Yes there is!
The travesty of the recent school shootings is a reminder of the evil capabilities of people within our society. Sometimes the best defense is the best offense. From many of the political, media, academic, and social media pundits we continue to hear the call for the limitation of access to guns, further gun control legislation, the failure of a timely response from police, and even confiscation of firearms as solutions. Once again, there will be a significant threat to the Second Amendment.
All these responses have merit, but they lack the understanding and the unwillingness to address two of the most important issues—
Two Core Issues That Need to Be Addressed
- The fundamental evil nature of mankind. (Mark 7:20-23; Romans 3:23).
Our Evil Nature:
20 And then He [Jesus] added, “It is what comes from inside that defiles you. 21 For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, (homosexuality, sodomy, lesbianism, fornication, bestiality) theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you” – Mark 7:20-23 NLT
- The erosion of our God given inalienable (cannot be taken away) right to exercise self-defense (Exodus 22:2, Luke 11:21). Exodus 22:2 was the biblical principle that formed the foundation of The Second Amendment.
The Necessity of Self-Defense:
“If a thief is caught in the act of breaking into a house and is struck and killed in the process, the person who killed the thief is not guilty of murder”
– Exodus 22:2 NLT
The verse above authorizes homeowners to defend their dwelling and, if in the process of doing so they kill an intruder, they would not be found guilty in the eyes of God.
This above verse is the basis of what is now known as the “Castle Doctrine.” It was explained by Founding Father James Wilson, a signer of the Declaration and the Constitution and an original justice on the U.S. Supreme Court . He declared:
Homicide is enjoined (required) when it is necessary for the defense of one’s person or house…. Every man’s house is deemed, by the law, to be his castle; and the law, while it invests him with the power, and places on him the duty of the commanding officer of his house. Every man’s house is his castle…and if anyone be robbed in it, it shall be esteemed his own default and negligence.”
Look to James Wilson, The Works of James Wilson, ed. Bird Wilson Philadelphia: Lorenzo Press, 1804).Vol. III, pp.84-85.
Even Jesus Christ reaffirmed the principle of self-defense:
“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe” – Luke 11:21 NIV
As the Bible provides us with insight into all aspects of the needs and behaviors of humanity, we know that God’s Word provides us with truth for our protection and the success of any given society.
Perspectives From Past Pastors
In the not-so-distant past, American pastors were intentional about Scripturally addressing particular events of the day from a biblical perspective. If there was a major earthquake, Tsunami, legislation being considered in the halls of government, or even a war, pastors sought to explain these events from a biblical perspective.
They did this to equip their congregations with biblical solutions, directions, and clarity. The Church used to have a broader voice through these messages and the truth of Scripture actually aided in shaping public opinion.
Wouldn’t it be refreshing if we saw more Christian Leaders addressing these challenges from the Bible?
In addition to Pastors, it would be wonderful to see people speaking up from faith based organizations and ministries, as well as average followers of Christ, through social media, Bible Studies, evangelistic events, publications, church ministries, and organizations like Gospel Coalition, Young Life, CRU, and many others such organizations.
By the way, a significant resource is “Imprimis,” a monthly publication of Hillsdale College that will provide you with intellectually stimulating and germane articles. For example, the last four month’s articles were titled, “What Is the Great Reset?” “Laying Siege to the Institutions.” “The Continuing Importance of Thomas Sowell,” and “Is Ensuring Election Integrity Anti-Democratic?” The articles are superior, informative, and clarifying.
Some Solutions to Stop the Madness of School Shootings
The necessity of boundaries, borders, being well armed, walls, fences, and gates.
“Do not move the ancient boundary which your fathers have set”
– Proverbs 22:28 NASV
The Bible says a lot about boundaries, as well as being armed and prepared to protect one’s life and property (Psalm 144:1; Luke 22:36; Deuteronomy 14:9; 27:17; Hosea 5:10; Proverbs 15:25; 22:28; 23:10-11).
A “boundary stone,” referenced in the Bible, is a real estate marker. It gives the correct, official boundary lines to someone’s property. If there is any question as to where one person’s parcel of land ends and his neighbors begins, the placement of a boundary stone was meant to render the verdict and settle the dispute, once and for all. (Unless, of course, someone unlawfully moved it, which would be stealing.) A boundary stone served as a protector of one’s property without the expense of erecting fences or walls.
The use of walls is seen throughout Scripture, and especially in the protection of cities.
Modern boundaries, fences, walls, gates, and borders function as the ancient boundary stone did for real estate purposes. They essentially are set up for protection and provision. They aid in protecting the rights, ownership, and safety of those that put forth the boundary. They also provide safety and security to allow families, businesses, countries and organizations to succeed in their endeavors.
Some principles of protection for our schools from the Book of Nehemiah.
In the following, I explain some practical solutions for protecting our youth from the Book of Nehemiah. I reference a solution and then provide a partial statement of the verse that supports the application. To receive the full benefit of this missive I
suggest you take it upon yourself and read the whole book of Nehemiah.
With a sad and grieved heart Nehemiah wept because the walls around Jerusalem were in ruins.
“They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.”
– Nehemiah 1:3 NLT
Walls, fences, borders, barriers, and gates have served the purposes of families, cities, and nations since the beginning of time. Their primary purpose has been to keep bad people out and protect good people within. Most countries of the world utilize barriers so their own people can thrive in safety.
Nehemiah 2:7-8; 4:13-18; 6:15 (NLT)
7 I also said to the king, “If it please the king, let me have letters addressed to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, instructing them to let me travel safely through their territories on my way to Judah. 8 And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.” And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.” – Nehemiah 2:7-8
“So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows. 14 Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” 15 When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall. 16 But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. 17 The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. 18 All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm.” – Nehemiah 4:13-18 NLT
“So, the wall was completed…” (Nehemiah 6:15).
Below are some salient solutions from the book of Nehemiah
• Our ultimate purpose is to provide a safe environment where kids can be educated (6:15) “So the wall was complete…”
• Financial Support and empowerment from the state and federal Government (2:7-8) “he (the King) will give me timber to make beams…” “may I have a letter … for safe conduct.” (4:16) “The officers posted themselves…”
I don’t know all the financial situation public schools are facing, but I look around at the different cities and new schools, remodeling, school additions, expanded parking lots, and new administrative offices are being built. There is enough money to fund the security of our children, especially because it saves lives!
• It takes a team effort and a willing spirit from administrative staff, family, friends, parents, grandparents, and local governmental officials. “for the people worked with all their heart.”
• (4:14) “I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people.”
Nehemiah had a plan and discussed it with the people. This verse indicates that Nehemiah informed the people involved in the project exactly what he was doing and what he expected the results to be. A simple yearly meeting for each school year informing the parents, students, relatives, teachers, custodial staff, and administrators to provide information, and answer questions about the security measures being taken could be held.
• Armed Militia including families (4:13, 17) 13“I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.” 17 The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon.”
James Madison said, “A well-regulated militia, composed of the whole body of the people, trained in arms is the best most natural defense of a free country.”
Also, Richard Henry Lee, a signer of the Declaration and a framer of the Bill of Rights said, “It is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.”
• Take away the posted “Gun-Free-Zone” signs and status and let the enemy and the public know that people within the school are armed and prepared to defend themselves and the students (2:10b; 4:13).
When the enemy heard about Nehemiah’s preparations, 2:10b “they were very much disturbed,” 4:13 “Therefore I stationed some of the people … by the exposed places…”
When a Seattle shooter was captured after killing 12 people in a Movie Theater, I think it was in 2012, he later admitted that he selected that theater because it was a “Gun-Free-Zone. Essentially, the owners were inviting the murderer to enter their theater and do his bidding.
• Lock all doors including service entry doors and supply remote access cards so only administrative personal, custodial personal, and posted guards can open locked doors (4:13).
“So, I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas.”
• Train teachers in the use of a weapon and mandate them to get a concealed weapons permit, and to carry a gun. (4:18) “and each builder wore his sword at his side…”
• Armed Guards patrolling all day and at night (4:9) “But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet the threat.”
Many businesses have night watchmen.
• Metal detectors at major entrances. Nehemiah did not have the luxury of having metal detectors that we have at pretty much every significant gathering like concerts and businesses. In fact, no one would ever think of allowing the general public into the White House, or to enter a State Capitol building without the use of metal detectors and guards at those locations. No person could enter, including teachers, custodial personal ,and students without going through scanners including any backpack.
• Hire ex-military personnel and ex-law enforcement personnel to reduce the cost and the extra time pressures on the local law enforcement agencies. Perhaps the School Guards would be under the authority of the local law enforcement, but they would have the power, authority to exercise their judgment as the needs arrived within the school in a moment of crisis. This is crucial as we are seeing “orders” coming down for political entities like the Governor and the Mayor of states and principalities that tie the hands of law enforcement. They are afraid to empower people in the trenches who understand what is the best course of action in any given situation.
“But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail” (4:16). “All the builders had a sword belted to their side” (18),
• Equip all administrative staff, custodial personnel, and teachers with designated phones (walkie-talkie) to communicate with each other, the security guards, and the local police department. “The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm” (4:18).
A Some Personal Life Experiences and Observations:
#1 Awhile back I visited the Jewish Community Center thinking I might use their facility for athletic purposes. I went through the main entry and there was an armed uniformed officer who greeted me and asked for my identification and the purpose of my visit. He was a deterrent and if he would have checked me for arms, I would have welcomed the interrogation.
#2 While touring Israel we noticed teachers taking their students on field trips. Each teacher was armed with an AR-15 strapped over their soldiers. One of the teachers walked in front of the children, one to the side of the children, and another in the back.
#3 The homeless situation, manifested by hundreds of tents strewn across the city, is the product of poor political leadership in Portland, Oregon. Vagrants will just about camp anywhere, pilling up garbage, drug paraphilia, clothing— usually donated by well-intentioned people — and even leaving their feces around the camp sites. The crime accelerates around these camps as well. One of the solutions adopted by Portland to stop encampments are massive boulders providing barriers to make it virtually impossible to set up a tent. By the way, the cost is in the millions of dollars to lay these huge rocks, and guess who pays for it?
#4 When I was pastoring, I had men who randomly approached me and informed me that they were armed every Sunday to protect me and members of our congregation. They were police officers and swat team members. There was something reassuring about knowing they were in the congregation attempting to stop a potential killer.
A Few More Thoughts about so-called Gun-Control
It is worthwhile to mention that the Founders of America believed in a well-armed and well-trained militia. The militia consisted of the populace, not the local police force or the National Guard. As I look over the world landscape and see what is transpiring, I am far less concerned about the populace being armed as I am concerned about government officials being armed and the general public being incapable of defending themselves. Judges 5:8 KJV is telling:
“They chose new gods; (rulers and judges); Then there was war in the gates; Not a shield or spear was seen among forty thousand in Israel.”
The absence of weapons in Israel was due to disarmament by force or willful compliance. Most likely, they simply complied as they became influenced by their mates through their intermarriages to the Canaanites, Hittites, etc. and followed other gods. As we are seeing in America, our country has drifted from fearing God, from a rugged mindset, from our moral underpinnings, and we are becoming increasingly secular and tenderized as we pursue other false gods like, fame, wealth, power, academic sophistication, scientific prowess, elevation of sports figures, sexual deviations, and numerous other things that take the place of reverence for God.
In 1 Corinthians 10:18-22 the Apostle Paul clarifies that when one displaces Yahweh God with other false gods, (which I call alternative kingdoms), they are associating and participating with the world of demons and evil spirits. This last comment is for another teaching.
Another most interesting passage about the loss of weapons is found in 1 Samuel 13:19-22. If you are interested, please look it up!
A Concluding Article
The other week my brother sent me a great article by Brandon Smith, who wrote a piece about the shooting in Texas from The Bob Livingston Alerts, Published by Personal Liberty Media Group. The whole article was excellent but below are some of his concluding thoughts.
In reality, the events in Uvalde prove once again that defenders of the 2nd Amendment are right. Reports from the scene of the shooting now indicate that police actually failed to stop the shooter (Salvador Ramos) from entering Robb Elementary School and they were ordered to stay outside and do nothing as the shooter moved freely for over an hour. Ramos was finally stopped by a single Border Patrol agent who went in on his own.
Adding insult to injury, police used force to prevent parents and community members from going in and doing the job they refused to do. I want to point out that the fact that the police were “ordered” to stay out and keep people out is no excuse. Some orders should be ignored and if you don’t ignore them then you are partly responsible for the consequences.
I suggest that two simple solutions could have saved lives in Uvalde without erasing our constitutional rights.
First, if public schools removed their “gun-free zone” status and allowed teachers to conceal carry, then Ramos likely would have been dead before harming a single child. Or, he would have at least faced opposition and been cornered.
Second, if community militias still existed in the U.S. as the Constitution demands, then parents could have organized a much faster response and walked right over police that refused to go in and do what needed to be done. Parents are allowed to risk their lives for their children, and anyone that says otherwise should be ignored.
The answer to crime of all kinds (not just crimes that involve guns) is more community involvement and a visible armed presence. We need more people to be armed and more individual responsibility for the security of those that cannot defend themselves.”
A few exhortations for you!
#1 Ruminate over two of the core issues that must be addressed.
#2 Summarize my solutions even if you can only speak a few into your conversations with others. Which of the solutions resonated with you and why?
#3 Explain the biblical concept of a “Boundary Stone” and how does it relate to the protection of our children?
#4 Summarize the thoughts of James Madison, Henry Lee, and James Wilson.
#5 Can you talk about your personal experiences regarding the need for further protection coming from a well-armed militia?
#6 Take time to read the passages and their context from Judges 5:8; 1 Samuel 13:19-22, and 1 Corinthians 10:18-22.
The Word of God is awesome isn’t it? I am in awe when I read the wisdom of Scripture, for it illuminates our Awesome God!
What struck you from these passages?
If we cease to wonder, we will cease to worship!
When we stand in Awe eventually, we bow in Worship!
#7Comment on two points that struck you regarding the article from Brandon Smith.
#8 If you were to go to your local School Board which two of my solutions, which would you suggest, if any?
Now to the Triune God be ascribed all honor and dominion!
Dale