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To see through God's eyes is to see even the most evil person as someone to be loved.

Yet also as someone to be resisted.

Miroslav Volf, who has written wisely about reconciliation in his homeland, the former Yugoslavia, has said that evil cannot be counted on to destroy itself—it must be "fought every step of the way." What means, spiritual and temporal, do we use to fight evil, especially physical violence? Some will say that at times guns are essential protection. Others will urge us to outlaw all guns.

We regulate and restrict many "dangerous" products in the U.S., from infant car seats to food additives. Much of this regulation saves lives, but regulation always has its side effects. As we debate strategies such as waiting periods, background checks, and bans on specific types of guns and ammunition, let's carefully and wisely evaluate their effects and continually seek the best solutions.

But ultimately, for Christians, thinking about guns means thinking about how to save lives.

Let's not be afraid. Jesus said, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body (Luke 12:4–5). Angels often declared, "Fear not!"—even in very dangerous settings.

We know that our fate is in God's hands, not in our firepower. And we know that human life is so valuable that God sent his Son to die for us. That means, whatever is designed to take life must be treated with the utmost seriousness and caution. We may not know all of what Jesus would do about guns and our violent society, but we know more than enough to speak out against the idolatry of lethal power.

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October 4 1999, Vol. 43, No. 11