Most people wouldn’t include the ideas of pacifism in the same thought as contemplating gun rights, except possibly to concur that those things are opposing ideas on the spectrum of peace. Abby Cleckner does an excellent job of explaining how the two can naturally coexist in the same paradigm.

In this episode, Craig tackles this topic, as well as digging into what defines a human right. The term “right” is tossed around a lot in today’s society, but what truly is a human right? And how can someone who advocates for peace and complete pacifism also advocate for the right to own a gun? Can the same Jesus who says “blessed are the peacemakers”, and commands us to turn the other cheek and to love our neighbor, be the same God who created us with the right to own a weapon that has the ability to bring to fruition the opposite of all those things? Abby addresses this along with other related topics in this episode. 

Timestamps and starting points:

1:18 Is pacifism inaction? 

• blessed are the peacemakers 

• using violence to fight violence, creates more violence

• “peacemaker” is a term of action

• planning for peace: consider peaceful ways to defend your family and yourself

• civil rights activist: trouble makers for peace

• if we believe that we are a part of God’s kingdom then we have to use His methods. 

7:11 Civil Rights Movement: troublemakers for peace 

• Martin Luther King’s letter from jail

• Rosa Parks

• you cannot end violence by increasing the violence in the world

• MLK advocated for a peaceful protest against injustice 

• violence begets violence

• showing love is more important than getting even

11:42 Les Miserables

• French Revolution

• The Law v Grace

19:07 Using Legislation to Correct Behavior

• Why it doesn’t work

• causes collateral damage

• Henry Hazlitt: seen and unseen consequences 

• how does a society get to the point of Nazi Germany

23:30 The Pacifist Case for Gun Rights

• gun control

• Advocating the government to use violence on your behalf is not pacifism

• increases violence

• you become the judge of others motives

• gun control is essentially a “thought crime”

• legality becomes synonymous with morality: war on drugs, prohibition   

37:00 Human Rights are Property Rights

• What defines a human right? 

• Property rights start with self-ownership

• taking our rights seriously is an act of love for others

• respect for others is essential for establishing the kingdom of heaven on earth 

42:02 Stop using political violence against your enemies