Letter to the Editor on Gun Control

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my views on the current debate surrounding gun control. As someone who has devoted my life to the study of philosophy and theology, I believe that there are certain principles that must be taken into account in any discussion of this topic.

First and foremost, we must consider the dignity of the human person. Every human being is created in the image and likeness of God, and therefore possesses an inherent value and dignity.[footnoteRef:2] This dignity must be respected at all times, even in the midst of violence. [2: Sulmasy, Daniel P. "Human dignity and human worth." InPerspectives on human dignity: A conversation, pp. 9-18. Springer, Dordrecht, 2007.]

How does human dignity bear on the issue of gun control, you might ask? Let me reiterate the point that every human being possesses a unique and irreplaceable value that must be respected. This value stems from the fact that each human being is created in the image of God and therefore has the capacity to reason and choose freely. Because human beings possess this unique value, they must be treated with respect and their lives must be protected. Life is sacred because it comes from God, and God resides in every living sul that has not deliberately rejected Him.

It would seem, therefore, that because human life is sacred, certain measures ought to be taken that would ensure its safety. Thus, one might say that the issue of gun control bears directly on the question of human dignity. After all, the availability of guns makes it all too easy for people to take the lives of others without due consideration for their inherent value. Consequently, gun control, it would appear is an important way of safeguarding human dignity and ensuring that people are treated with the respect that they deserve. By removing the availability of guns, the state provides better protection for people, ensuring the preservation of human life.

I respond to that argument by saying, on the contrary, that gun control laws actually violate the human dignity of the individual human being, by infringing upon his right to choose freely on the matter of self-defense. Life is precious, as it is given by God, through God, with God. But so too is the freedom of will precious. God did not design the human...

Self-defense is justifiable because it is an act of self-preservation. We have a natural inclination to preserve our own lives, and this includes protecting ourselves from harm of any kind. Self-defense is one way of ensuring our own safety and the safety of those close to us. It is not an act of aggression or violence; rather, it is a defensive measure taken in response to an aggressive act. Thus, the right to self-defense is a natural and justifiable right that we all possess. It allows us to protect ourselves from physical and psychological harm, and it is an important part of preserving our own safety and the safety of those around us.

Gun control measures would only serve to infringe upon the rights of law-abiding citizens, while doing nothing to prevent criminals from acting violently against uswhether physically or through means of over-reaching governance.

The solution to violence does not lie in more restrictions, but in a culture that values human life and encourages respect for the rights of others in the light of recognition of Gods gifts to us.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Thomas…