Earlier this month, the Arkansas State Legislature voted to pass a measure allowing the concealed carry of firearms within houses of worship. The bill was passed in an effort to increase personal security and safety within churches, which were identified as “soft targets.”
Is this a necessity in churches, or is this an over-reaction to the nationwide gun debate?
Does YOUR church allow people to carry concealed firearms?
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Georgia law prohibits the carrying of concealed weapons in churches unless you’re a police officer. There is legislation now in the Georgia House of Representatives to change this. Even if I wanted to authorize someone to carry, I am prohibited by law. Thankfully, we have several police officers in our congregation, including me, but I do not carry on Sunday.
Over the 8 years our church has been around we’ve had two death threats against me, one restraining order (against of former attender), one attemtped child abduction and multiple mentally disturbed people interrupt our services. I have a CWL and carry everywhere I go. We also have several others in our congregation that have CWL and carry. Yes…it’s necessary. No…it’s not an over-reach.
In today’s world, I don’t have any problem with anyone carrying a firearm who is trained, and who has obtained a conceal carry permit. In fact, I would prefer more individuals obtain them; the average city and church would be a much safer place. I believe it was said of Samuel Colt that he made all men equal. I know it isn’t biblical, but it is practical, since evil seeks to prey upon the unequal moments in the lives of individuals and institutions.
“I know it isn’t biblical…” Exactly. Psalm 20:7 comes to mind. “Some trust in glocks and some in AK47′s, we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (paraphrase, of course!).
I was part of an effort that helped defeat a similar bill in Arkansas in 2009 (watch my CNN interview debating a state rep who sponsored it back then here: http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=eAUXk4Pwa6k&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DeAUXk4Pwa6k ) – In my view, it’s the shepherds who should protect the flock, not the sheep themselves. I know, I know … faith in God is one thing; faith in Man another,-) #Lame we’re now forced to put a disclaimer sign outside Mosaic declaring it a gun free zone.
Great verse Brent. Hits the nail right on the head.
Since we’re quoting Psalms…
May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword (or the modern equivalent) in their hands, to inflict vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with fetters, their nobles with shackles of iron, to carry out the sentence written against them. This is the glory of all his saints. Psalm 149:6-9
Interesting. So when scripture seems to contradict itself, my question is always, “Which one sounds more like Christ?”