We have a GOD OF ORDER. Out of chaos in Genesis, God ordered the universe. Paul writes in I Corinthians 14:33, “…for God is a God not of disorder but of peace.” Gun violence prevention (GVP) is about order in life.
On the contrary, gun violence creates disorder. Consider these facts from Protect Minnesota: 67% of gun owners cite personal protection as the primary reason they buy a gun, although a gun in your home is 22 times more likely to kill or injure a family member than to ever be used in self defense. Gun violence is the third leading cause of death for all children under the age of 18. Two to three times as many toddlers die by gun fire every year than police officers; toddlers kill twice as many Americans every year than do terrorists. Women living in homes with guns are five times more likely to be killed by their domestic partner. Between 75-85% of all gun deaths in Minnesota are suicides. Anyone living in a home with a gun is three times more likely to commit suicide than those living in homes without guns. States with the most laws regulating guns have a per capita gun death rate 42% lower than those states with the fewest laws.
I would suggest that the above statistics are examples of disorder. Disorder is contrary to God’s will.
What can create more order in gun related situations?
1) Universal background checks, including those sold by licensed federal dealers and ALL private sales, even between family members. UBCs will significantly lower gun deaths; 2) Prevent Stand Your Ground laws from becoming law. SYG laws significantly elevate gun violence; 3) Oppose Constitutional Carry law that allows anyone to purchase a firearm at any time; 4) If you have guns in your home, lock them up and separate ammunition from the weapon.
“…for God is a God not of disorder, but of peace.”
Rev. Ron Letnes