By Jean Welch Hill–
The mass shooting in Las Vegas left most of us in a state of stunned disbelief. Senseless violence is always a shock, particularly when it results in the loss of innocent lives. What we may forget, however, is that death by gun is actually, sadly, rather common. In 2014 alone (the last year for which data has been finalized), the Centers for Disease Control reported 11,008 homicides using firearms. That does not include self-inflicted injuries, intentional or otherwise. Add those in and there were 33,594 firearms deaths.
The shooting in Las Vegas, like those in Colorado, Connecticut, Wisconsin, South Carolina, etc., will raise a limited debate about gun control laws and the standard claims that more guns among the victims would have somehow resulted in fewer deaths, though it is hard to imagine how someone on the ground could have responded to someone 32 floors up. The merits of this argument aside, an armed citizenry does not reflect the Catholic vision of restoring God’s kingdom on Earth.
Before people start jumping out of their seats spouting the Second Amendment, let’s be clear—the Catholic Church does not oppose individuals exercising their constitutional rights. However, we Catholics are also expected to exercise our rights responsibly and in accord with our faith. As believers in the Prince of Peace and the value of all human life, we must carefully consider our decisions about the possession and use of firearms, or weapons of any kind.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church recognizes the need for self defense in potentially deadly situations. But it also discourages individuals (and nations for that matter) from stockpiling weapons, hoarding ammunition, or using far more firepower than could possibly be needed for a legitimate purpose.
Unfortunately, excessive firepower is readily available in America. Weapons designed for war, such as assault rifles and 100-round magazines, are easy to come by for anyone with a credit card and access to Google. While purchasing these products is legal, Catholic morality does not begin or end with secular laws. A Catholic looking to buy weapons designed to kill the highest number of people in the shortest possible time should be asking why he or she needs such destructive power and if those motives are in line with our faith’s tenets regarding the sanctity of life.
In other words, are you are expecting a horde of marauders to break down your door? Do you find Utah deer to be particularly aggressive? Or can you accomplish your self-preservation or hunting goals without shooting 100 rounds in 60 seconds? As the Catholic Catechism says, “If a man in self-defense uses more than necessary violence, it will be unlawful; whereas if he repels force with moderation, his defense will be lawful.”
More importantly, the Catechism reminds us that “respect for and development of human life requires peace.” Our goal is to create a world without violence, not simply discourage others from shooting first. We are charged by God to build a world in which human life is valued more than lethal weapons, not one in which shootings are deterred only by the fear that others might be packing also.
“Peace is built day after day in the pursuit of an order willed by God and can flourish only when all recognize that everyone is responsible for promoting it.” We remember this in each Mass through the Sign of Peace. That moment of sharing peace is more than just a symbolic gesture, it is promise and an admonition: God gives us Peace, not to keep hidden next to the AK-47, but to share with the world.
Love this: “Our goal is to create a world without violence, not simply discourage others from shooting first.”