According to Psalms 4:13, "thy armaments shall beget thy safety from the heathen man". While it is justifiable for a Christian to pack a piece, so to speak, it can only be canonically justified during certain times of the day and under certain astral forms and patterns. Needless to say, it's a very complex subject.

Oh, Now you've got me started on something I feel very strongly about. First I want to start off by saying that this is only MY interpretation of the scripture and I am well aware that there are many, many, others. It is not my intent to sway any body's personal belief one way or the other. I have no agenda here other than to share my understanding of a difficult piece of literature that has been translated hundreds of times over millennia. Better men than me have gotten it all wrong so you'll have excuse me if you have a different interpretation that works for you... more power to you. I completely understand your dilemma and here's my take for what it's worth. You decide. (I can almost FEEL the RD'er's gathering.:)) Exodus 20:13, properly translated, (IMHO) reads: “You shall not murder.” All murder is killing, but not all killing is murder. Throughout the Scripture God defines and encourages three kinds of killing that are justified and often necessary: 1) self-defense; 2) society-defense (execution of criminals); 3) national self-defense, which we call war. Some Christians say that it is not their place to determine who lives or dies, so they would not defend themselves if someone tried to kill them. Not only is that contrary to God’s command to dispense out justice in our society, it lets the murderer decide who lives and who dies. That just doesn't make sense to me. If the pacifist position were correct, it would seem logical that throughout history God would either prevent war, or at least not take sides in human conflicts, but that is not the case. God is certainly no pacifist, and the acts of a warrior-God fighting on behalf of His people, often via his angels, are seen all through the Bible. Some pertinent examples are: God removed the wheels of Egypt’s chariots as they pursued Israel, and drowned them in the sea (Ex. 14:25, 28); He threw hailstones down on the Canaanite army (Josh. 10:11); He rained down fire from heaven and burned up the enemy soldiers who came to get Elijah (2 King 1:9-15); He killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers who were attacking Jerusalem (2 Kings 19:35); He blinded the false prophet Bar-Jesus, who stood against the teaching of Paul (Acts 13:9-11). He will throw huge hailstones, weighing about 100 pounds each, upon his enemies (Rev. 16:21). It is important to remember that just a few hours before Jesus was arrested, he said to all his apostles, “If you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one” (Luke 22:36), but then told Peter while he was being arrested, “all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matt. 26:52). Why did Jesus make that statement to Peter? The answer, (IMHO), is that although the priests and soldiers who arrested Jesus were immoral, what they did was not illegal, because they had the governmental right to arrest Jesus. Thus, Peter, although he thought he was doing the right thing in defending Jesus with his sword, was actually breaking the law. Had Jesus’ trial been fair and unbiased, he would have been released soon after his arrest. Many innocent people are falsely accused, arrested and jailed, but then released at trial. By using his sword, Peter was breaking the law, and neither God nor Jesus give us the right to do that. On the other hand, we do have the legal right to defend ourselves and our society against evil, and Jesus knew that, so he told his followers to buy swords. Evil people are a danger to those around them, which is why self protection, and the outgrowths thereof, (such as the protection of one’s family, society, and nation) is vital to survival. Since Jesus told his followers to buy swords the night of his arrest, and never modified that command after his resurrection, there is no reason to believe that things should be different today. We need to be willing and able to protect ourselves and our society. More evidence that God expects us to fight for what is right in today’s world is that, both in Philippians 2:25 and Philemon 2, Paul refers to another Christian as a “fellow soldier.” He also writes to Timothy, his young protege in the faith: 2 Timothy 2:3 and 4 (3) Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (4) No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. I assert that the term “soldier” goes beyond just spiritual warfare, and, if necessary, also includes the physical warfare that all too often is a part of life. I would also assert that a person in the military is not out of favor with God due to his chosen profession. The first Gentiles recorded as becoming Christians were a Roman soldier, Cornelius, and his family and friends. Cornelius was guided by an angel to hear the Good News from Peter himself (Acts 10). With so many non-military people in Palestine, the fact that God chose a soldier as the first Gentile to get born again speaks volumes about His acceptance of the military. Again, this is just MHO. We must remember that throughout the Old Testament, the people of God were, like God, warriors. Moses, Joshua, the Judges, David, and the kings of Judah all led armies, and God helped them win their battles when they stood with Him. Examples of God helping His people win battles include His telling Joshua how to conquer Jericho (Josh. 6:2-5); telling him that an ambush was the way to destroy Ai (Josh. 8:1,2); telling David how to attack the Philistines (2 Sam. 5:22-25; 1 Chron. 14:14-16); and telling Israel how to attack the Syrian army (1 Kings 20:13,14). The faithful of the Old Testament understood that there were occasions when fighting and war were necessary, and they relied upon God, their weapons, and their training during those times. Psalm 18:34 and 35 (34) He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. (35) You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. Psalm 144:1 and 2 (1) Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. (2) He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. I believe the Bible teaches that God still wants people to fight evil, and still helps them win. To understand Scripture, we must realize that unless God clearly changes a commandment He has given, it is still to be believed and obeyed. And I have seen no revision of God’s commands to protect oneself, participate in the protection of society, or go to war to protect one’s nation. I think everyone should have at least one gun for protection and be trained and proficient in it's proper, safe, use. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

yuppers if they think it necessary for protection so should anyone else regardless of religion in my opinion

This is a question that each individual has to decide for themselves. Not all of us are cut out to be martyrs and I do feel that the Bible justifies self defense. There are some mentions in the Old Testament, in Exodus IIRC, regarding the law of Moses. The examples that stand out most in my mind are in the New Testament, specifically Luke 22:35 & 36: Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?" "Nothing" they answered. He said to them "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword sell your cloak and buy one." Taken in the context of the rest of that passage it seems to me that He is telling his followers they need to tend to their own needs to some degree, before He told them to not bother about such things. That He mentions a sword is of interest to me because a sword is not at all practical for hunting or as a tool, it serves pretty much one purpose, to kill. Similarly, there is the bit in Acts 10 IIRC where the Centurion Cornelius is mentioned as a devout and righteous man. A Centurion is a soldier, if killing in any form (even self-defense) were proscribed, it would make little sense for a soldier to be considered devout and righteous when a part of his duties may well involve the taking of life. Similarly Peter would have rebuked him rather than staying with Cornelius for a few days. There are other passages as well but at this late hour they elude me :). In any case, though I would rather it never come to that point, should I have to use lethal force to defend myself or loved ones I would do so.

I think before a Christian or anyone before being able to buy a weapon of any sort should have to go to a weapons safety course. I see no reason why a Christian or anybody should not buy a weapon if they feel the need to have one, and how to properly use one. I think those of us that feel the need should only do so when they have no other options such as relocating and getting away from such a place that makes you feel unsafe. Using a weapon should be the very last option. I do not believe in taking another's life if it can be avoided but wounding will often stop someone trying to cause you harm. There are more effective alternatives to buying a firearm. Learning self defense works very well. Security alarms and personal carried alarms are not a bad thing to have.

If they feel that it is needed, yes. What does religion have to do with it?

If they feel they need to, yes. I have a gun and if my life and/or the lives of my loved ones are threatened I will not hesitate to use it. I figure God does not expect anyone to not defend themselves.

Yes. Shooting a bad guy in the leg is much more effective, at stopping them, than pulling out your bible and reading scripture to them !!

Wouldn't that be a lack of faith on the part of the Christian? Like, I mean with god protecting them and watching over them all the time and all that stuff, why in the world would they ever need a gun for?

I think its more to do with principles, but dont point it in my direction will you,haha

I see no reason why a Christian shouldn't own a gun for the purpose of protecting him/herself, especially when such a person has no other feasable means (elderly,etc).  Owning a gun & shooting in self-defense (lower-body,etc) does not equate the "shoot to kill" philosophy that a lot of anti-gun activists seem to have.

Nobody should, not spacific to one religeion in my view

Gun,shum! Being from Canada the only reasons we have guns is for hunting! I am dead set against having guns in the home.

I do not think so, as a Christian a Follower of Jesus Christ I cannot do this. I used to think yes I would and that God would want me to do this, but as I have matured in my Faith by Seeking Him and in Studying His word, I have to say no. and below is what His word tells me. Respectfully and in Love KyGrace Luke 22:36 King James Bible 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. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 22:21-38 How unbecoming is the worldly ambition of being the greatest, to the character of a follower of Jesus, who took upon him the form of a servant, and humbled himself to the death of the cross! In the way to eternal happiness, we must expect to be assaulted and sifted by Satan. If he cannot destroy, he will try to disgrace or distress us. Nothing more certainly forebodes a fall, in a professed follower of Christ, than self-confidence, with disregard to warnings, and contempt of danger. Unless we watch and pray always, we may be drawn in the course of the day into those sins which we were in the morning most resolved against. If believers were left to themselves, they would fall; but they are kept by the power of God, and the prayer of Christ. Our Lord gave notice of a very great change of circumstances now approaching. The disciples must not expect that their friends would be kind to them as they had been. Therefore, he that has a purse, let him take it, for he may need it. They must now expect that their enemies would be more fierce than they had been, and they would need weapons. At the time the apostles understood Christ to mean real weapons, but he spake only of the weapons of the spiritual warfare. The sword of the Spirit is the sword with which the disciples of Christ must furnish themselves. ~and~ Matthew 10:16~39 KJV 16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. 28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary Matthew 10:16-42 Our Lord warned his disciples to prepare for persecution. They were to avoid all things which gave advantage to their enemies, all meddling with worldly or political concerns, all appearance of evil or selfishness, and all underhand measures. Christ foretold troubles, not only that the troubles might not be a surprise, but that they might confirm their faith. He tells them what they should suffer, and from whom. Thus Christ has dealt fairly and faithfully with us, in telling us the worst we can meet with in his service; and he would have us deal so with ourselves, in sitting down and counting the cost. Persecutors are worse than beasts, in that they prey upon those of their own kind. The strongest bonds of love and duty, have often been broken through from enmity against Christ. Sufferings from friends and relations are very grievous; nothing cuts more. It appears plainly, that all who will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution; and we must expect to enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations. With these predictions of trouble, are counsels and comforts for a time of trial. The disciples of Christ are hated and persecuted as serpents, and their ruin is sought, and they need the serpent's wisdom. Be ye harmless as doves. Not only, do nobody any hurt, but bear nobody any ill-will. Prudent care there must be, but not an anxious, perplexing thought; let this care be cast upon God. The disciples of Christ must think more how to do well, than how to speak well. In case of great peril, the disciples of Christ may go out of the way of danger, though they must not go out of the way of duty. No sinful, unlawful means may be used to escape; for then it is not a door of God's opening. The fear of man brings a snare, a perplexing snare, that disturbs our peace; an entangling snare, by which we are drawn into sin; and, therefore, it must be striven and prayed against. Tribulation, distress, and persecution cannot take away God's love to them, or theirs to him. Fear Him, who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. They must deliver their message publicly, for all are deeply concerned in the doctrine of the gospel. The whole counsel of God must be made known, Ac 20:27. Christ shows them why they should be of good cheer. Their sufferings witnessed against those who oppose his gospel. When God calls us to speak for him, we may depend on him to teach us what to say. A believing prospect of the end of our troubles, will be of great use to support us under them. They may be borne to the end, because the sufferers shall be borne up under them. The strength shall be according to the day. And it is great encouragement to those who are doing Christ's work, that it is a work which shall certainly be done. See how the care of Providence extends to all creatures, even to the sparrows. This should silence all the fears of God's people; Ye are of more value than many sparrows. And the very hairs of your head are all numbered. This denotes the account God takes and keeps of his people. It is our duty, not only to believe in Christ, but to profess that faith, in suffering for him, when we are called to it, as well as in serving him. That denial of Christ only is here meant which is persisted in, and that confession only can have the blessed recompence here promised, which is the real and constant language of faith and love. Religion is worth every thing; all who believe the truth of it, will come up to the price, and make every thing else yield to it. Christ will lead us through sufferings, to glory with him. Those are best prepared for the life to come, that sit most loose to this present life. Though the kindness done to Christ's disciples be ever so small, yet if there be occasion for it, and ability to do no more, it shall be accepted. Christ does not say that they deserve a reward; for we cannot merit any thing from the hand of God; but they shall receive a reward from the free gift of God. Let us boldly confess Christ, and show love to him in all things.

I haven't verified it but I suspect that most guns are owned by the radical Afghani Taliban and American Christians.   I picture Christian gun nuts as living far out in the country, perhaps the wilds of Utah or northern Idaho, where they home-school their kids to protect their little brains from being contamination by the heathen liberal ideas that infest public schools. They keep a big stock of ammunition and canned goods in the basement, always ready to fight off godless federal agents when they come to take their guns away. :)   But I could be wrong. :)