Doctrine Detail

Lawful self-defense and bearing arms

Doctrine surface for lawful defense, arms questions, and civil-defense concerns where Scripture gives real principle but modern policy details remain partly prudential.

Back to Doctrine Overview

Rankings updated October 26, 2026, 11:44 AM ET · Votes through September 30, 2026
Exported candidates: 719 | Filings on file, by office: H: 5838 | P: 1467 | S: 1567. These counts include every filing for that office, so they are larger than the ranked list. One person can have more than one filing. Non-voting delegates are left out.

self_defense_and_arms

Lawful self-defense and bearing arms

Tier 3 - Positive Fitness

Doctrine surface for lawful defense, arms questions, and civil-defense concerns where Scripture gives real principle but modern policy details remain partly prudential.

Principle: Self-defense and public defense are lawful under God; the magistrate bears the sword ministerially, not absolutely.

Scripture: Romans 13:4, Luke 22:36, Exodus 22:2-3

Reformed rationale: Self-defense and public defense are lawful under God. The magistrate bears the sword ministerially, and lawful private defense is not inherently sinful even where modern policy details remain prudential.