Where do we even read of such an entity as a "Christian nation" in the Bible? Rather we are told that God saves people out of every nation:
(Rev 5:9) And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
If it is right for Christians to defend themselves against persecution with physical weapons, it is strange that Jesus didn't mention it when He warned the disciples that they would be persecuted:
(Joh 16:32) Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.
(Joh 16:33) These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
We read in Acts of the persecutions that came upon Christians, but not once to we read of those early Christians retaliating, even with words, let alone with physical weapons.
I agree with you, David. If we are to be killed because we refuse to deny Christ, or simply because we hold to the name of Christians- we should not kill them. We should die as martyrs and happily to have such a privilege. We even have examples of the early fathers desiring this.
But for me- I make a distinction between being martyr'd for Christ and just standing and watching a crazed madman or woman plow down innocent children while at school. If I was there and armed I would do whatever I could to stop him and save lives. That is the only reason to be armed in the first place.
Sometimes a cop arrives before the carnage is over- but why would I not intervene to stop it sooner, if able? Every police officer I have spoken to- says that they WANT
law abiding citizens armed. A good man with a gun is not a threat to anyone.
Some feel differently. I understand.
In other countries other than the USA I understand your minds have been molded by government taking away your right to defend. But nowhere in the scriptures do I see us being told not to do the right thing. I do put the lives of countless others as more important than the one who is trying to take their lives. It is evil. He needs to be stopped.
Even if only shot in his trigger arm or legs- then he can face trial and life in prison. If a cop shoots- trust me, he wont survive. The sword is not in vain. To say it's only "allowed" if you're a cop or whatever- is an error in my opinion because cops don't agree- they give their authorization to law abiding because they see the need for help. WHY would we just stand and watch or hide in the closet instead of protecting the innocent? That's what a coward does- and we know where cowards end up.
They are not called until people are dead and simply can not arrive early enough.
I don't know what a Christian nation looks like because the USA no longer is one. So yes, Americans do have different views on that. It may have been started by Christians but we have strayed very far. Our laws are no longer Christian. We sanction killing babies, and allow gay marriage etc.
We do have freedom to practice our religion but that became a double edged sword once we became populated with Muslims and Buddists etc because we must also give them those freedoms. Those responsible for populating us with other faiths KNEW this. It was purposeful. Prez O initiated much of it. Now, we are seeing Muslims elected to high offices and we ought to be aware of the intent behind the Muslim faith to take us over. Instead, we were labeled intolerant racists or white supremacists when we called out that danger.
So we attempt to live peacefully with them and only time will tell how well that goes. We should not rise up against them in war if they become more powerful in this country. All we can do is vote.
But a scenario of mass carnage that has nothing to do with faith is something that I will aid the police if I am able. I do not feel convicted that there is any wrong in that. I see it as having mercy on the innocent.
What good is there if we all just stand there and die and the police show up to a school of death with a mass murderer who has fled or kills a cop? We should help if we can. There is no "revenge" there nor is there hatred, but a sense of duty to your fellow man. It is not in vain.
We are commanded to love our neighbor- to treat them as we want to be treated- absolutely! The question that leaves is how do I choose who to love in that scenario? Is it loving to stand and watch people being slaughtered?- is it right to save a life or destroy it? Am I loving someone by allowing him to mass murder others? Or is it loving to spare the innocent? I can't see this another way. It's not a question to me which is right before God.
God gives us each other to help one another. Not to hold to His law improperly when it is causing harm and death. What is more holy?
That is what Jesus taught against. Holding to no work on the Sabbath law as if it meant not helping another in danger- even an ox.
