Guns & God

[Mister Pervert]

This is in the news this morning. It's not especially surprising but disturbing nonetheless.

Kentucky church hosts 'open carry' service to encourage gun ownership

A typical American church service includes religious hymns, readings from the Bible and prayers. But a house of worship in Kentucky is seeking to add a new element: guns.

In an effort to encourage gun ownership, The New Bethel Church in Louisville, Kentucky is hosting an 'open carry' service on 27 June. (http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20090604/NEWS01/906040362)

Promoters of the Independence Day event are asking attendees to bring their unloaded weapons to the service, which will include patriotic music, talks by gun store owners and a raffle to win a handgun.

Ken Pagano, New Bethel's pastor, said the event was planned months ago and will continue despite Sunday's shooting of abortion doctor George Tiller (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jun/01/us-doctor-tiller-killing-abortions) at a Kansas church.

He said the momentum for the service grew during Barack Obama's candidacy for president. Firearm sales have surged (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/apr/13/guns-nra-america-obama-virginia) since Obama was elected president over fears he will tighten gun laws.

Pagano said the event is "just a celebration we're doing to coincide with Fourth of July". "There are people who own firearms and do so responsibly and enjoy them as a sport, maybe like golfing or bowling."

Critics argue the service goes against Jesus Christ's message of peace. Reverend Jerry Cappel, president of the Kentuckiana Interfaith Community, said: "Even if I were perfectly comfortable with open-carry handguns or gun rights, it seems to me a completely whole other thing to connect those rights to Jesus Christ."

Combining the event "with one who explicitly called us to put down the sword and pick up the cross and love our enemies and turn the other cheek, it just makes no sense," he said.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/deadlineusa/2009/jun/04/church-guns-open-carry-service

[balans]

I saw this too, but I suppose in some way it may be good. The loonier religious types are then maybe more and more people will hopefully will start to fell less inclined to support them.

[SchizoDeluxe]

Well one's things for sure. No gunmen will dare start a shootout in that place

[M0381U5]

"it just makes no sense," he said

I couldn't agree more, nutters. if they are going to interpret things as they wish, then why do they even bother with the bible. they may as well just make up there own story book, or is that what the morons... i mean mormons did???

I don't have a problem with guns in general. but to advocate them for religious sake and in the name of hesus, is just twisted.:confused:

[Mister Pervert]

I don't have a problem with guns in general. but to advocate them for religious sake and in the name of hesus, is just twisted.:confused:

The numbnuts pastor quoted in the original post was interviewed this morning on 7's Sunrise program. I didn't watch it (listened from another room) but he said something that stoked the ol' fires of my contempt for fundies. Paraphrasing, but here we go:

"Pacifism is optional for Christians - it isn't a requisite."

Whatever people might think of Christians, the cornerstone of their belief is supposed to be "forgiveness". I'd have no issues whatsoever with Christians if they fully embraced this forgiveness concept which, coincidentally, is at the heart of pacifism. All the other nutty beliefs they have could be excused if they practiced this central tenet of belief.

[Kid]

just so...and what about 'turning the other cheek'? And loving your enemy? or is that optional for Xians too? Do they love their enemies with their guns? do they turn the other cheek, then blow the person's head off?
They always have a get-out clause...so who said it's optional? Jesus?

[Mister Pervert]

just so...and what about 'turning the other cheek'? And loving your enemy? or is that optional for Xians too? Do they love their enemies with their guns? do they turn the other cheek, then blow the person's head off?
They always have a get-out clause...so who said it's optional? Jesus?

What are you wearing right now?

Sorry...couldn't help myself P:)

[youngmoigle]

just so...and what about 'turning the other cheek'? And loving your enemy? or is that optional for Xians too? Do they love their enemies with their guns? do they turn the other cheek, then blow the person's head off?
They always have a get-out clause...so who said it's optional? Jesus?

In casual conversations with Christians over the years, I've gained the impression that if they like it, they think it's in the bible, and if they don't like it, they assume it's not in the bible.

[TÐöer]

Jeebus is one of those good dead guys: the type who will say anything you want him to.
Ah... now that's talking sense ;)

Well if we did point out inconsistencies in the book. They'll just go... "oh... I didn't know that... looks like my faith is being tested again... need to read more of the parts that I like". Completely, ignoring the inconsistency.

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About gun laws. I think it would be cool to try out a real gun. But I don't get it with the right to bear firearms part. How's that different from the right to commission nuclear weapons?

In Malaysia, bearing arms is illegal. I'm in awe when watching cowboy movies. But then again, I don't feel my rights have been violated. Less guns means less chances of being shot in the streets. In case of arm assailants, leave the shooting to the police. If you were to hold a weapon, the assailant will definately shoot you first.

[Godless Ray]

I was wondering why we should stop at guns? How about Holy Handgrenades?


Godless Ray