Research Paper: The Controversy of Guns in America
Guns have been a topic of discussion all around the world. The issues that have emerged
from guns have induced there to be opposing sides. Advocates of gun control and gun rights
have been among the most controversial. Opposing interest groups like the NRA and the Brady
organization have created a big impact in America. This research paper aims to examine the
issues guns have caused in America, the history of gun control policies, current gun control
policies today, opposing positions related to the topic of guns, possible solutions, and a Christian
perspective relevant to the problem of guns. A literature review will be provided to give a more
in-depth context of the evolution of some gun policies, as well as the intention of each opposing
interest group.
Gun Control as an Issue
Guns have become an important part of American culture, whether for good or bad. Gun
control laws have been around just as long as guns have. The problem that is being examined in
this research paper includes the division between those who are in favor of gun rights and those
against them. In the field of public administration, the issue of guns and gun laws has been
significant. Public administrators hold the responsibility for the creation and execution of gun
control laws.
History of Gun Control
Colonial Law
There is no exact date as to when guns were around or when they were first created. “. . .
it is estimated that it happened in China between the tenth and early thirteenth centuries” (Issit,
2020). Guns were primarily used for protection, survival, and war. When guns were first
introduced, there was immediate concern for some people. However, some people thought guns
could be used for things like combat. “Guns came with the colonists to the New World, and they
were an essential tool for early European Americans struggling to survive in an alien wilderness”
(Issit, 2020). The colonists had to live by two main English types of laws, which included:
statutory and common. The colonists were under British rule until they fought for their
independence. It was not until they gained their independence, that the Colonists, or Americans,
established a third law, called the constitutional law. “American gun laws are derived from all
three types of law” (Issit, 2020). The control of guns began to take into effect more strictly but
that was just an offset for gun-rights advocates. “Guns were regulated because of their inherent
danger, and this system remained in place until the late nineteenth century when political,
economic, and social transformations led to the birth of the gun-rights movement” (Issit, 2020).
The Second Amendment
The Second Amendment is directly tied to the issue of guns. “Before the controversial
Second Amendment was written, the colonies already had a plethora of gun laws in place,
developed from English common law and the common-sense opinions of Americans in the
founding era” (Issit, 2020). The Second Amendment gives Americans the right to keep and bear
arms. “The concept of ‘keeping’ arms has been interpreted as the private ownership of firearms,
while ‘bearing’ arms has been interpreted as the belief of the Founding Fathers that Americans
should have the right to carry weapons” (Issit, 2020).
Current Gun Control Policies
Today, America has many gun control policies set in place. Many policies range from
state to state. “States have created different regulatory environments with respect to firearms,
with the policy objective of either decreasing firearm-related death and disability (i.e., gun
control) or protecting gun rights” (Pomeranz & Lieff, 2021). However, there are federal gun
policies that are applied throughout the entire nation. Some of the federal firearm laws include 18
U.S.C 924 (c) which entails committing a violent crime or a serious drug offense with a firearm
and 18 U.S.C. 922(g) and (n), which entails people who cannot possess a firearm or ammunition
(Quick Reference Guide to Federal Gun and Drug Laws, n.d.). The ATF final rule 20211R-05F
was taken into effect as of August 24, 2022. “The goal of the final rule is to ensure the proper
marking, recordkeeping, and traceability of all firearms manufactured, imported, acquired and
disposed by federal firearms licensees” (Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of
Firearms | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, n.d.).
Opposing Positions
Advocates of Gun Rights
Many people since the creation of guns have been advocates of gun rights. These groups
of people have seen guns as part of their constitutional rights. Advocates of gun rights do not
hold a simple fascination with guns but have seen guns as a tool for protection. Advocates of gun
rights are familiar with the NRA, and some may even be part of this association.
NRA. The most significant group composed of advocates of gun rights is the National
Rifle Association or the NRA. The NRA was one of the first groups to defend the use of guns
and stands in favor of the Second Amendment. “. . .Theodore Roosevelt encouraged Congress to
make a National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice part of the Dick Act” (Bellesiles,
2021). The NRA strongly believes that guns are a form of protection. “The high point of the
NRA’s legislative power came in 1986, when Congress dutifully passed the Firearm’s Owner’s
Protection Act, which repealed much of the 1968 Gun Control Act” (Bellesiles, 2021).
Advocates of Gun Control
Just as there have been people in favor of guns and gun rights, there have also been a
great number of people against it. Advocates of gun control laws have struggled since the
creation of guns. These advocates have seen the negative outcomes of gun ownership. Currently,
advocates of gun control have tried to pass more legislation that limits gun ownership.
Brady: United Against Gun Violence. The most prevalent and unified interest group that has
succeeded in combating gun violence is Brady: United Against Gun Violence. “In 2022, Brady
helped pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act—the most comprehensive gun violence
prevention legislation in 30 years” (About Us, n.d.). This interest group has many times stood up
against the opposing thoughts of the NRA. They were also in part responsible for creating and
passing what is known today as The Brady Background Check System. “To pass Brady
Background Checks, Jim and Sarah Brady worked alongside the organization that now bears
their name –Brady – for seven years” (About Us, n.d.).
Possible Solution
Both interest groups NRA and Brady: United Against Gun Violence, have had success in
their ways. Each interest group has created an impact on the public. However, the most
successful has been the NRA, to an extent. There are still guns around and people are still legally
allowed to own them. With such a case that has brought prominent opposing sides, there might
be a solution to help with the controversy. “Negotiation has traditionally been utilized as a form
of conflict resolution in dealing with parties who hold seriously varying positions from one
another” (Kraus, 2020). The solution will not bring an end to gun violence or gun ownership.
However, it can help ease the tension between the two interest groups and allow there to be a
happy medium. “. . .negotiations between these two interest groups could lead to more
responsive federal policy while providing each group an opportunity to participate directly, by
designing a solution in the gun debate” (Kraus, 2020).
Position
My position stands with advocates of gun rights because it is what I believe in. I believe
that the Second Amendment is a constitutional right. There can be many forms of legislation that
limit gun distribution, sales, and ownership but the truth is guns are essential to America.
Without guns, this country would have no significant form of defense. “In Luke 22:36, Jesus
instructs disciples to buy swords. The best understanding of this passage is that Jesus is
endorsing the carrying of weapons for personal protection” (Hsiao, 2021). The sword that Jesus
mentioned to be used for protection would be a firearm today. Gun ownership can be supported
both theologically and philosophically. We are entitled to self-defense, which means we also
have the right to a reasonable way to defend ourselves. “Since firearms are a reasonable means
of self-defense, it follows that there is a strong moral right to own firearms for self-protection"
(Hsiao, 2021). I do not believe that the adequate solution to the controversial issue of guns is
advocating for gun control. Gun control policies induce there to be illegal distribution of firearms
or black markets. Guns do not get up on their own and take the life of a person. The core issue
lies within the mental state of individuals.
Biblical Worldview
The Bible has a lot of scripture that highlights significant things about the two stated
positions on guns. The Lord reminds us that his protection from the evils of the world is our
ultimate protection. His assurance of his protection is greater than any weapon. Psalm 18:2
proclaims, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I
take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (New International Bible,
1978/2011). Guns only serve as physical protection, but we must put all our faith in the Lord.
There are also verses like Luke 22:36 mentioned earlier, that encourage protection by the use of
a weapon. Luke 16:10 proclaims, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted
with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (New
International Bible, 1978/2011). The Lord expects us to be trustworthy and responsible in
everything we do. Owning a gun comes with responsibility and people with Christian principles
should not defraud the Lord.
Conclusion
The topic of guns in general has been present as quickly as guns were created. The
controversial issue of gun control has brought many distinct opinions. Some people are in favor
of gun rights and others of gun control policies. There is no doubt that interest groups like the
NRA and Brady: United Against Gun Violence, have contributed to the ongoing debate of guns.
Several implications are related to the topic of guns, found in the Bible. I am a strong believer in
advocating for gun rights. In doing so, I do not forget my Christian principles.
References
About Us. (n.d.). Brady: United Against Gun Violence. Retrieved April 23, 2025, from
https://www.bradyunited.org/about-us
Bellesiles, M., A. (2021). Gun control. In S. P. Holland (Ed.), Encyclopedia of American Studies
(1st ed.). Johns Hopkins University Press.
https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6Njc0NjE=?aid=96753
Definition of “Frame or receiver” and identification of firearms | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives. (n.d.). https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/definition-
frame-or-receiver
Foundations of control: the history of gun control in pre-constitutional America (1600-1791).
(2020). In M. L. Issit, Opinions Throughout History: Guns in America (1st ed.). Grey
House Publishing.
https://search.credoreference.com/articles/Qm9va0FydGljbGU6NTkxNDI=?aid=96753
Hsiao, T. (2021). Does Jesus endorse Armed Self-Defense in Luke 22:36? Evangelical Quarterly
an International Review of Bible and Theology, 92(4), 351–366.
https://doi.org/10.1163/27725472-09204004
Kraus, A. (2020). A Different Approach to the National Gun Control Debate: Whether Direct
Negotiations between Interest Groups Can Facilitate the Creation of Meaningful
Legislative Policy. Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution, 21(3), 691–724.
New International Bible. (2011). The NIV Bible. https://www.thenivbible.com/ (Original work
published 1978)
Pomeranz, J. L., Silver, D., & Lieff, S. A. (2021). State Gun-Control, Gun-Rights, and
Preemptive Firearm-Related Laws across 50 US States for 2009–2018. American Journal
of Public Health, 111(7), 1273–1280. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2021.306287
