Although I agree that the right to defend oneself using deadly force is okay, your argument that more might have been saved quicker does not pan out.

First, it is the Holy Spirit, not we, who save anyone. I have heard the argument that if we fail to witness many will go to hell. I don’t believe that. It is a honor to witness for the Lord but if we do not do it, God will have someone else do it and we will miss the blessing.

I ‘googled the question should a missionary use self defense while on a mission trip?’
This was very relevant while on a ‘day trip’ mission here in Atlanta, GA. The area we were in was known for violence. The devil comes in many forms.

My answer to my self was yes. Much like a fireman or EMT comes to a scene of an accident the first rule is to keep yourself safe so you can save others. Because if you can’t keep yourself safe then you can’t render aid to those that need it.

I’m 47yo & new to my faith but learning every day.

This a tough question, if it was up to me I would’ve died fighting, nobody messes with my friends. As it says in the Bible says a person who truly loves you will die for you (forgot the exact text), what use is it to die for your friend if he dies also? I’m referring to simply standing between your friend and the bullet, not pulling out your gun and firing back and dying anyway. If you do the former it’s useless, however if you do the latter then you are actively defending your friend’s life.

So what was the point of them even having guns if they wasnt going to use them? Thats kind of like being a ufc fighter and not fighting. Its just stupid

So what was the point of them even having guns if they wasnt going to use them? Thats kind of like a soldier carrying a gun to go door to door with but not shoot the guy thats pointing a gun back at you. Its just a waste of a time and effort