My latest column is up at Guns.com. It deals with the issue of guns in church. Here’s a preview.
For many – especially gun control folks– churches and guns go together like, well, children and guns. Christians on both sides of the pew can cite dueling scripture verses.
Yes, Jesus said, “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.†Matthew 5:39 (KJV)
Of course He also said, “Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take [it], and likewise [his] scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.†Luke 22:36 (KJV)
I’m not walking on these waters, because all of that should mean jack and squat when it comes to writing laws on gun rights. Why? Well, I’d quote the First Amendment here and the implied separation of church and state, but that’s something I trust all our readers know.
The wife and I had dinner with my Pastor and his wife a week ago. I don’t usually talk about firearms in public, but the topic came up. I tried to divert and he insisted. I mentioned that while I was legally allowed to carry, it just didn’t feel proper in church. He asked, “Why? I do.” He then went on to say that we shared the same concern. If someone kicked in the back door on Sunday morning and started hurting people, someone needed to be able to act because an awful lot of people could get hurt before on-duty police showed up.
It’s statistically unlikely, but so is the building being engulfed in flames and we keep an awful lot of fire extinguishers handy. But, what it boils down to is that my Pastor says he feels better knowing I’m carrying during the service. That’s good enough for me.
I wonder what weapon Jesus would carry if he were alive today? Probably a Desert Eagle, for the panache.