The Arkansas House of Representatives yesterday approved a bill allowing concealed handguns in churches, despite hearing arguments that lawmakers should put their faith in God, not guns.
The bill, which passed on a 57-42 vote and now heads to the Senate, removes churches and other houses of worship from the list of places where concealed handguns are banned. Currently, the only private entities where concealed weapons are banned are churches and bars.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Beverly Pyle, said she introduced the measure after a series of church shootings across the country. She said it would be up to each individual church whether to allow the concealed guns.
What do you think? Agree or disagree?
Would you feel comfortable with people having guns in church? I guess, that is, if you knew they had a concealed weapon. Share your thoughts.
I am not against guns but have none myself. I know we have an Indiana State Policeman who comes but not sure if he carries his concealed or not. I suspect he does. I personally am uncomfortable with others but if it is concealed how can I know? So all in all I would say I have no opinion in this. as for the "Trust God not Guns" motto: say what?
ReplyDeleteGives new meaning to "Pistol Packing Pastor"....
ReplyDeleteIt might keep people awake if they new the PASTOR was packing! Draw it out and fire a shot when the deacons nod off????
I've got several people in my church with concealed weapons permit. I don't know if they bring 'em in or leave 'em in the car.
I honestly don't know if I have an opinion on this or not; seems surreal in some way.
Don't miss the point of the law.
ReplyDeleteIt's not whether there should be concealed guns in churches.
It's whether the STATE has the right to tell churches that concealed weapons are not allowed.
If a church wants to post a sign saying "no concealed weapons", they have every right to do so, but the state cannot use a state law to punish a church employ for carrying a concealed weapon inside the building. I'm not explaining that very well, but it's an issue of who controls church property - the state or the church?
In general, this is a good change, in my opinion. But I understand the general implications and mental stigmas.
I think the only people who should be nervous are the pastors. "Give me a good sermon boy or you're done" [said in my best southern voice -- and I can do a good one since I'm from Ohio and all].
ReplyDeleteI also think what I don't know won't hurt me.
Wait one second now. Actually, that doesn't fit here because what I don't know actually can hurt me.
Hmmm.
Heidi Reed
Keep the guns out of the churches....period.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't bother me. Of course, I'm from Texas, so having a gun is considered as much a part of life as a good steak.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, if anyone thinks there are no guns in churches, they are only kidding themselves. The fact of the matter is you can't get rid of all threats, even if you legislate against it. If people want to commit a crime, they will do it regardless of the law.
Bill...gives a new meaning to holy hugs! As you hug, pat them down...
ReplyDeleteRick...better be careful with your preaching...step on toes and your toes may be shot off!
ReplyDeleteMichael...guns, Texas, wild west...all go hand in hand, don't they?
ReplyDeleteSo...Heidi...have I given you something new to worry about?
ReplyDeleteI'm joining this discussion late, but better late than never.
ReplyDeleteSee, I remember the shooting at Wedgewood Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, back in September, 1999. It was the evening rally after the See You At The pole event that morning, and there were over 150 teens in the sanctuary. The shooter walked in, asked "Is this where the praying is?" and then opened fire.
If someone had been "packing" during that rally, would they have been able to stop it sooner? Maybe, maybe not. There were many examples of God's protection during that shooting, though. Yes, some died and it was nowhere near the numer of bullets he fired at close range. Here's a re-print of a letter that the pastor sent out, a few months afterward to show how God was using the tragedy.
It's actually about removing churches from the state-protected list of sites where concealed handguns are banned. Schools and hospitals are still covered by the state law, but they are nudging churches out of the nest of general protection. But to Bernard's point, each individual establishment not covered by that general umbrella is still entitled to post the prohibition of concealed handguns, and by posting it, it is thereby illegal.
IMHO, it's more "separation of church and state" extremism.