Many gun laws have been passed due to people making bad decisions. Honestly, people don’t obey the laws that are in place now. So, I don’t believe that they would obey any new ones. Putting more gun laws in place will not prevent crime, it will only increase the laws that are broken.

The basic nature of man is inherently evil because of man’s decision to disobey God in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, we have tendencies to do bad things and to feel guilt. Creating more gun laws would not take the guilt we naturally feel away, and would not solve the killing due to our naturally evil tendencies.

Sociology is how we live and relate to others. Creating more gun laws will not change how we act toward one another because of the fact that we are fallen, imperfect and continually sinning.

Everyone was created with a natural instinct of right and wrong. Yet, people still choose to disobey God’s law and the laws of the land. Consequently, they would not change just because new laws are added.

Theology addresses the questions, “Is there a God? What is He like?” God makes himself known to all people everywhere. The only solution to this (gun) problem is to seriously have a nation on its knees, seeking God daily.

Sadly, this won’t happen until the day of his return. For now, however, rather than more restrictions concerning guns, parents could raise their children properly, with Biblical principles and morals. This could reduce crime and literally bring us to “one nation under God.” I feel that currently, people who are innocent are being punished for the guilty people’s choices, and that does not seem fair. We are in need of a government that isn’t biased, and honestly gives what is deserved. God is just and merciful. Those people in leadership should respond the same.

I also believe that parents have a responsibility greater than any other. Parents need to raise their children up in Christ, teaching them to do what is right according to his standards. If not, they are held personally accountable for their actions along with their children’s. If our nation wants to see improvement, our generation needs intense help that doesn’t come from teachers in school, or church, or even friends. Their discipline needs to be from God through the parents.

Over these paragraphs, I have discussed my views on stricter gun laws. People will continue to act according to their nature. Our nature is sinful. Unless we turn to God, we will not overcome that. More restrictive gun laws may only increase crime rates. The solution lies in the hands of the state, the family, and most importantly, the individual, living in unison with his creator, God.

WHITLEY DAVIS

Elizabeth City

Editor’s note: Whitley Davis is a junior at Foreshadow Academy, a private school in Pasquotank County.