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If you’re a self-defense gun owner, regardless of your faith, or lack thereof, at some point you are going to have to determine if you can take the life of another human being. Yes, this is as serious as it gets for the defensive gun owner, but it’s never discussed. There are legal implications, as well as moral ones. Both of which could be discussed until the end of time, and both you will need to address as well.
Let’s talk about the phycological implications. Imagine the scene as follows - My wife, child, and I are enjoying a very late night dinner. We hear a window breaking in the far corner of the house. I investigate and determine someone is trying to break into our house. We both see each other. We both are armed and we both know it. I yell to him I’m armed, to leave and I’ve called the police. Upon my return to the dinner table to ensure my family is protected, the front door is kicked down and the armed person has entered my house and is pointing his firearm at me.
Sorry to say, if you haven’t figured out what your next step is, then maybe you should opt for a new defensive strategy. The point here is can you do what is necessary? We all say we can, but the reality is the majority of us can’t. Human nature will try and prevent this. Much the same as our stress level at this moment that will change our vision, hearing, and motor skills, which is another conversation. Change up the scenario so it’s just you and him in your home. Are you feeling the same? Are you truly imagining the aftermath of your decision?
A good starting point is to read the book On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. It explores the psychology of the act of killing, and the military and law enforcement establishments attempt to understand and deal with the consequences of killing.
“The fight-or-flight dichotomy is the appropriate set of choices for any creature faced with danger other than that which comes from its own species. When we examine the responses of creatures confronted with aggression from their own species, the set of options expands to include posturing and submission.”
― Dave Grossman, On Killing