Sounds like you've got it all figured out
No it doesn't, it sounds more like he actually knows what he's talking about. Thinking that in a SHTF situation that a prayer is going to save yourself or your family isn't what God had in mind. Although a bible has been known to stop a bullet and I would certainly welcome a stack of them all around me were I in a gunfight.
I am not sure where it was suggested that a AR was the best choice for home defense in this thread, might have missed it, if so I apoligize. That being said, when used for the task, with the right bullet, such as a Black Hills 40gr or the Hornady TAP 55gr, over penetration really isn't an issue. Plus there are highly frangible rounds that'll literally stop as soon as they hit anything. Especially when compared to every other rifle cartridge out there (except a .22 which would just make an intruder angry).
Rifles in the home I think is your concern (and I totally understand that concern). Yes, a high powered rifle isn't what you would want in a home environment as a first choice because of your concerns. The .223 however is very controllable, with the right ammo, in that situation.
If having to choose, and having the time to choose, then the ol' shotgun is BY FAR a better choice for home defense. Something about the sound of a pump shotgun that just gets people's attention.
Either of the above is probably a better choice however than a large caliber pistol in a home defense situation. Today's most popular pistol loads, 9mm, .40cal, .45 cal by all modern testing, will all penetrate 13" ~ 15" even after passing through sheet metal, drywall, glass, etc. This means you can shoot through a wall, then completly through a person. Or perhaps the person then a wall.
It is when people do not understand or are unfamiliar with weapons that the only thing they return to is fear of any/all weapons. Fear is dangerous and gets people hurt. (
For instance, take a look at someone at a gun range that has no experience with a large caliber pistol, put that pistol in their hands and have them fire it. You will see someone that has fear. And, they might get hurt without proper supervision.)
Repect and knowledge of weapons is what keeps people from getting hurt. Plus it really expands the fun factor.
The key in any situation where 'lethal force' would be called into play is knowing your target. You never pull a gun that you are not prepared to fire. (In other words, DO NOT back someone down with a gun, that's just stupid.) Moving back to using force; This means you know EXACTLY what and where your target is, and EXACTLY what is behind it. If there is anything alive behind your target, taking a shot at that target it is just stupid.
In my experience... there is no cure for stupid btw.
You would have to be a Christian to comprehend where I am coming from. I understand your confusion. There was a time I thought like you do
This statement is what prompted my reply, which is concerning to me, and slightly disrespectful. As if one must be an Atheist to own a firearm? Or perhaps to even realize a firearm is a morally acceptable choice in life. I don't think so.
I have been a Christian all my life, from the time I was a child, and reaffirmed my faith as a late teenager. I have seen things in the myriad of church's I have attended (mainly Pentecostal & Baptist) that will give anyone goose bumps. (
Good goose bumps)

I have seen, have been a part of, and TOTALLY believe in miracles!
That however does not mean I am willing to stick my head in the sand when the situation requires I defend my loved ones or they defend themselves. Nor does it mean any of us would search out and/or look for trouble.
In the name of relegion, humans have committed horrors and have been killing one another for thousands upon thousands of years, and do so as we speak. Many more have died in the name of "God" than via crime, disease, alcohol and drugs combined. Men have hidden behind their version of "God" that suited their twisted purpose for centuries, and will continue till the end of time.
The "God" that has been called upon throughout the time is surely, at one time or another, the very same God I worship. The same God that gives me the strength and faith to know I would be doing the right thing by protecting my loved ones with deadly force. The only person I would have to answer to in fact is my God and he is the one that will accept and forgive me should I harm another person. Our God lives within, and we do not need acceptance from 'man' but from within.
The horrible tradegy that we are discussing is unthinkable. Should the gunman be alive, God would never forgive him, man would never forgive him.
In fact, I have a feeling that many men would have already taken him out by now. It is beyond all reason how a human could do what he did, but then again how about Hitler? Never could wrap my mind around that one either.
What is really wierd is this tradegy might just be construed as "terrorism".
en.wikipedia.org/####/Terrorism
Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts which are intended to create
fear (terror), are
perpetrated for a religious, political or, ideological
...
Under that blanket approach considering the horrific devices/weapons used along the way. Are we to outlaw all bus stops? After all, there have been bombs at them which have killed hundreds. Perhaps busses too....
We are blessed to live in a country that allows us the freedoms we enjoy. The freedom to buy what we want. To say what we want. To have children without the fear of the government storming down our doors. To worship and practice religion of all faiths. Unless one lives in a country without our freedoms then *that* is when they fail to understand.
One need not be a "Christian" to understand, just that they understand, to be a "Christian".
Cardaddy - aka/Tony