David Lipscomb, God, and Guns

Much has been written about the anti-war stances of David Lipscomb and the Gospel Advocate in the post-Civil-War-era, but the position of the man and the periodical regarding the carrying of weapons has yet to be studied. This essay explores the position of the Gospel Advocate in the David Lipscomb era vis-à-vis the use of guns by Christians. Lipscomb’s fundamental objections to the use of “carnal weapons” by Christians were scripturally based, related to his views on Christians and war, and ultimately an issue of faith.