8 False Statements about Guns & Church

In the wake of the horrific murders at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs Texas many conversations and debates have been spawned. One of those is the rising debate of guns in church. Should places of Worship be protected by guns? Should parishioners carry guns into the church building? Should Pastors carry guns while in the pulpit? Are just a few of the questions being asked. Within these conversations many false statements are being made, some due to ignorance and some to further an agenda.

Let’s look at a few false statements being made concerning guns and Church;

False statement #1 – The Church is Holy Ground and should not be tainted with guns.

This argument is caused by a failure to understand what the Church is, and what it’s not. The church is not a building. We are extremely blessed in the United States and most of our churches have a building they routinely meet in, but on any given Sunday’s there are hundreds of churches around our country that are meeting in houses, parks, back yards and hotels. You see the bible teaches that the Church is the called-out, born again believers that have gather together in an organized fashion to Worship God. Not a building. The church buildings that many of us meet in are blessings from God but they are not Holy, God is not present there in any greater proportion than he is at any other building in the world. God’s Temple today is the heart of the believers not a building. Buildings are not Holy places, but you are if you have repented of your sins and accepted Christ as your Saviour. God clearly declares this fact in 2 Corinthians 6:16.

False statement #2 – “Thou shalt not kill” means even killing in self-defense.

The command from God is specifically talking about murder – not all death. Murder is the taking of a life without a just cause. Self-defense, capital punishment, and acts of war, all of which are condoned by God in His Word, do not fall into the category of murder. Ironically the person that was using that argument is pro-abortion and abortion falls into the category of murder.

False statement #3 – America has a gun problem.

In short: America does not have a gun problem, America has a sin problem. We are living out the woe of Isaiah 5:20 and calling evil good and good evil. We not only sin as a nation, we are proud of our sins, celebrate our sin and even encourage our children to engage in sinful behavior. “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both” (Dwight D. Eisenhower).

False statement #4 – Jesus never condoned violent behavior in response to sinful behavior.

In John chapter 2 we read where Jesus made a whip and beat people and turned over their tables to cleanse His Father’s Temple that man had defiled. Enough said.

False statement #5 – Self-defense violates the command given in Proverbs 20:22

This scripture is dealing with vengeance and vigilantism, not self-defense.

False statement #6 – If God wanted Pastor’s to carry weapons He would of commanded it.

He did – Luke 22:36 (KJV) “Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”

False statement #7 – The second amendment was about hunting, not defense.

I was shocked by this one because the person who said it is fairly intelligent, but he obviously has never read the second amendment. This is the Second Amendment “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” – not a word about hunting.

False statement #8 Gun-free zones keep us safe.

The truth is that gun free zones are the most dangerous places in America because the only people in a gun free area that has a gun is the criminal. That is why most mass shootings happen in gun free zones. I recommend if your church is a gun free zone that you look for a church that cares more about your safety and less about being political correct.

In conclusion there is nothing in the Bible or constitution that restricts a church body or individual Christian from owning, caring or using a gun for self-defense. I am not condoning violence for violence sake, but wisdom in protecting yourself, your family and friends. Our first line of defense should be a life lived fully in Christ. Our study of Scripture, time in prayer and expressions of love will always be greater than a gun. Never sacrifice your spiritual readiness for the sake of militarily readiness.

I know this article doesn’t cover every false statement being made or concerns you may have, if you want to share these in the comment section we can discuss it and reason together!

Be good, Pastor Jay