“Why do so many Christians speak and act as if the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights are part of the Bible?” This is an actual question that I have been asked.

One could argue that those documents are sacred to all Americans in some regards, but holy and sanctified by God? Accepted by Jesus? Nope. Nope. Nope. They are not biblical canon. They came along well after that. It’s simply pen to paper, the ideations of 18th-century white men. There is no denying that those words are powerful and have shaped a nation. But as time passed, we developed questions and needed to make amendments.

“So why the extreme defense of gun ownership?” Another question that I have been asked.

Here is my take as a Christian and as an American. And it’s complicated because humans are complicated. I’m from the Midwest where guns are often part of family cultures for hunting and sport. And I’m American where gun rights are embedded into our history, included in our Bill of Rights, and many people do own guns responsibly. I own handguns and a shotgun. However . . . I hate that criminals obtain guns so easily, and probably not much can be done to stop that. I also hate that guns continue to be obtained LEGALLY to massacre school children. I hate that I personally know families affected by these heinous acts. And let’s take it one step further down Complicated Lane: I hate that as a teenager I was a victim of gun violence.

And if we want to get ridiculous, my dog was a victim of gun violence. I’m serious.

Told you, it’s complicated.

Yesterday I saw someone use the common Christian argument that “Cain killed Abel, not the rock. God blamed Cain.” Ok. Sure. So it’s on the person. And in the Bible, it says that every person is a sinner. So why do we trust sinners? If humans cannot even handle rocks with our innate sinfulness, why should we be allowed to have guns, something that ONLY has an end goal of destruction? You might say they are for defense/personal protection or even sport, but it doesn’t change the end result. According to the Bible, we all suffer and live with the consequences of ONE sinner: Eve. But somehow we justify that just ONE school shooter shouldn’t ruin guns for all of us?

I agree that private actions can be taken, but the government cannot enforce private actions like PRAYER, or raising kids better (whatever that looks like), or fixing/changing peoples’ morals, or teaching kids not to bully, etc. Those might be excellent things, but private actions did not protect 21 people in Texas last week. Private actions are not and cannot somehow magically become public policies. Take all the private actions you want (I do!), but until we take public action and see laws changed nothing else will change. Innocent school children and other citizens will continue to die in this horrific way. 

Nearly all of the firearms used in mass shootings were obtained LEGALLY, not criminally. This is the problem.

I remain a gun owner, but never again will I be a member of the NRA. Our rights and freedoms come with responsibility and that responsibility does not belong solely to the individual gun owner – but also to those who govern, those who lobby, and those who vote.

Our constitution allows for change. It truly is a beautiful document with 27 amendments. 27 changes. So far . . . 

I recall this quote engraved on the Southeast Portico at the Jefferson Memorial, excerpted from a letter to Samuel Kercheval from Thomas Jefferson July 12, 1816:

“I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as a civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.”

And thankfully, we have changed since Thomas Jefferson and his barbarous ways! Thank God and a more “civilized” society for the 13th Amendment!

While I don’t know that we are more “enlightened” in the sense that TJ meant – we do have knowledge that the weapons we have access to in our day and age, are creating problems that we cannot ignore as responsible citizens. 

We can do better to protect our citizens and still preserve our right to bear arms. It can and must be done. Our society has changed – maybe for the worse when it comes to gun ownership – so we must amend our federal laws to protect our fundamental right to life! (And yes, I know the argument that will come after this statement. And to that I say, why can’t you fight for BOTH?)

I support “well-regulated” (as our 2nd amendment states) gun rights and freedoms for responsible people of proven sound mind – especially when it comes to semi-automatic firearms. And I don’t care how long or tedious or costly that process for ownership might be. What that looks like? That’s a whole other post. (I’ll get that up with ways to contact our government representatives.)

And what would Jesus do about all of this? Some think he might say, “Dad, guns, and babies! In that order.” (Thanks to my husband for that bit of colloquialism.) As for me, I don’t know what Jesus would do. But I don’t picture The Peacemaker holding a bullet-filled peacemaker. So maybe I’m in the wrong for even owning a gun in his eyes? Could be, but I am a sinner . . .

Much love,

Darla

P.S. Admittedly, I have struggled with our gun ownership at times. And I think it is HEALTHY to question and ask ourselves WHY we do things? And ultimately, could I use my firearms for personal protection if it came down to it? I can’t even imagine shooting an animal! I’ve had training. I’ve gone through the ownership and carry process, but is it enough? I hate going to the range now . . . I’ve changed since I bought my last firearm. That’s my truth.

My husband and I often write on similar topics and he recently wrote a post “as an outsider calling Christian gun nuts hypocrites.” He isn’t a Christian, but we do our best to show that people of different beliefs and convictions can live harmoniously, be respectful, and learn from one another. I think we’re doing alright.

I am always open to thoughtful conversations about tough, but critical topics. I am not an expert on any of it, rather I share my thoughts, my convictions, and my hopes. I love history and research and digging in to understand more about our world. I thrive on context and connectedness and believe that we have more in common than in difference. I have no children of my own, but I want to do my part to make a better future for yours. Let’s talk. Peace.

RESOURCE:

Not sure where you stand on gun issues? Not sure that you fully understand the 2nd Amendment? THAT IS OK! It’s never to late to learn OR to admit that you don’t understand. Here is an EXCELLENT resource from my favorite U.S. government teacher for adults. Sharon McMahon is AWESOME.

“Let’s talk about this issue from a legal standpoint – there is a lot going on with guns in the US. What exactly is a “well regulated militia?” Can a president issue an executive order to ban assault weapons? What about the fact that the 9th circuit just said guns are only for home and not for carrying in public? What are we likely to see over the next few years? Deep dives are not debate workshops. They are not meant to convince you that we need more or less gun control. Whatever your beliefs are about guns in America — you are welcome here. No shame, only facts.“

You will want to listen to her Gun Laws Workshop here: https://vimeo.com/714584402/433e431398