Why armed to the teeth?

[Crabtownboy]

There does not seem to be a place to post general religious/theological questions, so I put this one here.

Why do people who claim to follow Jesus of Nazareth think it's a good idea to be armed to the teeth? Where is such faith really placed?

 

[abcgrad94]

By "armed to the teeth" I assume you refer to guns or other weapons? It's simple, really. Weapons are used for:

personal/home protection
hunting
butchering/killing livestock or predators of that livestock
collections/historical interest

Are you suggesting Christians shouldn't own weapons or guns?

 

[Tom Bryant]

There are lots of reasons. ABCGrad has identified many of them. Some of us actually like fire arms. My faith is in Christ. It's not a lack of faith but it is also the protecting of my family and my life. Having a fire arm is no more a lack of faith than it's a lack of faith to buckle my seat belt when I get in the car. It's no more of a lack of faith than to lock my doors at night.

You're trying to make a political point by acting as if those who are not armed to the teeth lack faith in God's Power to protect. He could, of course, supernaturally defend me. But He could very well protect me through the rifles and pistols I have in my house.

 

[menageriekeeper]

I have faith CTB, that God will allow my draw to be fast, my aim sharp and that I'll have the intelligence to know when not to pull the trigger. But faith doesn't keep me from also practicing these things.

Let me ask a question back: What was Peter doing carrying a sword at Christ's crucifixition? If Christ was against self defense don't you think he'd have told Peter to get rid of it long before they made it to the garden?

 

[Crabtownboy]

Let me ask a question back: What was Peter doing carrying a sword at Christ's crucifixition? If Christ was against self defense don't you think he'd have told Peter to get rid of it long before they made it to the garden?

My guess is for self-defense against wild and/or rabid animals. I say this because of Christ's response to Peter.

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword (Matthew 26:52, King James Version)

Note, Jesus did not praise Peter for his action.

Also, Revelation 13:10 says:

I anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of the saints.

I have been in may cities and places around the world and have traveled alone in many places, walked in many places at night and have never felt the need of a weapon. I have almost never had fear in those places. I do not let potential places of fear rule my actions. Have I been protected? I think so, but this cannot be proven nor disproven. This is the way God works.

 

[padredurand]

By "armed to the teeth" I assume you refer to guns or other weapons? It's simple, really. Weapons are used for:

personal/home protection
hunting
butchering/killing livestock or predators of that livestock
collections/historical interest

Are you suggesting Christians shouldn't own weapons or guns?

In this neck of the woods we'd call that "armed to the tooth" but that has more to do with oral hygiene than owning weapons.

Owned and been around guns all my life. I enjoy owning them, shooting them and filling the freezer in season. I don't try to make a political statement with my ownership and I do not believe it has any bearing on my faith in the Lord. Come to think of it what does one have to do with the other?

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Psalms 118:6 KJV

"Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of arms."--Aristotle

 

[billwald]

An old pioneer settler was working his front quarter one Sunday when a stranger walked by.

Settler: You going to church?

Stranger: Yup.

Settler: You one of them Presbyterians?

Stranger: Yup.

Settler: You believe when your number's up, your number's up?

Stranger: Yup.

Settler: Then why you carrying a gun?

Stranger: I might meet an Indian whose number is up.

 

[mandym]

There does not seem to be a place to post general religious/theological questions, so I put this one here.

Why do people who claim to follow Jesus of Nazareth think it's a good idea to be armed to the teeth? Where is such faith really placed?

In the same token why go to the Doctor? When we do where is such faith rally placed?

 

[Crabtownboy]

In this neck of the woods we'd call that "armed to the tooth" but that has more to do with oral hygiene than owning weapons. I do have an old 45/70 that was my grandfathers. But the firing pin is broken, so it is not a weapon.

Owned and been around guns all my life. I enjoy owning them, shooting them and filling the freezer in season. I don't try to make a political statement with my ownership and I do not believe it has any bearing on my faith in the Lord. Come to think of it what does one have to do with the other?

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Psalms 118:6 KJV

"Both oligarch and tyrant mistrust the people, and therefore deprive them of arms."--Aristotle

I grew up with guns also, hunting a fair bit as a kid and teenager. If I lived in the country I probably would own a shotgun ... maybe a rifle. But as I live in an urban area I see no need for a weapon.

One key to staying safe in an urban area is not showing fear ... and you do not ack like an arrogant person. Just act confident. It works wonders.

As an aside, it is amazing what you can do by acting confidently, like you know what you are doing.

I certainly do not judge a person's salvation on whether they own a weapon or not. I might judge their rationality. Lots of folk are killed by 'friendly fire' in the home.

 

[preacher4truth]

Note, Jesus did not praise Peter for his action.

Also, Revelation 13:10 says:



I have been in may cities and places around the world and have traveled alone in many places, walked in many places at night and have never felt the need of a weapon. I have almost never had fear in those places. I do not let potential places of fear rule my actions. Have I been protected? I think so, but this cannot be proven nor disproven. This is the way God works.

There's probably a holy & solemn reason for Christ rebuking Peter in this instance, don't ya think? :wavey:

Secondly, I've grown up in some very rough areas, and at times avoided passing through certain neighborhoods. Joseph and Mary fled at the appropriate time, being warned in a dream. Using sense which isn't common these days is not rejecting Gods protection nor is it not being dependent upon God. Using a weapon isn't unwise, as if someone ever broke in this house they'd meet, by the grace of God Smith & Wesson and quite possibly their Maker.

Like a pastor of mine used to say 'God gave you a head for more than a hat rack.' Those being wise and thinking ahead does NOT mean they aren't trusting God.

 

[padredurand]

I grew up with guns also, hunting a fair bit as a kid and teenager. If I lived in the country I probably would own a shotgun ... maybe a rifle. But as I live in an urban area I see no need for a weapon.

One key to staying safe in an urban area is not showing fear ... and you do not ack like an arrogant person. Just act confident. It works wonders.

As an aside, it is amazing what you can do by acting confidently, like you know what you are doing.

I certainly do not judge a person's salvation on whether they own a weapon or not. I might judge their rationality. Lots of folk are killed by 'friendly fire' in the home.

According to the National Crime Survey administered by the Bureau of the Census and the National Institute of Justice, it was found that only 12 percent of those who use a gun to resist assault are injured, as are 17 percent of those who use a gun to resist robbery. These percentages are 27 and 25 percent, respectively, if they passively comply with the felon's demands. Three times as many were injured if they used other means of resistance.

-- G. Kleck, "Policy Lessons from Recent Gun Control Research," Law and Contemporary Problems 49, no. 1. (Winter 1986.):​

 

[just-want-peace]

When these liberals voluntarily relinquish the fire insurance on their houses, refuse to fill a prescription following some dire medical diagnosis, never check their rear when backing up their auto, neglect to fill up the tank when going on a trip--(how many more common sense precautions must I mention?), then, and only then, will I consider my faith requiring that I peacefully surrender my pellet gun!!:sleep:

Some peoples spiritual pride makes my regurgitation reflex kick in!!!!

 

[mandym]

There does not seem to be a place to post general religious/theological questions, so I put this one here.

Why do people who claim to follow Jesus of Nazareth think it's a good idea to be armed to the teeth? Where is such faith really placed?

I see you ignored my question so I will ask again since it is so very pertinent to your op. In the same token why go to the Doctor? When we do where is such faith really placed?

 

[Crabtownboy]

I see you ignored my question so I will ask again since it is so very pertinent to your op. In the same token why go to the Doctor? When we do where is such faith really placed?

Well, it is a rather silly and illogical question and totally different subjects. Also it seems an effort to derail the thread.

But, Jesus never indicated we were not to go to see a doctor when we are ill. He did say "turn the other cheek," and "love your enemy," and "go the extra mile", etc.

So, let me ask you a question. As I said I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot during my life. I have walked in the daytime and night time in many places in many countries. During that time I have never had a weapon, nor felt I needed one. So my question is, how often have you had to been in a situation where you needed to use a weapon as a threat or actually defend yourself? I do not mean use a weapon in war, but in your life as a civilian?

 

[mandym]

Well, it is a rather silly and illogical question and totally different subjects. Also it seems an effort to derail the thread.

I am quite sure this comment is made out of frustration rather than a genuine belief. And there is no attempt to derail the thread. It directly addresses the op. What I have noticed from you is that what you do not like is "silly". Usually when it refutes your "silly" arguments.

But, Jesus never indicated we were not to go to see a doctor when we are ill. He did say "turn the other cheek," and "love your enemy," and "go the extra mile", etc.

He never indicated that we are not to protect ourselves. You have misapplied those passages.

So, let me ask you a question. As I said I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot during my life. I have walked in the daytime and night time in many places in many countries. During that time I have never had a weapon, nor felt I needed one. So my question is, how often have you had to been in a situation where you needed to use a weapon as a threat or actually defend yourself? I do not mean use a weapon in war, but in your life as a civilian?

1. I have had someone break into my home
2. I have been jumped by five men
3. The previous pastor where I am at now was knifed in the church parking lot after church
4. Church members vehicles have been broken into.
5. I had a gun stuck in my face a 357 to be specific


I am glad in your pristine life you have not been threatened. That is not common.

 

[seekingthetruth]

My guess is for self-defense against wild and/or rabid animals. I say this because of Christ's response to Peter.



Note, Jesus did not praise Peter for his action.

Also, Revelation 13:10 says:



I have been in may cities and places around the world and have traveled alone in many places, walked in many places at night and have never felt the need of a weapon. I have almost never had fear in those places. I do not let potential places of fear rule my actions. Have I been protected? I think so, but this cannot be proven nor disproven. This is the way God works.

So, not only do people that own weapons lack faith, but they are cowards as well?

Let me tell you something, and listen well,

If it wasnt for conservatives with guns, all of you left wing liberals would be speaking Russian!!!!!

John

 

[Crabtownboy]

[/COLOR]


So, not only do people that own weapons lack faith, but they are cowards as well?

Let me tell you something, and listen well,

If it wasnt for conservatives with guns, all of you left wing liberals would be speaking Russian!!!!!

John

Such a hysterical response.

1. It was the military with guns, not conservatives that keep German, Japan and Russia away.

2. No on one this thread has advocated taking people's guns away.

3. No one has said a person with a gun does not have faith.

The question is why are they really needed in such quantities?

How often have you had to use a weapon to protect yourself outside time in the military ... if you were in the military?

 

[seekingthetruth]

Such a hysterical response.

1. It was the military with guns, not conservatives that keep German, Japan and Russia away.

2. No on one this thread has advocated taking people's guns away.

3. No one has said a person with a gun does not have faith.

The question is why are they really needed in such quantities?

How often have you had to use a weapon to protect yourself outside time in the military ... if you were in the military?

508th Airborne Combat Team

And yes, about 35 years ago a young neighbor of mine kicked our back door in and was going through a closet where we kept guns and other valuables.

My Dad shot him in the leg. It was dark and he really did shoot to kill him. I am glad he lived, and glad he went to prison. and I hope he still limps. The damage Dad did to his leg is nothing compared to the damage he did to our family.

CrybabyBoy, do you have money in the bank? Why? Dont you have faith that God will take care of your future?

Do you have food in your pantry? Why? Don't you have faith that God will feed you?

Do you have insurance? Life, auto and health? Why? Won't god cover all of your needs?

If you are drowning, are you going to grab the life bouy that is tossed to you, or just stay and in the water and have faith?

If a snake bites you, are you going to go to the hospital or just have faith the God will heal you?

You are so silly

John

 

[seekingthetruth]

Such a hysterical response.

1. It was the military with guns, not conservatives that keep German, Japan and Russia away.

2. No on one this thread has advocated taking people's guns away.

3. No one has said a person with a gun does not have faith.

The question is why are they really needed in such quantities?

How often have you had to use a weapon to protect yourself outside time in the military ... if you were in the military?

I beg to differ with you.

Private ownership of guns is the biggest deterrent to foreign invasion that we have.

And, your statements here contradict your earlier posts.

Why are you backpeddling now?

John

 

[Crabtownboy]

I beg to differ with you.

Private ownership of guns is the biggest deterrent to foreign invasion that we have.

ROFL.

And, your statements here contradict your earlier posts.

Only in your mind. I have simply said I have never felt the need of them regardless of where I have been, in Asia, in Europe, in South America, in the Pacific or here in North America. I have walked city streets in the dark in all these places.

Why are you so filled with fear of others?