Alternative Viewpoint
Many of you that know me know that I think very highly of John Piper. He’s easily my favorite author, and is in my top 5 of those I like to listen to. Here’s a very quick post from him about the action of the Supreme Court this week regarding guns.
It’s a perspective that many of us probably haven’t thought through. And some might not agree with it. If you do disagree I’d be interested in your reasons.
Cheers.
Agreed, and that’s just one reason I don’t have a gun in my house.
Ryan
I do disagree with Dr. Piper at this point. Had the natives stormed into their home and Elizabeth Elliot and the Saint kids were going to be killed, my suspicion is that they would not have fired in the air, but into the Indians. I have many guns in my home to defend my family.
Regardless of that, I do my best to get my judgments from scripture rather than from what other people do. Don’t get me wrong, Piper is a great guy, but on this point (by his own admission) he’s making his decision not on the basis of scripture but on the basis of circumstances. As a Biblical Studies major, for me, that’s a no-no.
Exodus 22:2 “If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him” It seems strange to talk about the subject without quoting any scripture.
1Timothy 5:8 says “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for lmembers of his household, he has mdenied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” Obviously this is talking of providing food, shelter, etc… I take this to be inclusive of all forms of protection. I’m justified to kill a man who breaks into my home, and by 1Timothy I feel obligated to do so.
Luke 22:36 “He (Jesus) said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” This is the verse why I have guns and why I keep my concealed handgun license current so I can carry it wherever my family goes. Jesus told his followers to arm themselves for the purpose of protecting themselves and their property.
So those are my thoughts.