Health & Fitness
Guns and Jesus
Passing laws that favor bringing guns in the sanctuary weakens the witness of the church by demonstrating that our hope and protection rest on something other than Christ.
I grew up hunting squirrels in the woods behind my house with a .22 bolt-action rifle. I never did acquire a taste for fried squirrel but to the dogs it seemed like a delinquency. These days I am more of a fisherman than a hunter. My brothers and father are avid outdoor sportsmen. They hunt anything from black bears, dear, and turkey.
My issue with guns allowed in places of worship has nothing to do with the right to carry guns. I just believe some places should be gun free.
Last Thursday, March 7th, 2013, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a bill that would ease gun restrictions in the state. Representatives in Cherokee County voted in favor of the bill. House Bill 512, which passed with a 117-56 vote, would allow gun owners with a valid Georgia weapons carry license to take firearms in bars, churches, some areas of colleges and universities and onto some unsecured government properties.
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As a follower of Jesus, I oppose this bill primarily because carrying concealed weapons into a house of worship is at odds with the gospel. The one the church recognizes as Lord is called Prince of Peace. His way is the way of the cross. An attempt to make a law allowing concealed weapons to be carried in public places speaks to a culture of fear. If anyone is going to stand against a culture of fear it must be the church. The church must stand as the way of Jesus. A way of peace and truth in a world of fear and threat.
In the church we have a belief in a God who watches over us intensely and acts for our greatest good. God's love for the world is so great that God sent His Son to rescue us from sin and death. Our hope rest in this God who promises to watch over us from birth to death and grant eternal life to all who believe. "The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me" (Psalm 118:6)? Passing laws that favor bringing guns in the sanctuary weakens the witness of the church by demonstrating that our hope and protection rest on something other than Christ.
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What are your thoughts? How do you see this issue?
