To Carry or Not to Carry
Being hunters, sportsmen, outdoorsmen (and women), we all use different types of weapons for our activities. Many of us also use firearms for trap shooting, hunting, recreation or for self defense. While we identify ourselves as the previous types of people we also identify as Catholic, and that brings into question another aspect. What is the Catholic view on firearms and self defense?
The Teachings
As Catholics or even as Christians in general, we have to first look at what the Bible says. The Gospel of Luke says "let him who has no sword, sell his mantel and buy one. " (Luke 22:36) Let's break this down. In Jesus' time, firearms did not exist. Swords were the main means of self defense, so it is natural that Luke would mention swords in his Gospel. Today's swords, at least here in the United States, are firearms and are now our main means of self defense.
The next place we need to turn to is the The Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism says in 2264:
"Love toward oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality. Therefore it is legitimate to insist on respect for one's own right to life. Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow:If a man in self-defense uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful: whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful. . . . Nor is it necessary for salvation that a man omit the act of moderate self-defense to avoid killing the other man, since one is bound to take more care of one's own life than of another's."
And in 2265:
"Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The defense of the common good requires that an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm. For this reason, those who legitimately hold authority also have the right to use arms to repel aggressors against the civil community entrusted to their responsibility."
So, as Catholics, we have the right to use lethal force in self defense and in the defense of others but that it must be used moderately. ( CCC 2264-2265 ) Where does that leave us?
FREE WILL
God gave us free will, which means we can make our own choices. He allows us to decide if we want to purchase, own or use firearms. If you are one who chooses to, then you are responsible to know how to safely use them and to know when to use them.
Law Enforcement has a use of force continuum that helps officers know what level of force to use and when to use it. As civilians, this use of force continuum can still be used effectively.
The Use of Force Continuum is not static. Many times it will go from level 1 immediately to level 3 (a physical confrontation) or to level 5 ( where deadly force is used). Each situation is different, but just as police officers, we as Christians have to know and understand this continuum, because any use of force must be used moderately. We should always seek another way out and never result to deadly force unless it is absolutely required, and only to protect our life or that of another, and never to protect property.
We are all different, and you should make your own choice, whether or not using a firearm for self defense is for you. If you do decide to carry a firearm for self defense, please take the time to get the education and training required to safely use the weapon.
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