Have you ever wondered where Jesus would stand on the Second Amendment? Well, according to National Review, there is little doubt that he would be a pro-gun lobby, shoot-em-up sort of guy.
The Democrats — ever vigilant for improper mixing of politics and religion — opened yesterday’s news conference announcing their proposed “assault weapons” ban with a prayer from the Dean of the National Cathedral, the Canon Gary Hall. As Drudge highlighted yesterday, he made brief remarks before the prayer and said, “Everyone in this city seems to live in terror of the gun lobby . . . but I believe that the gun lobby is no match for the cross lobby.”
I have no objection to the Reverand speaking his mind. In fact, I’m glad for clergy to contribute their thoughts to the gun-rights debate. My objection is to the substance of his position, not his participation in the debate. Simply put, self defense is a biblical and natural right of man, and I fear that his words imply otherwise. There is nothing about the cross that requires me to allow someone to kill my family — or anyone else for that matter. Indeed, I have a moral imperative to come to the aid of those in distress.
Here we go. Another right-wing attack on gun control that is completely baseless and irrelevant. One does not need the Bible to make the argument that self-defense is a natural right. Of course it is…but the type of changes to the gun laws that Dems have proposed have nothing to do with the right to defend oneself or protect family and property. The proposals have only to do with a) the type of guns one should be allowed to purchase and b) restricting gun ownership to law abiding citizens and others who do not pose a threat to society. Arguments don’t get any more rational than that.
That said, the entire premise that Jesus would be in support of NRA sponsored lunacy is ridiculous. One need only turn to Matthew 5:38 and Jesus’ own words to make the point that Jesus would have hated guns.
You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”. But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
Jesus went a little too far with his turn-the-other-cheek bit, but it’s quite clear that claiming that he would have supported the gun lobby is a stretch.
But when Jesus’s example is used to defend violence, to celebrate self-defense, to find ways to look away from the mass murder of children, beware. Jesus’ response to unspeakable violence was unconditional surrender and yet more still:
Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.
Amen.
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