Church Carry: Yes or No?

[tateb24]

I would avoid the Church carry, A bible verse comes to mind when I think of church, I don't think it pertains to today, but just has an eerie message, Jesus tells Peter "Sheath your sword, for those who live by the sword die by the sword.

[Kevinf2349]

I would avoid the Church carry, A bible verse comes to mind when I think of church, I don't think it pertains to today, but just has an eerie message, Jesus tells Peter "Sheath your sword, for those who live by the sword die by the sword.

Actually I was thinking of carrying a handgun. Those swords are way too hard to conceal

Just curious but why would being in a church be any different to outside of church for that verse to apply? If you aren't comfortable carrying in church because of that verse then why carry at all? The Bible applies outside of church possibly even more so than inside.

It of course is your choice, my choice is protect myself and my family at all times. Too many incidents happen at churchs for me to ever consider not carrying there. I believe we are also changed to protect the weak and vulnerable aren't we?

[LarryH]

I would avoid the Church carry, A bible verse comes to mind when I think of church, I don't think it pertains to today, but just has an eerie message, Jesus tells Peter "Sheath your sword, for those who live by the sword die by the sword.

You have to take the statement (or any statement in the Bible) in context. Peter had just drawn his sword and cut the ear off a servant, attempting to prevent Jesus' being taken into custody. Jesus further told Peter that this was His destiny (or words to that effect) and that interfering with it would be interfering with God's plan.

In another place, Jesus told His disciples to buy a sword (for self-defense). Being armed for the correct purpose is OK; using your weapon(s) inappropriately is not.

[Liberty]

I always thought that incident was interesting and relevant in that we should could keep our arms sheathed (holstered). Apparently carrying was not considered living by the sword. drawing and cutting off the centurions ear was.

[The Annoyed Man]

I always thought that incident was interesting and relevant in that we should could keep our arms sheathed (holstered). Apparently carrying was not considered living by the sword. drawing and cutting off the centurions ear was.

I would submit that a predator with a gun is "living by the sword," while a decent citizen who carries a gun for self-defense is not. The former may well be killed by the latter. That would be a perfect example one who lived by the sword, dying by the sword.

[Count]

Good quote. The modern version is to keep your gun in the holster. Not in your hand but not at home either.

[KsSteve]

Although I'd like to (and I do) think of church as a place of peace and love, being in a church doesn't make us immune from violence. Churches tend to attract emotionally fragile people, so we need to be just as prepared to defend ourselves and our family in church as we do elsewhere. The law in Kansas is similar to Texas, licensed CC is allowed in churches unless they display the appropriate "No CC" signage. When attending Sunday Mass at home in Kansas, as well as during our frequent visits to Texas (#1 son lives in Rowlett) I always carry.

[mr surveyor]

I always thought that incident was interesting and relevant in that we should could keep our arms sheathed (holstered). Apparently carrying was not considered living by the sword. drawing and cutting off the centurions ear was.

I would submit that a predator with a gun is "living by the sword," while a decent citizen who carries a gun for self-defense is not. The former may well be killed by the latter. That would be a perfect example one who lived by the sword, dying by the sword.

thank you, Sir! That was a very good analysis. I'll be taking that to Sunday School next week.


surv

[CHLady]

While taking my CHL class, I noticed a couple that looked familar and told them so. They asked did I go to a certain church and I said yes! They said the guy across the aisle goes to our church as well. We were laughing hysterically when another guy across the aisle said, "Just what kind of church do you guys attend anyway?" That really cracked us up!!

We swore each other to secrecy and laugh everytime we see each other. Actually one of the ushers had already mentioned to my husband that he and a few others carried. Iknow, I know...........

Anyway, with all those CHLers in the congregation, if there's ever an incident I'm hitting the floor with all those people packin' in our church!!!

[Kevinf2349]

That reminds me of the time we (as a church) were out putting out door hangers in a neighborhood close to the church. The preacher (and a good friend on mine) rolls up in his vehicle and I walk over to his window. He whispers to me "Are you packing?" and I answered "I'm outside aren't I?"

I was quite pleased that he had to ask as I had one in an OWB holster covered only by my a t-shirt.

[CLTX11]

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That hit way to close to home to not carry in church if not posted.

As others have stated, churches draw in some folks that do not belong so yes I would carry if not posted.

[wgoforth]

I would avoid the Church carry, A bible verse comes to mind when I think of church, I don't think it pertains to today, but just has an eerie message, Jesus tells Peter "Sheath your sword, for those who live by the sword die by the sword.

Two passages come to my mind as well
LK 11:21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:
Luk 12:39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through

And too, Jesus made a whip of chords and drove those out of the temple who did not belong, calling them thieves. If we drive those robbers from church buildings today, we are simply doing what Jesus did, thus answeing the question of WWJD?

In many countries today, when churches meet, they have armed guards standing outside to protect them due to the violence against christians.
Wayne

[ELB]

In colonial and early America, men were required to be armed at church. Men were members of the militia, were required to have working firearms, and inspection was done at church meetings. Anyone without his weapon was fined. I have posted copies of the community regulations they used in other threads on this board. If you are really interested, go to Claytoncramer.com and look into his research on the matter. (Or write to him, he will give you some pointers as to where to look).

I would suggest that if there are things you are willing to do outside of your church, but not do them inside your church, you probably ought to reconsider either what you are doing or which church you are attending...