A Man's Duty - Firearm Ownership in the United States
In a nation and time where violent crime is a growing concern, where the threat of a tyranny looms over the horizon, and where national divorce is a possibility, owning firearms is a crucial means of protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your property from potential threats. Whether you are in a city or in a quaint cabin hidden in the hills, a firearm can be your best friend. The ability to possess and carry firearms is not only a right, given by God and guaranteed by the Constitution, but a duty of free men, and often times a rite of passage.
Why the Second Amendment Matters
Firearm ownership is deeply intertwined with American history and culture. The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution explicitly protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms, reflecting the Founding Fathers' belief in the importance of an armed citizenry as a check against government tyranny. Throughout the nation's history, firearms have played a central role in the defense of liberty and the expansion of frontier settlements. For many Americans, owning a firearm is not just a practical choice but also a deeply ingrained aspect of their identity and heritage.
The Second Amendment is written as such:
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
The express intent of the text within the Second Amendment is to allow the people to keep and bear arms, primarily in response to tyrannical overreach. In both context and practice, this makes sense. For context, the United States, when the Constitution and the accommodating Bill of Rights, was written, was just coming off of a war for independence, separating themselves from British tyranny. The founders were humble, and had the foresight to see that America could very well give into tyranny itself, and used this provision to ensure that the people could be prepared to preserve freedom by violent means if necessary.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are the rights included by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. These three rights are the most fundamental to Americans, and the remainder of protected rights in the founding documents are created with the intent to protect these. The chief among them, as you can see in how they are ordered, is life. Implying the right to self-defense, and with the Second Amendment acting as the vehicle to do so most effectively, it can safely be assumed that you are protected in that action by founding law, though it isn’t expressly stated.
Other Practical Uses of Firearms
Additionally, firearms serve as tools for recreational activities such as hunting, sport shooting, and collecting. Hunting, in particular, has a long-standing tradition in American culture, providing not only a means of obtaining food but also a connection to nature and the outdoors. Similarly, sport shooting competitions offer opportunities for enthusiasts to hone their marksmanship skills and foster a sense of camaraderie among participants. For many individuals, the enjoyment derived from these activities contributes to the overall quality of life and sense of fulfillment.
Your Duty to Carry
A free man, with the capacity to act reasonably and decisively, has a duty of protect his family, himself, and community, to the best of his ability. In America, the ability to effectively protect oneself is amplified by the right to keep and bare arms. Guns are the great equalizer, allowing the feeble to stand against the capable, where they would not have previously had a chance.
The Bible teaches that self-defense and defense of your family is an important role for men, and that fighting righteously is your responsibility.
One example is Nehemiah 4:14, where he encourages the Israelites to defend themselves and their families while rebuilding Jerusalem's walls:
"After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, 'Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.'"
The verse most often cited in defense of gun ownership is Luke 22:36:
"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.'"
Finally, as an example of the duty of Christians to be strong in defense of the community, is Psalm 82:3-4
"Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
Beyond Duty – American Tradition
Imagine a father passing down a beautiful Remington 3200 over/under shotgun to his son as a wedding gift, or college graduation gift. A grandfather willing the M1A1 he fought with in World War II to his grandson in his final days. Beyond practical use, guns can mean something more. They are symbols of the means to attain freedom, and of the freedom they themselves were used in fighting for. Firearms can tie generations together, acting a tangible reminder of those we love, and memories we’ve shared.
It's clear to see that a man is to exercise his right to bear arms, as it is called for Biblically, and protected in America by the Constitution. So, gentlemen, go out and fulfill your duty. Keep your family, yourself, and your community safer.