They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. [Isaiah 2:4]
Mormons, along with many Christians, believe that at some point the resurrected Jesus will return to Earth and reign over 1000 years of peace. We call this the Millennium and we look forward to, and are supposedly working toward, that day.
In light of the current renewal of the “gun control” debate subsequent to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, I just thought I would quote this scripture to remind all the gun-totin’, NRA member, 2nd Amendment, “Christians” in this country that there will be no Millennial Peace on this Earth until we literally melt down all the guns and turn the metal to more productive uses.
Those who manufacture and sell guns are promoting Satan’s plan of “blood and horror” on this Earth, and they are doing it for no other reason than “power and gain” . Those who buy guns for “Self-defense” (rather than legitimate law enforcement use) are buying insecurity, not security.
The more guns that are available, the more gun violence there will be. Period. This simple logic has been twisted and obscured by well-financed gun-lobby rhetoric, but it is still true. I wish that my fellow Mormons would stop supporting the agents of death and focus on building the Kingdom of God.
I don’t suppose the current Senators from Utah (Hatch and Lee) will vote to eliminate assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. I wonder how Jesus would vote?
I plan on writing at length about this subject, but before I seek to be understood, I would like to understand better where you are coming from. Therefore, my response will be comprised of several questions.
I too look forward to that millenial reign of the Savior. It will be a time or profound peace, and "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
This time will be peaceful because those that would harm God's children will have been removed from the earth or will have had "a mighty change of heart." Since we are not yet in this environment, and there are people willing to wantonly kill, here is my first question:
Assuming the goal of "literally melt[ing] down all the guns," law-abiding citizens would theoretically surrender their arms. What to do about those who would disregard the law, including drug cartels and the like?
Do you see any parallels between the Prohibition of alcohol and the suggested prohibition of firearms?
I am also curious about the scope of the term "legitimate law enforcement use." What do you mean by this?
If only law enforcement officials carried firearms, would the Secret Service continue to be armed protection for the POTUS? Why or why not?
Another question that comes to mind is built upon the potential for a large government such as ours to become despotic. If only government officials have firearms and other armaments, what is the check and balance against direct oppression of the people?
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I feel that a large part of our problems in this world arise from misunderstandings. I'd like to be part of a counter-movement. Let us understand one another. I look forward to your responses.