Christians and Guns

[under His wings]

I am not defending knives, nor am I defending guns. I don't think people who have bad attitudes and think they might "get" a chance to use them should carry them. I just believe it should be a privilege to carry, and one should go through training to do so. People need to think about it in advance. I know an awful lot of police, sheriffs and highway patrol...most have never had to use their gun. I think the reason why is preparation, if they have not been prepared properly then they would be more likely to use it. I do believe the right people carrying would be very helpful and, again, I am thankful for those officers in my congregation, in the mall, in the schools who are carrying...whether we know they are or not. My son's resource officer in school always carries but it is not displayed. That way the kids cannot be fascinated by it, but it is always there. A thought, the "bad" guys are carrying, therefore, the "good" guys should...as long as it doesn't turn the "good" into the "bad". Somebody trying to be a hero and making a mistake that will last the rest of his life, or end someone elses.

[silentpoet]

Criminals do not obey Gun Laws. There are already laws against robbery, nurder, and rape. Criminals do not obey laws. So Gun laws are about the most useless act.

[under His wings]

That is what I said "the bad guys carry" they don't care about laws. But for the citizen who puts himself and others in danger bc he feels encouraged to carry now, it would be at least wise to encourage training. If he refuses, so be it but I don't think the law should be lenient on him if he gets himself in trouble. Somewhat in relation: in Nebraska, hunters safety is free, no reason not to take it. Must have it to get a hunting license. Sure, you could still carry the gun but you could get in trouble if you use it without having taken the safety course and getting the license. Hunting tends to be a relatively safe sport, I think that is bc the hunters take it seriously and take the courses. Criminals also drive cars without the proper tests and licenses, so does that make driving laws invalid or useless? That has nothing to do with honest citizens. A simple test for carrying a weapon would be wise.

[Timothy]

Knowing Tiffany Johnson (the first victim of the Colorado Springs shooting) as I did, I know how deeply saddened she would be that people are carrying guns to church to feel 'safe' in the house of the Lord. That's all I'm going to say.

[silentpoet]

I have carried in church. I have not done it to feel safe, I have done it to make sure I have the most effective tool at my disposal to protect others. I would hate to be powerless to help others. I would hate myself if I had the abilty to save lives and did nothing. Usually though I just carry a knife and sit to the back so I can take action.

Jesus had the highest praise for the faith of the centurion. He did not condemn him for his profession of soldiering. As an aside I work for a security company named after that individual, Centurion Security. In fact the badge on my left shoulder has the passage from matthew 5, the reference, not the whole quote. At my last qualification I shot a 297 out of 300.

Most people are sheep. There are wolves out there. I am a sheepdog and will not allow others to be hurt on my watch.

[under His wings]

As I have said all along silentpoet, I appreciate you and the others that carry and have the ability and training to do what may need to be done.

I am a sheep, I believe I would act but I wouldn't have the tools or training (forethought to do so with the best judgement).

[Annie]

maybe i'm strange but i wouldn't be overly concerned if i knew people were carrying guns to church just as long as they weren't being idiots and had the legal right (licensing or permits, what-have-you) to carry a concealed weapon then more power to them, its a free country.

[cory]

I have no objection to responsible people around me carrying I take comfort in it. I don't carry because of a home situation that would make it irresponsible in my specific circumstance. I do carry tactical knives and do practice propper and appropriate use of same.