Church

[jlsalc]

I want to go to this church. I was reading through some news and thought this would be an interesting place to go on Sunday.

Gun-Loving Pastor (http://www.koat.com/family/19658390/detail.html)

[MrReady]

Well, I am not a chruch type guy. However, I like the story and I wouldnt mind more like this.

[paul9mm]

As long as churches r gun free zone they will e targets for bad ppl

[Jizzle]

unloaded doesn't do anybody any good. might as well bring a knife without a blade.

[Deacon Jim]

unloaded doesn't do anybody any good. might as well bring a knife without a blade.

Jizzle is right. I know that a lot of folks are carrying concealed in churches in both Texas and New Mexico. There may be other states, also. As far as I know, they are all carrying loaded weapons.

[Scooter]

Carrying a gun that is unloaded is about as useful as having a car in the garage with no fuel in it.

[Jizzle]

or like going to church without faith..... ooooh now there's a deep one. how many church goers do that? 50%? more maybe?

[jlsalc]

You are all right about the weapon being unloaded. However, it is a step in the right direction. First open their minds, then help them understand it's usefulness. We learn to walk before we can run...

[paul9mm]

They may be unloaded when they walk in but I'll bet they wont stay unloaded when they sit down,trust in God BUT KEEP YOUR POWDER DRY

[Jizzle]

i never was very good at the gradual approach. which is probably why i have as many scars as i do. but, the thought of an unloaded gun is just asinine to me. it serves no purpose, it's like here. we are going to compromise with you guys on this, you let us keep our guns but, we arn't allowed to have ammo. sounds like a win win on the liberal side of the ball doesn't it?

[OM44]

Carrying in church is legal here in New Mexico, I think. However I know it it
not legal in Texas.

This is another example of the need for more consistent laws from state to
state.

[Colt 45]

Doesn't everyone carry concealed in church?

Max

Jizzle is right. I know that a lot of folks are carrying concealed in churches in both Texas and New Mexico. There may be other states, also. As far as I know, they are all carrying loaded weapons.

[drizzt]

The pastor at the church I go to not only doesn't mind my concealed carry he wants to go shooting with me some time and is also tattooed and pierced so it is a pretty accepting place. obviously they encourage tasteful tattoos but would never turn anyone away.

[Bman505]

I think thats the way all churches should be. I hate going to churches that judge. The come as you are churches are the best ones to attend.

[calvin]

After the shooting of a pastor here in Oklahoma last year, some pastors are openly asking people to carry at services.

[Bman505]

I think that is smart. I would feel better if I was a Pastor knowing there are armed citizens protecting the people of the church.

[Colt 45]

I have been leery of talking to our pastor about guns at all. I would rather he didn't know I was carrying if he were against it. If I could come up with a roundabout way of getting him into a related conversation maybe I can gage his thoughts.

Max

[Jizzle]

colt if he really where that much against it, then is that really the church for you?

[Colt 45]

I'm wondering the same thing, but my wife really likes it.

Max

colt if he really where that much against it, then is that really the church for you?

[Jizzle]

she likes carrying too.

[Colt 45]

Absolutely! I'm working on her...

Max

she likes carrying too.

[Fabricator]

I attend a UMC congregation full of "real people", and carry all the time... Yes, it wasn't always legal in GA). Firearms came up in conversation with the pastor the other day, and he just came out and said "I sure hope you are packin"... He does not shoot; however, he clearly recognizes the dangers that inviting "real" people to church presents. I am thankful he is such a sensible man. He wants to be sure there are a few folks carrying at each service, and actually commented that he sincerely hopes they are skilled marksmen/women. He was my biggest supporter when I took the youth shooting, then introduced boxing as an activity for the youth last summer!

Fabricator

[Bman505]

Thats awesome. Should have more churches like that.

[Fabricator]

On a church-related aside (I'll be back "on-topic" momentarily): Sadly, there are too many "churches" that exist primarily for their members (One is too many IMO). Not that churches cannot serve their members (that IS part of their mission); however, the concept of a true "christian" church is one that exists to serve folks who have yet to come, and may never come, but are lovingly served by the individuals of that church; either as individuals acting alone out of compassion, or as a group (but not running around in "church logo-tees" promoting the "institution"; but sacrificially loving and serving in a way that is truly not for recognition or personal gain). I have attended many churches over the years, and wish many times I could apologize to all those folks who were confronted by "religion" and not the sacrifical love that true "chistian churches" are called to live out. Too many members and parishoners alike simply run around on "worship day" (Sunday, Wednesday night etc...) rambling on like a travling salesman, for a product that they do not use in their own home!

I hope this is not inappropriate to post here, but on the issue of firearms in the church, I cannot help but let folks know that a church that is doing its job IS inviting what may be perceived as "high risk" individuals and families into their church. In helping hurting and broken folks; there is the liklihood that the battered woman who seeks comfort in our church home may get a visit from her "EX/ estranged husband, domestic partner, lover, etc". If that should occur, calling 911 won't help her. Two years ago we had a family from Utah visit our North GA church, only to have the man come to several men in the church and admit that he was on the lam from Federal athorities for drug mfg/dist. in addition to numerous fed'l weapons charges. He asked the church to "take good care of my family" (wife and 2 kids), and had some of the members take him to law enforcment where he peacefully turned himself in. The criminals he was involved with were not too happy with him, and we were all on alert for the sake of his family (he warned us). No one would have sheltered him from prosecution, but once the deal was done, we had an increadable opportunity to serve his family, and help them get treatment for their addictions, and teach them how to live legally for a change. This is just a glimpse into what a few good churches do regularly (too few I fear). This is why having firearms in the hands of trained individuals is almost mandatory in my opinon for an active loving church.

Respectfully,

Fabricator

[anie]

carrying loaded weapons is not wrong but whenever you go for church leave your loaded weapon within your car.............