Where should Catholics stand on Gun Control?

Here is an excellent piece written by Jimmy Akin for Catholic Answers.  In short, looking at ways to reduce gun violence is not an option.  You can’t say, “Bah, gun violence.  What do I care?”   Nope.  You have to be about finding ways to reduce it.  From a Catholic leadership perspective, the solution comes from, among other things, restricting, or at least regulating, gun ownership.

Of course, as Mr. Akin points out, that can mean more than just ‘shut up and obey the Church.’  Catholics should be informed by the Church’s leadership when it comes to moral guidance.  Nonetheless, people who have reasoned disagreements with how best to reduce gun violence are welcome to the debate.  As long as the goal is to reduce gun violence as well as violence in general.  Ours is not to impugn the motives of those who disagree.

In the end, our goal should be the conversion of hearts and souls.  We should be about ending violence and promoting peace.  We should strive for justice and caring for the widow and the orphan.  There can be a discussions about the best way we, as Christians, can accomplish this.  Anyone trying to figure the best way is a blessing to our nation.  Anyone more concerned about advancing their agendas or defending their opinions by demonizing those who disagree, are part of the national problem.