The question of whether a Christian should own weapons is a complex one that requires careful examination of scripture. There are various perspectives on this issue within Christianity. Ultimately, one’s stance comes down to how one interprets key biblical passages on violence, self-defense, and living at peace with others.
On one side of the debate are those who believe that weapons have no place in the life of a follower of Christ. They point to Jesus’ teachings on nonviolence and turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39), as well as His rebuke of Peter for using a sword to strike the high priest’s servant (Matthew 26:52). For them, owning weapons indicates a lack of faith in God’s protection and a willingness to respond to evil with evil. They emphasize biblical calls to pursue peace, avoid retaliation, and overcome evil with good (Romans 12:14-21).
On the other side are those who believe that responsible weapon ownership can be consistent with the Christian faith. They argue that Scripture allows for self-defense in extreme situations (Luke 22:36). They also point out that Jesus’ apostles carried weapons for protection at times (Luke 22:38). While affirming the priority of peacemaking, they see the deterrence of violence as a legitimate aim of weapon ownership. Limitations and safeguards may be appropriate, but weapons are not ruled out altogether.
Several factors shape Christians’ perspectives on this issue:
- How they interpret “turn the other cheek” – As advocating total nonviolence or as allowing for self-defense
- Whether they take a pacifist view that rejects all use of force
- Their understanding of biblical accounts of warfare – As justified or sinful
- Their perspective on the role of government – As responsible for protecting citizens’ lives
- Cultural factors like individual vs. collective views of society
There are good-faith arguments on both sides. Each person’s stance should be held with humility. It is possible for committed Christ-followers to reach different conclusions. However, all agree that Christians are called to pursue peace, avoid vengeance, show mercy, value life, and trust in God’s power over evil.
Looking deeper at key biblical passages can help illuminate this complex issue:
Passages on Peacemaking and Nonviolence
Matthew 5:38-48 – In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells His followers not to retaliate against evildoers but to turn the other cheek, give more than asked, and love enemies. This passage has led many to advocate total nonviolence.
Matthew 26:52 – When Peter draws his sword to defend Jesus from arrest, Jesus rebukes him saying “all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” Many see this as renouncing weapon use.
Romans 12:14-21 – Paul urges the church to bless those who persecute them, live peaceably with all, leave room for God’s wrath, and overcome evil with good. This is a key passage promoting nonviolent ethics.
Passages on Self-Defense and Protection
Luke 22:36 – Jesus tells his disciples, “let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” Some see this as Jesus approving self-defense in extreme circumstances.
Luke 22:38 – The disciples respond “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” Jesus does not rebuke them for having swords, which some interpret as tacit approval of weapons for protection.
Nehemiah 4:17-18 – When Nehemiah’s workers carried weapons to defend themselves during Jerusalem’s rebuilding, Nehemiah praises them for their swords and spears. This indicates weapons for self-defense were acceptable.
Romans 13:4 – Paul writes that governing authorities “bear the sword” as “an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.” This implies lethal force is permissible for governmental authorities.
Perspectives Derived from These Passages
These key passages have led to several recurrent perspectives on weapon ownership among Christians:
- Pacifism – Based on Jesus’ radical teachings on nonviolence, pacifists argue that lethal force is never acceptable, even in self-defense. Owning weapons designed to kill would participate in violence.
- Just war – This view holds that while violence should be avoided whenever possible, the use of force may be necessary and lesser evil in extreme cases of aggression. However, strict limits and oversight are essential.
- Right of self-defense – This stance emphasizes individuals’ right to protect themselves and others against violence. Lethal force is permissible as a last resort when facing grave danger. Owning weapons fits with this responsibility.
- Skepticism of weapons – Skeptics do not strictly rule out weapons but are very hesitant to own or use them. They emphasize peaceful alternatives and view weapons only as an absolute last option in the most extreme circumstances.
Each perspective has strengths and weaknesses. Pacifism takes Jesus’ teachings on nonviolence seriously but may not offer realistic policy. Just war thinking recognizes complexity but risks being too permissive. Support for self-defense values life but may underestimate alternatives. Skepticism keeps peace as priority but lacks decisiveness. Thoughtful Christians weigh these factors carefully.
Other Biblical Principles Relevant to Weapons Ownership
Beyond specific texts on violence, Christians considering weapons ownership look to broader biblical themes for guidance:
- The sanctity of human life – Genesis 1:26-27 teaches that all people have inherent dignity as God’s image-bearers, which impacts how weapons may be used.
- The power of peacemaking – Jesus blesses peacemakers and calls us to be reconcilers in conflict (Matthew 5:9). Weapons risk escalating tensions.
- Mercy and forgiveness – Christians are called to show mercy as they have received it (Luke 6:36). Resorting quickly to lethal force may short-circuit mercy.
- Trust in God’s deliverance – Psalms such as 46:1 exhort trust in God amid threat. Over-reliance on weapons can reflect lack of reliance on God.
- Submission to governing authorities – Romans 13 calls Christians to respect the state’s role in upholding justice, which has implications for weapon restrictions.
These values inform many Christians’ unease with lethal weapons. However, supporters argue firearms can deter violence when used properly under law. There are reasoned cases on both sides.
Four Christian Perspectives on Owning Weapons
Based on the biblical research above, here are four common Christian viewpoints on weapon ownership:
- Personal pacifism – This stance opposes all lethal weapons based on Jesus’ radical call to nonviolence and love. It emphasizes peaceful alternatives.
- Skepticism of personal weapons – This view is very hesitant about personal weapon ownership, even for self-defense. It stresses using minimal force and exhausting other options first.
- Qualified individual right – This position accepts responsible individuals’ right to own weapons as a last resort for defense in extreme cases when peaceful means fail.
- Unqualified individual right – This stance strongly advocates broad rights to own firearms and use force in self-defense with minimal restrictions.
As we seek biblical wisdom, we should avoid caricaturing views different from our own. There are thoughtful, well-intentioned Christians across this spectrum.
Questions Christians May Ask When Considering Weapons Ownership
As Christians ponder personal weapons ownership, key reflection questions arise:
- Is my motivation rooted in fear or faith?
- Am I looking to the example of Jesus or cultural trends?
- Do I value peacemaking over power?
- Have I considered nonviolent alternatives?
- Am I allowing prudence to override principles?
- Is this choice leading to life or harm?
- Does owning this weapon reflect trust in God’s protection?
Wisdom requires carefully examining our hearts. Legal rights alone should not determine our choices. As followers of Jesus, we consider a higher calling.
Principles for Conscientious Consideration
For Christians seeking wisdom on weapon ownership, several guidelines emerge:
- Ground the issue in scriptural study and prayer, not just cultural trends.
- Carefully weigh Jesus’ teachings on peacemaking and reconciliation.
- Consider perspectives different from your own with humility.
- Emphasize minimizing violence and valuing life in all cases.
- Focus on practical alternatives more than abstract rights.
- Promote institutions and training that foster responsible gun ownership if guns are owned.
- Advocate for policies and conditions that address violence’s root causes.
This careful approach takes seriously God’s call for his people to be peacemakers in a violent world.
Conclusion
The issue of weapons ownership is complex for Christians desiring to live out their faith. Sincere disciples can reach different conclusions. This indicates the need for humility and grace. While individuals’ choices vary, all agree that Christians are called to pursue peace, avoid undue violence, value life, exercise wisdom, and trust God’s ultimate deliverance from evil. With the gospel of Christ as our guide, we can thoughtfully engage even divisive issues like this with hope.