Guns In The Bible

Q

In light of the recent shootings, is there anything in the Bible that speaks to a Christian protecting themselves with guns or other weapon? I got a concealed weapon permit and sometimes carry a gun because I am a female and I frequently walk alone in the woods. My initial justification is to protect myself against mountain lions, coyotes, etc., but I would probably use it to stop an aggressive human, too. There’s even been talk about bringing concealed guns into church services in our town. What does the Bible say?

A

The only thing the Bible says about weapons is that in the Kingdom Age nations will no longer need them (Isaiah 2:4) The Lord knows better than to think that keeping weapons away from people will cause them to be more peaceful. He knows that violence is not the fault of a weapon, but of the person holding it, and that violent people will always find a way to get one. That’s why the Bible favors tough penalties for misusing weapons.

Romans 12:18-19 says that if it is possible, as far as it depends upon us, to live at peace with everyone, and to leave revenge to God. But I haven’t found anything that prevents self defense against deadly force.