Ranking Their Positions: The Right to Keep and Bear Arms

This is the third post in a series examining the presidential candidates' positions on key issues for conservative Christians.

This post will examine the candidates' platforms on the Second Amendment: the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

Some may not see this issue as one with which Christians should concern themselves. What do guns have to do with loving one's neighbor? The Golden Rule? Turning the other cheek?

Well, while I do believe that Christians should avoid violence if at all possible (Romans 12:18), I also believe that everyone has a fundamental right to defend themselves, their families, their property, and their freedoms. This is a right that no government has the jurisdiction to revoke.
Still, though, some Christians may be bothered by the fact that someone like me would be so passionate about preserving the right of self-defense. To read a more complete reply to this concern, follow this link. But I'd like to point out some things that the aforementioned article doesn't:

As "biblical" evidence for a non-resistance philosophy, some may point to Jesus' condemnation of Peter for using his sword at the time of Jesus' arrest (John 18). But we must take that condemnation in context. First of all, Jesus was on earth for a specific purpose. He was meant to be arrested (Matthew 26:54). Peter was trying to "play God," so to speak, in that he wanted to take Jesus down a path that was not God's will. Did Peter really have so little faith in God and in Jesus that he didn't think Christ could survive or escape on His own? Jesus had already done that several times. He reminded Peter of his power, saying, "...do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26:53)

Secondly, when Jesus warned against "living by the sword," (Matthew 26:52) I can't imagine he was condemning self-defense. He couldn't have been prohibiting the use of the sword universally and eternally, because he told his disciples to purchase swords just a bit earlier (Luke 22:36). Jesus was being arrested. Peter didn't know why, or what would happen, but there didn't appear to be any immediate lethal danger. Yet, in a moment of intense stress, Peter's knee-jerk reaction was to take the only decisive action he could think of--attack! He was usurping the civil government's power by trying to prevent Jesus' seizure forcefully. His actions are understandable, but, if he would have killed the high-priest's servant, his actions would have also been murderous.


A second thing Christian pacifists might point to is that we don't see the example of self-defense from the apostles. But I think it is a grave mistake to take their "example" as definitive in this instance.We have to give Paul and the other apostles some credit for using a little common sense. When you are being taken captive by a mob, you don't fight back--you will end up dead. When you are being arrested by Roman soldiers, you don't fight back--you will end up dead. Even if you end up killing some of them, you will never be able to talk your way out of the consequences of your actions later. Besides, they may not have been trying to kill you in the first place.

Situations such as those in which the apostles found themselves are entirely different than those which we'd traditionally think of as calling for self-defense.

Thirdly, I'd also like to point out that the New Testament certainly isn't anti-soldier or anti-governmental force. But civil and military officers are no more or no less than self-defenders on a societal and unit level.

One more thing: the argument can be made that, amidst certain circumstances, complete non-resistance could be construed as a form of suicidal behavior, which is certainly not condoned by Scripture. Plus, we must recognize that self-defense often involves protecting others than yourself, such as the elderly, the young, the weak, the vulnerable, and so on. Would God have us stand by and do nothing? I think not.

In conclusion, if you feel that complete pacificism for Christ is a calling upon your life, that is a choice you are permitted to make, and I respect you if you make it. But it is not one which you can rightfully impose upon others--whether they be non-Christians or Christians who simply disagree with you.

Now, we can debate and deliberate about some reasonable gun restrictions. For instance, should guns be allowed in establishments where alcohol is served? Should those with a serious mental health record be allowed to purchase guns? Do criminals guilty of violent acts voluntarily relinquish their Second Amendment rights? Should gun sales be monitored (with background checks) so as to prevent hostile criminals, the mentally ill, and even illegal aliens from attaining firearms? Should a person be allowed to own guns if he/she generally poses a greater threat to society (and even himself/herself) than society (with all its criminals and psychopaths) poses to him/her?

These (and others) are valid questions worthy of discussion, and they are part of the reason which made this such a difficult issue on which to analyze and rank the candidates' positions. (The other reason is that some of the candidates have had sketchy track-records.) However, since government control usually leads to more government control, and since it is often more trouble than its worth, I opted to rank the candidates highest who call for the least amount of restrictions.

T1. Mike Huckabee

In reference to the Second Amendment, Huckabee repeats his claim of track-record supremacy that he also asserts concerning abortion and marriage. He says on his site, "No candidate has a stronger, more consistent record on Second Amendment rights than I do." On a personal level, the former governor of Arkansas touts being "the first Governor in the country to have a concealed handgun license." On matters of public policy, he opposed (and opposes) assault weapon bans, the Brady Bill, and frivolous lawsuits against gun manufacturers.

Huckabee appears to comprehensively understand what's at stake with the Second Amendment debate. He also understands the very essence of the rights, saying that "Second Amendment rights belong to individuals, not cities or states. I oppose gun control based on geography." This is a clear dig at rival candidate Rudy Giulani, who has stated that he thinks differing measures of gun control are appropriate in different areas, as if citizens of some regions don't deserve the same constitutional rights as those of others.

The Gun Owners of America's website says that "Mike Huckabee has been in the heat of battle over gun rights and has proven himself to be a steadfast friend to gun owners and the Second Amendment."

Key Quote: "Zealously protecting your Second Amendment rights is another way that I will lift all law-abiding Americans up, by consistently championing your right to defend yourself."

T1. Duncan Hunter (*No longer running: dropped out 1/19/08; endorsed Mike Huckabee)

Although he "thoroughly" enjoys hunting, Hunter (pun unavoidable) doubtlessly understands the essence of the Second Amendment. He states on his site that the Second Amendment "is not about hunting. It is about the right of you and me to be secure in our homes. We must vigorously defend against all attempts to chip away at the Second Amendment. You know as well as I do that there is one thing criminals prefer over any other: unarmed victims." Receiving an A from the Gun Owners of America and an A+ from the National Rifle Association, Hunter clearly practices what he preaches.

Key Quote: "It seems every election year, some liberal politician dons an NRA cap and grabs a shotgun for a hunting photo-op, as if that means they support our right as Americans to keep and bear arms. I, myself, thoroughly enjoy hunting, having just recently spent a great weekend hunting elk in Arizona. But, the Second Amendment is not about hunting."

T1. Alan Keyes

Keyes nearly plagiarizes the Declaration of the Independence when he explains on his site why he is a "strong supporter" of the Second Amendment. Following so closely that document's line of thinking, he believes that a "strong case can be made...that it is a fundamental DUTY of the free citizen to keep and bear arms"--not just a right.

With a logical train of thought, he deduces that the "gun control agenda is...an implicit denial of the human capacity for self-government and is tyrannical in principle."

Key Quote: "The gun control agenda is based on the view that ordinary citizens cannot be trusted to use the physical power of arms responsibly. But a people that cannot be trusted with guns cannot be trusted with the much more dangerous powers of self-government. The gun control agenda is thus an implicit denial of the human capacity for self-government and is tyrannical in principle."

T1. Ron Paul

As a stalwart upholder of the Constitution, one would expect nothing less from Ron Paul than complete and utter support for the Second Amendment. He delivers nothing less, saying that he has "always supported the Second Amendment." Fully comprehending the importance of the amendment, Paul has introduced several pieces of legislation to protect the right to keep and bear arms. Saying that "You have the right to protect your life, liberty, and property," Paul promises to "continue to guard the liberties stated in the Second Amendment."

The Gun Owners of America call Paul "a leader in the fight to defend and restore the Second Amendment."

Key Quote: "I share our Founders’ belief that in a free society each citizen must have the right to keep and bear arms. They ratified the Second Amendment knowing that this right is the guardian of every other right, and they all would be horrified by the proliferation of unconstitutional legislation that prevents law-abiding Americans from exercising this right."

5. Tom Tancredo (*No longer running: Ended candidacy on 12/20/07, supporting Mitt Romney)

Evidenced by the fact that the National Rifle Association gives him an "A" grade, Tancredo "fully and completely" supports the Second Amendment. He considers it hypocritical that the ACLU does not defend this right, and that the federal government does not make it binding upon the states.

According to the Gun Owners of America, Tancredo wavered in his Second Amendment shoes immediately after the Columbine shooting. But, since then, he has been devoutly pro-gun.

6. Fred Thompson (No longer running: dropped out 1/22/08)

Fred Thompson also understands the point of the Second Amendment, "strongly" supporting it. He harshly criticizes gun control measures, saying, "Disarming law-abiding citizens does not prevent crime. The answer to violent crime is smart, effective, and aggressive law enforcement. The real effect of these gun-control measures is to place onerous restrictions on law-abiding citizens who use firearms for such legal activities as self-defense, sport-shooting, hunting, and collecting." As President, he vows to strictly enforce the law and protect the right to keep and bear arms.

Despite this tough talk, the Gun Owners of America researched that, while in the Senate, Thompson voted pro-gun only 20 of 33 times. The NRA-ILA rated him a C-. However, one should keep in mind that an "anti-gun vote" isn't always as blatant as it sounds. For instance, one of these votes was a vote for an "anti-gun Clinton judge appointment." Furthermore, just about any gun control vote is constituted as an "anti-gun" vote.

T7. John McCain

McCain believes we have "sacred duty to protect" our Second Amendment rights. He believes gun control is a crime-fighting failure, and that "Law abiding citizens should not be asked to give up their rights because of criminals - criminals who ignore gun control laws anyway."

All sounds good, right? Well, the GOA organization gave him an "F" grade for 2004 and 2006. They say that "he is seeking to "come home" to the pro-gun community, but the wounds are deep and memories long." Go to their site to read what he's been involved with in the past.

Key Quote: "We have a responsibility to ensure that criminals who violate the law are prosecuted to the fullest, rather than restricting the rights of law abiding citizens."

T7. Mitt Romney

Romney sounds like a Second Amendment stalwart. He wants to support it and strengthen it. The Gun Owners of America take a humorous angle on Mitt Romney's position on firearms, saying that he "sounds like the modern-day incarnation of John Wayne." However, that statement is not the compliment that it sounds like. Rather, it is a set-up sentence, as the GOA's analysis goes on to show Romney's past to be somewhat wishy-washy on the topic of gun control. The GOA assert that Romney "likes to frequent both sides of the legislative aisle." They want to know, "Will the real Mitt Romney please stand up?"

Key Quote: "I believe the Second Amendment is about more than just self-defense or sport; it's about the basic freedom of lawful citizens to live their lives – to engage in the normal pursuits of society without the interference of the heavy hand of government."

9. Rudy Giulani

Giulani is a great example of why you can't always accept the way people define themselves at face value. Rudy considers himself a "strong supporter" of the Second Amendment, but he also believes that individual states and cities possess the legitimate authority to impose an indefinite number and degree of restrictions on guns in order to deal with crime, as needed. He postulates that New York may need different measures than, say, Ruralopolis, USA.

The GOA's analysis astutely points out, "Apparently, in Giuliani's America law-abiding citizens in large cities would not enjoy the same constitutional liberties as the rest of the country. Why? Are city dwellers not as trustworthy as country folks? Are metro-Americans not deserving of the right to self-protection?

"Disarming citizens because they live in a high crime area is taking away the most effective means of self-defense from the people who need it most. Creating mandatory victims is no way to fight a crime problem."

But that's not all! The article goes on to show that Giulani has supported national gun-control measures in the past. "If Giuliani's gun control agenda was really limited 'only' to big cities, that would be disturbing enough. But the record shows that the Mayor continually tried to export his gun control agenda to the rest of the nation."

Key Quote: "Rudy Giuliani is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. He understands that every law-abiding American has an individual right to keep and bear arms that is guaranteed by the Constitution."

Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico is considered by some to be the "best" gun candidate on the Democratic side, but even he, as a congressman, has voted anti-gun more than a couple of times.

Rankings (after three issues):

Huckabee: 1

Hunter: 2

Keyes: 2

Paul: 4.3

Tancredo: 4.7

Thompson: 5.3

Romney: 7

McCain: 7.3

Giulani: 9

Special thanks to the Gun Owners of America. Without their resources, this article would never have been sufficient.