Ok, first, let me say that I've applied for my CCW (ETA: May) and I am pro-self-defense. I will kill someone trying to harm me or my family. Period.
I also attend church three times a week, but will not carry in church, even if allowed (which we're not in SC unless you have permission). The bad press for the church is enough to dissuade me.
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So if a BG wants my wallet, watch, truck, jacket... he can have it. Those are replaceable. But when he shows intention of violence. Bang!
Further, the verse quoted by many (Luke 22:36) to "get Jesus on their side" regarding self-defense is taken out of context.
First of all, thanks Chroode for your thoughtful and helpful explanation of your church's security plans.
As a Pastor, I am reminded that part of my job is the protection of those that call the church I serve "home." (Did you know that in the Bible "Pastor" is usually translated shepherd). A primary task of the shepherd is the protection of the flock, thus David's experiences in 1 Sa 17:34-35: "But David said to Saul, 'Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it.'"
Probably along with a lot of other pastors, I am thinking freshly about how our church would respond to an active shooter situation. What grips me are the two common facts of almost every shooting situation in churches or other public venues: a) the shooters typically intend to harm/kill as many as they can, and b) they usually end the situation by taking their own life (90% of the time).
So I don't feel that it is inconsistent with the teachings of Jesus or the tenets of the Christian faith for a church to be prepared to preserve innocent life (the congregants) and if that requires killing the "bear/lion" (shooter) that poses a mortal threat to the "sheep", so be it.
GeneralSumter, you state...
Would you care to back up that statement with your take on the proper context of that passage? Undoubtedly, it is a very difficult passage, but for the sake of clarity, I'd love to hear you fuller thoughts on it.
Great discussion and very timely given the events (IL, AL, Germany) of this week.
Rev (Pastor Mike in real life)
I agree! It truly is a sad day when in this country, We have to have armed gaurds in Church! a real sad day!
I am a worship pastor and the only weapon I carry into the church is my trusty sword, the Word of God!
Ok, no… just kidding!
But, seriously… I do not CCW in church—because I’m loaded down with wireless gear and a guitar when I’m on stage! I know, that’s not good if a bad guy comes bouncing into the church.
My preferred tool these days is an H&K USP .40.
Blessed be my God, my mountain, who trains me to fight fair and well! Psalm 144 (msg)
... pick up a keltec 32 or 380. Concealment will be a non-issue.
whether i'm preaching or not, i carry in church. Here is why.
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church shooting in nj
church shooting in co
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