and use it if necessary.
What does your religious denomination teach about using lethal force? If you are a Christian, how do you rationalize taking up arms when your God has told you clearly to "turn the other cheek"? If you are Muslim, how do you view violence in the context of your religious teachings? If you are of another religious persuasion, what are your beliefs about self defense and use of lethal force?
Feel free to quote from your Holy books as necessary. I shall be most interested to see what you have learned.
2007-06-13 09:48:55 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
OK, so someone mentioned that the whole "turn the other cheek" thing may be taken out of context. So let's use a more specific example. When Jesus was being arrested, Peter unsheathed his sword and sliced off a man's ear to defend his master. Jesus promptly healed his captor's ear and counseled his disciple to return his sword to its place and said "those who live by the sword shall die by the sword". So in that context, of using a deadly weapon in defense of yourself or someone else, how would you rationlize using one today if you are a Christian?
2007-06-13 10:10:49 · update #1
I no longer have any religious affiliations, and I have no qualms about using weapons to defend myself or others.
2007-06-14 03:50:50 · update #2
Muslim here.
Aggression and oppression are strongly condemned throughout the Quran. And I think having a gun encourages the aggression that the person might use it by an anger...
[Quran 6:151] "...... You shall not kill - GOD has made life sacred...
[2:190].....but do not AGGRESS. GOD does not love the AGGRESSORS.
[2:193] You may also fight them to eliminate oppression, and to worship GOD freely. If they refrain, you shall not AGGRESS; AGGRESSION is permitted only against the AGGRESSORS.
Peace!
2007-06-13 10:14:38 · answer #1 · answered by Eve 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're asking the question it suggests you don't have a lot of information on the subject. Best caliber for a beginner is a .22 long rifle. Ammunition is inexpensive, the caliber is accurate and in a pinch, sufficiently powerful for carrying (not exactly recommended but if you practice enough and are accurate with it then it makes an adequate self-defense gun for emergencies). But mostly it's a fun gun to shoot, and best to learn with. After using a .22 for a while you may decide to do some reading and choose another and more powerful weapon.
2016-04-01 06:00:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm Jewish and we find it to be perfectly acceptable. Being peaceful is very important, but when it comes to self defense and protecting innocent people it's not only necessary but required. For example, it says that if persons tries to cut your throat and you do not fight back, then you are partially responsible for your own murder because not fighting back enables the person the commit murder. Big picture: no one has the right to take your life but G-d.
In response to the "thou shall not kill responses":
Carrying a weapon doesn't necessarily mean that you will hurt/kill someone. The hebrew words (or verbs rather) "to kill" and "to commit murder" have two completely different connotations, since it is possible to kill something/someone and yet not commit murder (i.e. self defense, hunting, etc.). The verb used in the 10 commandments is the one that means "to commit murder". It isn't a catch all word for killing. Murder requires malicious intent.
Last time I checked, taking away everyone's firearms was Hitler's first step in conquering Europe. People never learn from history. How will the innocent protect themselves if they're not armed but all the bad people are.
2007-06-13 09:56:01 · answer #3 · answered by Ambrielle 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm an atheist and I have a conceded weapons permit and yes I do carry a firearm on me. I have no problems with the idea of using deadly force to defend myself or others IF I feel its a life threatening situation. I have taken several tactical courses courtesy of the local police department how to use a firearm in compliance with the law.
2007-06-13 09:57:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am a Christan and I don't believe in carrying arms.I think its a recipe for disaster.I don't have to use a Bibical verse to have that opinion.I do believe in the right to be armed,as in owning a gun,not tote it around like a purse.As far as the teachings goes we are instructed to care for our families,if that includes self defence then we must do whatever it takes.However there is a hugh difference between protecting your family and having a weapon at fingertips to use instead of reason,which this law will create.My opinion.
2007-06-13 10:04:47 · answer #5 · answered by peppersham 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Gen 9:6 Man spills blood, his blood is demanded of him.
Levitcus talks about a criminal breaks in you have the responsibility to defend your family.
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.
If you're not comfortable with the idea of carrying don't. I'd go ahead with the class, but wouldn't carry without the willingness to protect myself and others.
2007-06-13 17:41:56 · answer #6 · answered by .45 Peacemaker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are many security officers and police that carry concealed weapons.
nc. laws are such that you can carry a gun without concealment(in the open). When I go into the mountains I carry a .22cal--six shooter. as long as it can be seen it is not illegal. concealed weapons are not a religious issue. with the law the way it is--For me there is no need to carry a concealed weapon.
2007-06-13 10:13:21 · answer #7 · answered by j.wisdom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im pretty sure there were no guns in the bible that being said I never leave the house without my glock. As far as turning the other cheek I think that gets taken out of context look how many people god killed through his people
2007-06-13 10:03:19 · answer #8 · answered by kenny b 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
"Harm none" does not equate to "Be a victim".
However, I would need to be prepared for the responsibility that would come with carrying and using a weapon.
And I would also be responsible for the repercussions - legal, physical, and spiritual - that would arise if I ever used it. What I do comes back to me, so if I were to use a weapon, I'd better be certain that the situation required it.
2007-06-13 09:54:19 · answer #9 · answered by Nandina (Bunny Slipper Goddess) 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Im a Christian, I totally agree with you they should not bear arms, God chooses when each man dies (calvinist) but also man can end his own life (armenian) but this is rebellion against God and I have not read enough whether to say you go to hell for suicide but I would suspect so.
2007-06-13 09:57:42 · answer #10 · answered by Partisan of Christ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋