What Do You Think About Christians Bringing Concealed Guns To Church
In light of the Virginia Tech shootings Governor Rick Perry has proposed a law that would make it okay for people to bring a concealed gun to Church which has not been law in Texas since the 1800's. What do you think? Should people be allowed to bring guns to Church? Why or why not? What would be the purpose be to bring a gun to church? Do you think it could happen in your state? What message does that send to the world? Does it harm the message that we are trying to send to the world of love your neighbor as yourself? Does iwould it make it harder so show the message of and demonstrate to the visitors and the world God's love? Does it show that we are a people of grace and mercy? A community of hope and forgiveness? So, again I ask what would the purpose be to bring a gun to church? Are you for it or against or both?
What do you think?
Share your thoughts.
posted by preacherman @ 9:40:00 AM
20 Comments:
Jesus told the disciples as he was getting them ready for his crucifixion to sell a coat a buy a sword if they didn't already have one (Luke 22:36). I'm sure we could substitute a concealed handgun for sword. :-)
"Look, Lord, here are two swords."
"It is enough!" (Luke 22:38)
Luckily, we have a sword sharper than steel (cf. Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12).
The law shouldn't be different for church than it is for any other public place, IMO. Whether Christians should exercise such a right, if it exists, is a more difficult and controversial question.
No to Guns in church!
Have we not learned from the Amish school girls? How can you bear the image of Jesus with a gun?
Imagine the headlines after a church shot up an intruder even if it was in defense. Scandal. That is a church not bearing a cross and following God.
As for the swords...
See Scott Haile's post on that at the following address. Scott is a former classmate of mine getting his PhD now. He is an authority on the Bible now. I think he has as much to offer to that question as anyone I ever found
http://sccoots.blogspot.com/2007/04/irony-of-injustice.html
No guns. Next there'd be roses. Then acid rock.
It's a slippery slope.
Whoa! Did I miss something? You did say "conceled" didn't you?
How do you know people aren't already carrying guns to church?
If they are conceled how would anyone know?
Not packing heat...
Royce Ogle
Great question, Preacher. Oh, and sorry for my blunt response to your last post. It was just one of those days.
I think it's hard to keep this from being a christopolitical issue.
I mean, I think it would depend on whether you believe people should be able to carry guns period. I hope Gov. Perry allows each individual church to make it's decision on whether to allow it, although I don't believe it to be a good sign from the church to the world.
I mean, isn't the church private property? I have the right to not allow firearms in my own house don't I? The same logic should apply to the church.
Well I haven't seen any fistfights or bible throwing at Southside so I guess it would be safe. but until we see fistfights and bible throwing in church, I really don't see a need for a gun. maybe just a cattle-prod to begin with.
I think a gun might keep my minister from being so sassy with me on Sundays. I'd just move my jacket over a bit and he'd settle down. ;-}
Well, concealed OK.
I've already preached at a congregation where one member carried a concealed gun. I always thought he had great insight in Bible class and made sure I told him so... publicly... and repeatedly... and how much I admired him.
After services I shook his hand first and longest. His right hand. His gun hand.
I've always had the pulpit to hide behind and the baptistery to dive into and swim for safety.
Now, weddings... that's another matter. Heard of one where the groom chased the best man down the road with a knife.
-----
Laymond- I've seen both.
Well, I carry my knife. and like others have said you might be surprised how many already carry guns....especially in their cars...
It is my understanding in the state of South Carolina no concealed weapons are allowed in public buildings, including churches.
I can read teh headline now, "Church of Christ Shoot-out because Communion was Served Before the Opening Prayer!"
It would be a shooting in love of course.
A question for you elders, how many elders would feel comfortable knowing that their minister had a concealed hand gun in his suit during an elders meeting?
As long as he lets me know he carries it, it's ok with me. And if he doesn't let me know, I'll be blissfully ignorant. Frankly he's one of the last people in the world I'd be worried about.
I don't think a PhD in Bible gives someone an inside track on understanding the questions around swords and self defense. Anyone can read the Bible and see what it says. The answer does not lie in deeper understanding of Greek or Hebrew. I think most people generally come to the conclusion they are predisposed to reach, regardless of their educational level. It's a disputable (Romans 14) subject if I ever saw one.
I'm not so sure that Lk 22.36 has relevance here. Indeed the statement, in light of its context, seems fairly ironic. Japhy is on the right track here.
Seems kind of contradictory to the message of reconciliation ... Blessed are the gun carriers? blessed are the peace makers (or does that refer to a .44). Turn your cheek ... Lay down your life ... bless those who persecute you ... love your enemies ... if you are forced to go one mile then volunteer for a second ...
Something about these statements seem out of harmony with hidden gun diplomacy.
Shalom,
Bobby Valentine
I appreciate everyone's comments and discussion on this topic. I believe as Christians yes we do have the right in America to have guns. I believe as Christians we go to Church to worship the Almighty God. Jesus teaches us blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called sons of God. Love your neighbor. Love as I have love you so you must love one another. This is how the world will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. You read Jesus warning his disciples of the world hating them and being persecuted. Read Hebrews 11 those who had died for their faith. We see Peter in the garden with the sword ready to fight and Jesus healing the soldier and ordering Peter put the sword back.
Jesus says whoever looses his life for my sake will find it.
Are you willing if it came down to it to die for Christ?
Stand up and say I am a Christian!
I believe in God Almighty!
Church is a play where his people, sons and daughters come and worship him. Focus on Him. Adore Him.
Leave the guns at home and come to worship trusting in the full assurance of the living God to who you worship and be edified. Be encouraged. Be strengthen in the word of the Lord Jesus and the Saints as we gather and assemble.
Let us strive to be like our Master and teacher Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts about this subject. It is greatly appreciated.
God bless each and every one of us in the Lord Jesus Christ.
I suppose Alan's "inside track" comment was ment for me.
Hey, I am offering some credentials of a worthwhile opinion giver. And on one level you are right. The PHD in and of itself does not give someone the inside track. I have several stupid as dirt books on the shelf at Biblemart by CoC PHD's. I am not sure those are really accredited PHDs in every case either.
But lets face it. If I said my friend Waynebo thinks bla bla bla about this verse and you should check it out, that would sound about as lame as Steve Martin suggesting you deposit your money in "Fred's Bank."
I am not suggesting you have to agree with Scoots on his opinion. And for that matter, I am not so sure he has it all ironed out either. But I thought his treatment of the verse previously referenced was pretty interesting. And he is a scholarly authority on the subject worthy of merit and consideration.
Thanks for the comment.
Jim wages, here is some web pages that is for good reading. Reason why its good to carry a sword as in concealed hand gun by a license holder. My stopping some of these church shootings.Read the following;
http://copycateffect.blogspot.com/2006/02/two-die-in-midwest-church-shooting.html
http://www.servingwayneco.com/news/Shooting%20Suspect%20Surrenders%20in%20Wayne%20County%20Church.html
http://www.wsws.org/articles/1999/sep1999/tex-s17.shtml
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=43387
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-02-26-church-shooting_x.htm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3166224.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/448728.stm
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/11980/church-shooting-a-mystery
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18766089/
http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?ID=13037
Use google to fined more cases.
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