–– Titus Cantrell

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Applications for firearm licenses in South Africa have quadrupled over the past decade, according to a recent report written by William Brederode on News24. Between April 2022 and March 2023, over 139,000 new applications for gun ownership were filed with the South African Police Service, compared to just over 33,000 in the same period from 2011 to 2012. South Africa has seen a 77% increase in murders in that same time span, rising from 15,554 in 2011/12 to 27,494 in 2022/23.

In an increasingly crime-ridden SA, is more legal gun ownership good news? 

Some argue that the solution to violent crime is stricter gun regulations and even the denial of new applications for firearm licenses. In May 2021, a bill was proposed by the South African Parliament Portfolio Committee on Police which would have made gun ownership for self-defence illegal.

However, Scripture provides three principles that support, and even encourage the right of citizens to own and use guns for self-defence. 

First, the doctrine of total depravity. Contrary to Marxist thinking, which claims that crime is caused by societal structures, and must be solved by welfare and education, James 4:1-2 ascribes murder to nothing other than lust in the human heart. “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? You lust and do not have; so you commit murder.” Christians must recognize that evil men will always exist in this fallen world, both in society and in the government. Legal gun ownership gives good men access to the same level of force that evil men will use against them.

Second, the Bible teaches the right of self-defence. Old Testament law allowed for the use of lethal force against home invaders. Exodus 22:2 says, “If the thief is caught while breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account.” In Luke 22:36–38 Jesus commanded His disciples to procure swords to defend themselves on the road. Both the Old and New Testaments, therefore, clearly allow the use of lethal force for the protection of life. The right to life, given by God, and enshrined in the South African Bill of Rights, includes the right to defend one’s life with lethal force if necessary. The government must take the life of those who are proven guilty of murder, and private citizens may take the life of those who are actively attempting murder. 

Third, the Bible presents a duty to protect the innocent. Proverbs 25:26 says, “Like a trampled spring and a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.” 1 Timothy 5:8 says, “If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Righteous men, especially husbands and fathers, must do whatever is in their power to prevent evil. If bad men carry guns (and they do) good men should seriously consider carrying guns so that they will be able to protect the innocent when the time comes. 

Christians in South Africa should pray for more power, and even firepower, in the hands of righteous men, because of the doctrine of depravity, the right of self-defence, and the duty to protect the innocent.