dr_cmg

Thank you both, Pete and Angel, for providing info about yourselves. We appreciate your taking the time to fill us in.

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George

Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe. Albert Einstein

RETNAVCPO

I think this discussion is very constructive, but think about yourself when you're threatened. The desire to live and fight to live is inate within every human being (and animal for that matter). It is said in a place the inailieanable rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

It's a different day and if you discern that you need to carry in the pulpit, let that be a private decision. I can tell you that I have been told that in my church, every sunday there are those that are armed BUT they are unknown...kinda like Flight Marshalls.

I consider that very wise.

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ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED...until --> Y O U <-- verify. Shoot straight, Be safe!!!

Shadowsbane

I am part of the OOC movement, so in a sense I am a pastor.

I can say that upon reading the OT and NT I have come to the conclusion that it is "almost" an order for a people to be armed and able to defend itself. If you give up such responsibilities, and place them upon the heads of others, then they can force you to sin (or die), since you have lost any ability to resist.

I have often heard it said that owning/using firearms places your faith in man instead of God. This is a doctrine I beleive to be false simply because man cannot thwart God's will. If your time here is at an end, then that's it.

I carry because I feel like I am led to do so. For the protection of myself and others. If at some point I am forced to use my weapon I will do my best to kill my target, just as they will most likely be doing their best to kill me. Regardless of the outcome, that incident will be the end of it. I will not wish the BG eternal damnation (if I lose), nor will I rejoice in the act of defense.(if I win) I will simply say a prayer of forgiveness towards the BG and leave the rest in God's capable hands. For me that is part of the whole "love thy enemy" philosophy.

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Now, we must all fear evil men. But there is another kind of evil which we must fear most, and that is the indifference of good men.

sjp2452

Shadowsbane, thanks for your insight. I would, however, strongly discourage you from posting things like "I will do my best to kill my target" on a public forum. We shoot to stop the threat, not to kill the attacker. Splitting hairs, perhaps, but our anti-gun adversaries prowl about like roaring lions, looking for gun-owners to devour. If you ever were involved in a shooting, a prosecutor would easily find his/her way to your online activities, and statements like that could be used against you in court. Bite thy tongue and edit thy post, brother!

That said, I appreciate every one of you armed brethren in Christ!

Shadowsbane

You are correct....I am perhaps too rough around the edges with my wording at times, and that can get me into trouble.

Wise counsel friend, and while I would argue that it is splitting hairs, far too many things in life are decided by how that pesky hair splits, and in the end it does not really matter what I think, only what is written down in "stone"

I lack the ability to change my post, however I shall remember your advice and endeavor to practice it whenever possible.

Shadowsbane

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Now, we must all fear evil men. But there is another kind of evil which we must fear most, and that is the indifference of good men.

miklcolt45

PM sent.

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Mike

In God we trust. Everyone else,
keep your hands where I can see them.

palerider

I just joined this forum about two hours ago. Because I stated in my introduction that I am a minister someone directed me to this thread and just finished reading every post. I am currently serving as worship pastor of a non-denominational church. For the last two Sundays I have "carried" on the platform. I didn't feel wierd but did wonder if anyone else packed in the pulpit. Glad to be here.

Lew

Although, at the moment, his site is down (I am sure it will be back up in a while), this is something you all may enjoy.

http://www.davekopel.com/Religion/Is...-good-book.pdf

If the link does not work and you wish a copy, pm me and I will give you a copy.

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There are 2 types of people, victims and the prepared. I choose to be prepared....

"Bless thee, O Lord, This handgrenade, that it may blow thine enemies to bits. Amen" ~Monty Python's Holy Grail

My Blazer Website

My new, Unofficial Cam and Company Fan site.

RETNAVCPO

Have you ever encountered the "Christians shouldn't be in the military" bunch? I have...and when I point out to them that the first thing God did when He brought them into the promise land was draft an army, they never have an answer for that.

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ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED...until --> Y O U <-- verify. Shoot straight, Be safe!!!

wedoada

Hello,

I just found this thread and wanted to sign in.

I'm an ordained minister and serve as a chaplain to several assisted living facilities and the local public safety community. I also serve with the US Corps of Chaplains.

The USCOC is in place nationwide and serves the military community and their families, the local community and serves in times of emergency or disaster. http://www.uscochq.com/

I agree with all of the points posted here concerning why people carry. Having worked in public safety for 20+ years I appreciate that we all bear a certain responsibility for our own protection and survival. Our public servants just can't be everywhere at once. I always carry, period, unless there is a specific LEGAL prohibition.

I laughed when I read the post concerning always carrying your gun and your Bible. I always have a small Pastor's Bible in my pocket and my G27 in my safepacker...just to cover all the bases.

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~ Randy W.

"Compromise, hell! That's what has happened to us all down the line — and that's the very cause of our woes. If freedom is right and tyranny is wrong, why should those who believe in freedom treat it as if it were a roll of bologna to be bartered a slice at a time?" — Sen. Jesse Helms