CONCEALED CARRY WEAPONS
IS IT OKAY FOR CHRISTIANS TO CARRY WEAPONS FOR SELF-DEFENSE?
Key Facts
Biden has called on the Senate to pass Democratic-led legislation that the House passed that would require more stringent background checks for all gun sales and transfers and give the FBI more time to conduct them. [1]
Biden is nominating David Chipman to serve as the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Chipman has established strong relationships with gun safety groups and serves as an adviser to the group led by former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, one of the nation's most prominent gun control advocates. [2]
Three-in-ten American adults (30%) say they personally own a gun, and an additional 11% say they live with someone who does. [3]
Key Scriptures
Psalm 144:1 “Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”
Luke 22:36–37 “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.”
Matthew 26:52 “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword”
Exodus 22:2-3 “If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.”
Matthew 5:38-39 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
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Application
The subject of firearms and concealed carry permits is a heated political topic that many people feel strongly about. On one side, many Christians point to mass shootings and argue that less access to firearms would be a solution to these problems. On the other side, Christians may argue that, if such an instance should arise, one should be prepared to defend oneself and others with a concealed weapon. Does the Bible clearly advocate for one side or the other? Should all Christians carry weapons in preparedness?
Christian Disagreement
As with many political topics, Christians should be encouraged to allow for healthy disagreement. Many strong Christian leaders disagree on the topic of weaponry. The Bible does not forbid Christians from owning a weapon nor does it call each person to carry a weapon at all times. The complexity of the Bible’s teaching on this topic should lead us to a couple considerations.
First, that there will be disagreements between Christians on when to carry a weapon.
Second, this is not an issue of salvation.
Third, there is nuance to the answer of when to carry a weapon and when to use it. As one studies the Scripture, they see that there are times in which the disciples are encouraged to carry a weapon and times in which they are scolded for their use of it. This can be very overwhelming, but through careful study and prayer, Christians can gain wisdom on the topic.
It seems to me that if there is even just one justifiable time to employ a weapon in self-defense, it is morally acceptable for Christians to carry one in preparation for such a situation.
What Does The Bible Say?
The question at hand is not what a Christian should do in a given scenario (break-in, active shooter, or martyr situations etc.), but rather if Christians should be encouraged to carry weapons. Biblically, it appears that there are times in which Christians are allowed to defend themselves with weapons. These situations are not organized by a chart of what’s okay and what isn’t. Rather, as Christians walk in the Spirit, they can have wisdom about when to apply such measures. The Bible records instances condemning the use of weapons, while at other times allowing for or encouraging the carrying and use of weapons. A closer look at these texts can help shed light on how to think through godly and ungodly motivations for a Christian to carry a weapon.
A. Some Instances of Allowed Weapons
In Luke 22:35-38 Jesus is talking to his disciples about what to expect in the coming days and He says 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” (22:36). The disciples responded that they had two swords and Jesus replied “That’s enough!” (22:38). Throughout the whole Bible, the people of God are called to pursue justice and defend those in need. Psalm 82:4 says, “Rescue weak and needy people. Help them escape the power of wicked people.” Nehemiah 4:15-18 is another example of a time in which God allowed his people to carry weapons in preparation for a possible attack. The enemy had planned to attack the Jews and put a stop to the building of their wall (Neh. 4:11). In response, the men equipped themselves with so many weapons that only half were working on the wall while the others carried weapons (Neh. 4:16). Even those that were working are recorded to have carried their materials in one hand and a weapon in the other (Neh. 4:17). In this instance, the people of God were prepared to engage in self-defense if attacked.
What we can learn from these verses is that, in cases of self-defense and defending those abused or attacked by the wicked, if their motivations are godly, Christians may be permitted to use their weapons.
B. Some Instances of Condemned Use of Weapons
The issue of weapons requires discernment as there are many cases in which one should not employ their weapon. First, Romans 12:17 reminds us that revenge should never be a motivation in our actions stating, “Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people.” Second, Christians should have faith in God and avoid putting their confidence in worldly things. It is only in God that we should truly trust. A Christian knows that weapons cannot save and God is ultimately the one that provides victories over evil (Psalm 44:5-7). Third, Christians should expect disrespect and hatred from the world. This ridicule is not a time for the use of force. As Matthew 5:39 states, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” What we can learn from these instances is that in cases of revenge, disrespect, and mockery, Christians should not use their weapons. It is not always easy to discern these differing instances in the moment. What may seem like a simple theft can quickly turn into a homicide. As we consider how to respond in a given situation, we should recognize that criminals often act erratically and that the best response will not always be obvious.
Conclusion
Christians should be led by the Spirit in every decision. As one contemplates carrying a weapon in case of danger or attacks, Christians should allow the Spirit to lead and determine their actions in a given instance. If a Christian does choose to carry a weapon for self-defense, they should be clear on what instances in which they would use their weapon in self-defense. Some pastors have said that they would not use deadly force in most instances of self-defense as they are concerned for the eternal security of their attacker. These considerations are important for Christians to decide on beforehand as situations of violent attacks are chaotic and are not conducive to major decision making.
All Christians should have a kingdom focus in their lives and not be prone to violence while also seeking to protect the vulnerable. These attitudes should be manifest in both Christians who choose to not carry a weapon and those who do choose to carry. As one ministry concludes, “The Bible never forbids self-defense, and believers are allowed to defend themselves and their families. But the fact that we are permitted to defend ourselves does not necessarily mean we must do so in every situation.” Christians can and should seek discernment on this issue. Many factors will affect the decision to carry a weapon and there will be differences in assessing the best path for oneself in any particular situation. As each person seeks discernment, it should not affect the unity of the body of Christ or our call to represent Christ’s kingdom (2 Cor. 5:20).