
In my first article in this series, I gave a biblical rationale and defense of the man as protector, showing from both the Old and New Testaments that God has designed men with a unique tendentiousness toward protecting, guarding, and defending. In the second article, I provided some very practical ways a man may fulfill his calling as a protector of his home and family.
In this “Part 3,” I want to give some practical ways a man can be a protector of his church, his community, and his nation. But before I get into some of the ways a man may do this, I want to briefly mention the requirements of the Sixth Commandment, as outlined in the Westminster Standards. Westminster Larger Catechism 135 states (in part):
The duties required in the sixth commandment are, all careful studies, and lawful endeavors, to preserve the life of ourselves and others…which tend to the unjust taking away the life of any; by just defense thereof against violence…and protecting and defending the innocent.
Westminster Larger Catechism 136 gives the “sins forbidden”:
The sins forbidden in the sixth commandment are, all taking away the life of ourselves, or of others, except in case of public justice, lawful war, or necessary defense; the neglecting or withdrawing the lawful and necessary means of preservation of life…and whatsoever else tends to the destruction of the life of any.
From this, it’s clear we obey the Sixth Commandment by not only preserving the life of ourselves and others by protecting and defending the innocent, but also by “neglecting or withdrawing” of those necessary means of preserving life. The reason I emphasize this is because some Christians believe that firearms (including the use of firearms) are intrinsically anti-Christian. But how is a man to protect and defend the innocent when faced with an armed assailant? A karate-chop or swan kick? How is a man to keep from neglecting the means of preserving life when someone is attempting to shoot congregants in his church? Even the best police response times are not fast enough to stop life-threatening harm to the innocent. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this scenario play out far too often. How much damage could an evil, armed individual do in five, ten, or fifteen minutes before police arrive? These are not trivial questions.
Protecting His Church
Given the current climate of church shootings and negative press regarding the so-called “toxic conservatism” that exists in Bible-believing churches, it’s prudent for the man to take a proactive approach in protecting himself, his family, and others in his church. A man should understand the scope of these threats to the church family. As an individual, a man should have a situational awareness of not only those around him, but also to the broader church gathering. Are known or unknown individuals displaying unusual behavior? Is there someone (not a parent) taking a child away? Is there noticeable heightened tension between two people?
Many have found it helpful to establish a security team of armed and trained men to envision the most likely scenarios of potential threats and how to appropriately respond to each one. There are companies that provide such training for these kinds of security teams, and this should be highly prioritized. Spending money on adequate training is always better than buying fancy equipment or weapons. We certainly wouldn’t want the innocent and vulnerable to be harmed in any way, nor would we want mass confusion about what to do. If this is something you and your church’s leadership agree to do, there should be a plan in place that includes having the exterior monitored (including the parking lots) and an awareness of the most likely access points.
May I add one additional thought here. I was taught—and I teach my kids—that if a bully is attempting to hurt you or someone else, take action. You be the one who stands in the gap, who puts the bully in his place, who defends the innocent. These are lessons we should pass to our children.
Protecting His Community and Nation
When I talk with protectors, I typically hear of two general scenarios for which these men train. The first is their everyday concealed carry weapon (CCW) for when they are at the gas station, at the mall, or at a restaurant—having the ability to respond in a moment’s notice to a mass shooting, a robbery at gun point, or some other similar evil. This is obviously the most realistic situation in which a man might be called upon to take action. What makes this difficult is that many mass shootings take place in so-called “gun free zones.” Why? Because evil, cowardly assailants target unarmed people. Passing stricter gun laws only disarms lawful citizens and leaves them vulnerable to unlawful perpetrators.
But the second general scenario for which men often train is for a grid-down situation where a community (e.g., neighborhood) may come under attack. This is a situation without the rule of (forcible) law. You wouldn’t be able just dial 911. And even if you did, they probably couldn’t come. If there is an electromagnetic pulse (EMP), financial collapse, or if the masses lose the ability to obtain food and essential supplies, people will do whatever it takes to get these items—and that means coming to your neighborhood or community. Obviously, this is unlikely. However, if men are not thinking or preparing for such possibilities, then who will? Who will be the “watchman” who, if they see potential danger coming, are prepared (Ezek. 33:6).
As an aside, the whole reason for the Second Amendment (in the USA) is for citizens to protect the so-called “rights” give in in the First Amendment and to themselves against unjust tyranny. Thomas Jefferson said, “The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.” Samuel Rutherford, in Rex Lex, makes the biblical argument that it is the duty of the people to resist unlawful encroachments of those who hold office. This shouldn’t be controversial because such defensive measures (for the innocent and vulnerable) are basic, God-given duties given to men as protectors.
Finally, men may protect their nations by serving in the military—as there is “lawful war” (WLC 136). I do believe, based upon many biblical passages and reason itself, that only men should go to combat (but that’s for another article!). But men can also protect their nations by voting and taking action in ways that preserve and protect life. The evil of abortion comes to mind here. But men should vote for and promote laws that support life and peace.
I know that some of what’s been stated in this article may seem rather ungracious or unloving (at least toward evil assailants!). But what’s more ungracious and unloving—seeing innocent men, women, and children hurt or killed or stepping up as the protector God has designed you to be? Thoughts to consider.
Brian Cosby is senior pastor of Wayside Presbyterian Church on Signal Mountain, TN, adjunct professor at RTS Atlanta, and creator of the Provide & Protect Youtube channel.
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