Purpose

Millions of citizens – many of them bible-believing Christians --have purchased handguns, rifles, and shotguns for home and self-defense in the last decade.

Thirty-nine US States are “shall issue” concealed carry permit states, and forty-six have enacted “castle doctrine” (or "stand your ground") laws removing the duty to retreat. Some states have removed restrictions on open carry of firearms.

The FBI conducted over 23 million gun purchase background checks in 2015 (a record year). Firearm and ammunition manufacturers are selling out of product lines. Classes in self defense, pistolcraft, defensive firearms, carbine, shotgun, and rifle marksmanship are filled and most have waiting lists.

Yet, the Christian church has been largely ambivalent about international and criminal violence and even less certain about the concomitant increase in personal arms bearing.

A few church leaders imply that the only Christian response is pacifism, while many pastors are uneasy or uncertain about the role, utility, and morality of force. Few can advocate active defensive by citizens who are not law enforcement or military.

The available literature seems evenly split between advocates of pacifism and aggressive warrior-ethos.

The purpose of this blog is to discuss and hopefully provide:

• A reasonable and biblically supported Christian position on self-defense,
• An examination of the historical, philosophical, and theological views on the use of deadly force 
• Compelling arguments supporting a the carry of weapons for the defense of self and others. 

This blog will also encourage readers to make a complete, objective, and sincere assessment of the defender’s capabilities, capacity, and judgement, because my position is this role is not for everyone, and certain characteristics must apply before a person can conscientiously be armed in public.