Gun Control
2nd Amendment
Gun Violence
Odds are, simply reading this elicited some sort of emotional response. Issues like these are difficult to write and speak upon, leaving the majority to remain silent. Yet, if Jesus is to be King of our entirety, we must have the courage to encounter such issues with sobriety and compassion, leaving no doctrinal stone unturned in search for a Godly response.
First, may I say that this writing is for those who claim the resurrection as their identity. These are the people who by definition seek to take every opinion, every affection, every word, and deed, and place it under the wisdom of Christ for further examination. While I think these principles are for all, I would never expect someone outside of the faith to hold to the same standards with any fidelity.
Secondly, I may add that though I have my own opinions which I believe to have levels of Truth within them, if you disagree, you are not my enemy. The enemy wants division. Believers seek for reconciliation and understanding. I hope you find my views deeply deliberated, humble, and above all, God-glorifying.
When we look at issues like gun violence/rights, it is important for us to look to both Scripture and the person of Jesus for guidance. With many things, we all too soon solidify our opinion and rally both of these avenues to support them instead of letting them shape our beliefs. In America, this is especially difficult. Years of honored tradition, noble causes, and steadfast resolve, have only entrenched views with little thought to their errors. Patriotism is not bad, but as Christians, our allegiance is found elsewhere.
The life of Jesus was that of active non-violence. As a man, He continually was sought out for wisdom and insight. While speaking boldly and always with compassion, He eventually found the scorn of many – mostly the “religious” with their hands in the political arena at the time. Through this oppression, He never fought back with anything but mercy, humility, and Truth. This was not weakness but the counter cultural will of a Father who held ways which by definition are above ours. When arrested, this man went with the accusers and even criticized His best friend for attacking on His behalf. After a mockery of a trial, He was beaten, humiliated, then put on a cross. In this story, we see violence coming from the hands of humans and those who thought they were acting on God’s behalf. Nowhere in this greatest of dramas did Jesus fight back, nor did He act in a way that could be considered un-Godly. He held His conduct and beliefs to a higher standard because He believed it was a better way.
And it was.
In His most known sermon, we see the most extensive teaching of Christ. Of this, we hear things like forgiveness, turning the other cheek, and loving our enemy. Those who are blessed are those who many would call “weak”. When Jesus sends his disciples out, He does so without weapons but with a reliance on the Spirit of God. They come back with incredible stories that can only be explained through faith. When Jesus appears post-crucifixion, He says nothing of arming or vengeance or even defense. He simply charges them to “go” in His name.
In His name.
It is in this name that the disciples went and with His Spirit that they built what we now call the Church. All of these disciples suffered great loss. Yet, they believed in the literal words of God to value the lives of all, care for the poor, and teach with humility and compassion. This Church was persecuted, had virtually no social or political voice, and thrived in a way few movements of the Church have. It was not until this faith became in favor with governments, that it changed to more of what the American Church looks like now. The further we get away from the resurrection, the more damaged the Church has become and thus the need for more renewal.
So why do the opinions we hold on topics like gun control matter?
This topic is unfortunately trending currently. A little study will undoubtedly break the saint’s heart for the amount of gun violence that has always taken place – often in urban settings and suicides. While many in the American Church have sadly ignored these issues for a generation or more, now this same violence is at their own doorstep and cannot be ignored. Schools. Churches. Shopping centers. Suburbia. As Christians, we are pro freedom, for we have tasted the ultimate release of restraint in the name of Jesus. How are we to use such freedom? Do we use it to grab at temporary power and rights that are not found in the Bible or do we use it for more? Bonhoeffer, who himself had a battle of faith in how to approach Hitler and the nazis, sums up this battle within us:
“we are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we are to drive a spoke into the wheel itself.”
A look at the person of Christ and His disciples will back this call with tremendous clarity. We are now a community that is no longer known for “bandaging” victims. Instead, we mock and attach labels like “liberal” for positing any form of solution (such as teenage Parkland survivors who were called actors, liberals, and worse with the silence of the Church echoing). One scroll through social media in this political season will show you the Church and their idols. Many have lost their way. Many are sheep without a earthly shepherd in these matters.
As a Church, we are to go in His name. The opinions, values, and flags we hold will echo in the ears of an unbelieving community who are right to be leery of us. We are no longer republican, democrat, independent, liberal, or conservative. We are simply light. Light in the dark world of political corruption and arrogance. We are commissioned to go to these broken systems and offer something better in patience and love, all the while valuing who we speak to and for because these lives matter to our creator.
When it comes to gun control, we carry His name. As Creator, He values human life and calls for us to think deeper on these matters for the sake of a confused public. While they speak on important matters like sanctity of life, racial and gender equality, freedom, and mental health, they want to know that these things matter to us. By the absence of many sermons, I would say they sadly do not. By the amount of fear for offending those who give financially, I would say they do not. By the amount of time spent growing the Church in numbers but not depth, I would say no. The foundational person of Christ is needed now more than ever in the public arena, yet many are justifiably timid.
As a Church, we have a tremendous opportunity to speak light into a culture who is essentially having our conversation for us. While they are seeking answers – many of which can be found in Christ – we are hiding or holding tightly to anti-Gospel views. Perhaps God has intentions to use issues like gun control and mental illness to fulfill the Great Commission. Perhaps He is simply waiting for us to “go”.
Matt simon blog 