Last weekend America experienced yet another church shooting. Such incidents have occurred with some regular frequency in the past couple of decades:
- 1999 Wedgewood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas
- 2001 Greater Oak Missionary Baptist Church in Hopkinsville, Kentucky
- 2002 Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Lynbrook, New York
- 2003 Turner Monumental AME Church in Kirkwood, Georgia
- 2005 Living Church of God in Brookfield, Wisconsin
- 2005 World Changers Church in College Park, Georgia
- 2006 Zion Hope Missionary Baptist in Detroit, Michigan
- 2006 Ministry of Jesus Christ Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- 2007 First Presbyterian Church in Moscow, Idaho
- 2007 First Congregational Church in Neosho, Missouri
- 2007 New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado
- 2009 First Baptist Church in Maryville, Illinois
- 2009 Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kansas
- 2012 World Changers Church in College Park, Georgia
- 2015 Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
- 2017 Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in Antioch, Tennessee
- 2017 First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas
- 2017 St. Alphonsus Church in Fresno, Texas
One of these church shootings is really close to my wife Ashli and I. Early on, when I first started in full-time ministry, we were ministering in Illinois. We were both invited to serve at a Disciple Now Weekend event, in March, 2009. We were at First Baptist Maryville, IL, the weekend before a gunman walked down the aisle during one of the church’s worship services and shot pastor Fred Winters point blank after waking down the main aisle. Pastor Winters was taken to a local hospital but died of his wounds. Ashli and I were shell- shocked as was the rest of the Christian community and people across state at that time.
Fast forward to this past weekend, literally 7 days ago, another church shooting happened, this time in Texas, leaving 2 dead. The reality? More could have died! The cause for less casualties? An armed churchman. Reports tell us that within seconds after firing his gun, the perpetrator was taken down by one of the church parishioners who was carrying a concealed weapon.* His actions have drawn praise, and have also been the cause of multiple conversations about gun rights.
Should Christians carry guns? Should Christians, who claim they should love their neighbor as themselves be allowed and able to kill people? Isn’t this contrary to gospel the mandate, as Jesus told us to love even our neighbors? Is it not wrong to kill others? Well, this article is not going to be able to fully answer all of these questions, but I’m gonna to aim (pun intended) to make a few basic observations about this issue.
First, I believe Christians should have the right to protect themselves. American believers, are protected under the Second Amendment, and have the right to bear arms to protect themselves from harm. This protection should also extend to our places of worship. Since 2009, I personally have participated in active shooting training. Responsible Christians, especially those who are part of a church security team must undergo special training to ensure safety. If our schools and businesses participate in such trainings, why shouldn’t churches do the same?
Second, Christians should always be pro-life. Pro-life includes protecting the innocent inside and outside the womb, as long as we comply with the law and act in self-defense to stop murder. Being pro-life also means we rejoice when lives are saved from tragedy, and we are saddened when people die in tragedy, including evil perpetrators. All life matters to God because he creates, sustains, and upholds it.
Third, churches should be prudent, and have safety and security plans in place to protect the folks who come to worship in their buildings. Churches, which are considered “soft targets,” should do everything they can to strengthen being vulnerable to tragedy, especially church shootings. Currently, churches have security teams, comprised of volunteers from their congregation, that are armed and have concealed weapons. This is one way to ensure safety for congregants who regularly attend worship services.
Fourth, we must always shoot (pun intended again) to love others. We should never be happy or thrilled if for some reason or another someone yielding a gun or instrument of death has to be killed in order to protect innocent lives. We should pray for protection. We should pray for individuals who are evil. We should pray for their families who also grieve over loss of life. We should also engage in our communities to help the plight of the mentally ill by creating support groups and ministries that shed light on how the Gospel can bring them hope and healing.
Fifth, it is important to note that the Bible does not specifically address the issue of gun control. There were not firearms in Bible times. It does, however, speak of other instruments such as swords, spears, bows, arrows, darts and slings that were deadly in nature. In the context of the Old Testament the Israelites often defended themselves (i.e., 1 Samuel 25:13; Exodus 22:2; Nehemiah 4:16-18). In the New Testament the most significant passage is one from Jesus himself,
“And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.” Luke 22:35-38
While I do believe Christians have the right to protect themselves. We should also balance our approach to match the overall message of the Bible. We should love our neighbors and enemies (Luke 6:27-29), we should not seek revenge (Romans 12:17-19), we should seek peace at all costs for there are blessings associated with that (Matthew 5:9), and we should never seek violence (Matthew 26:52-54).
Finally, we should be balanced in our approach to this issue. Christians should not be dogmatic about gun laws. If a gun law makes sense we should champion it. Dr. Bruce Ashford cleverly adds to our discussion, he writes,
“Folks, let me shoot straight on this one: I think we should avoid both hoplophobia (an irrational fear of armed citizens) and hoplophilia (a neurotic obsession with firearms). As a Christian American, I want to keep people—especially my family—safe. I want to stop violent people from taking innocent lives. And I think the best way to do that is not through strict legislation but by putting guns into the hands of law-abiding citizens. I’m peaceful by disposition, but I’m prepared in case a violent person comes against me or my family. Consider me a heavily-armed dove.”
Let us aim for peace, pray for peace, and shoot toward having peace with all, for we serve the Prince of Peace!!
Written by Daniel Messina
