--- Victor Zalakos <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I have a problem with the whole foundaion of this argument - that we somehow have a right to use lethal force.
*We do have the right... Can and do participate in the use of leathal force and we will be judged. We in the US pledge our allegience to our flag and the nation.. with Liberty and justice for all.
When I say "we" I mean Christians. Not Americans.
God tells us to be in subjection to authority, but we have no compelling reason to stand by as evil men usurp the authority from God to end our lives by murder.
Really?
How does that line up with the model presented to us in Acts?
God would have us speak righty, and shoot straight.
Show me...chapter and verse...
That's just gun-talk...
> I wonder how this equates to a new testament mindset.
> I don't see Jesus condoning or using lethal force.
The swords he told his men to carry was not for opening letters or sliceing apples<G>
That's a strange saying of Jesus. But it was not a sword each. It was 2 between twelve.
It was, perhpas [Victor's thoughts here only] a model of a defense force or police force.
It was certainly not "right to bear arms" talk.
It was ment for defence of life, and was used in the garden at his betrayal.
To which he said "Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword." (Matthew 26:52)
> I see Jesus ordering me to love, to be as one and to turn the other cheek.
Yes... 7 times 7 *then.. the instruction become vague and we must use our own descression.
Actually it's 70 times 7. (Matt 18:22)
Which for all intents and purposes is an infinite number of times.
*Murder implies a spirit that enters the heart and mind.. Killing is different. A soldier may be required to kill or to be killed. This is his duty... *And we as family men and honorable citizens must face our duty as well to protect and preserve the peace.
*Someone must pack a gun.
The gun is but a tool.. with zero "manna" or "juju" but only a gas operated tube to project a bullet on a predictible course...
Again - this isn't the issue.
The issue is, the USA has 30 times the murder rate by guns than any country on the face of the earth.
It also has this bizzare "right" to carry and hold the implements of such aggression.
Guns are for killing.
Christians don't kill.
Therefore Christians [who live in the suburbs, not on a farm] shouldn't have guns in their homes.
If you want to shoot targets, you can join a target shooting club that has lock-up facilities and leave your gun at the club.
if you want to shoot game, you can join a game shooting club that has lock-up facilities and leave your gun at the club.
The equation, borne out by statistics, is less access to guns = less murder by guns.
