Saturday, February 23, 2013

Guns and Religion

I have spent a lot of time recently thinking about Guns and Religion.

They are paired in my mind from the political statement,
"Clinging to my guns and religion."

Chris and I have been talking for the past few months about handguns and the license to carry a gun in a concealed way.  Chris has owned handguns ever since I've known him and he is licensed to carry a concealed gun.  More to the point, we have been talking about my having a handgun and acquiring a concealed carry license.

I had to think and pray quite a bit about this decision, and mostly wondered what it said about my faith that I was considering becoming licensed to carry a gun.

My answer came a few weeks ago after I shot the handgun that we purchased for me for the first time.  We had purchased this gun, I had learned how it worked, and I had shot several rounds at a target at our shooting range.  When I came home, I asked myself if I felt powerful, or in control, or strong now that I had shot the gun, and the answer was none of those.  I felt prepared.

I did not feel strong or powerful or any of those things because I never intend to use a handgun.  I did feel prepared -- exactly the way I feel after I take a CPR class.

In that moment, when I realized that I felt prepared, the way I feel after being licensed to perform CPR, I had my answer regarding guns and religion.

When someone is choking, I would not simply pray for them and call 9-1-1.
I would act.
I would do everything in my power, and what I have been trained to do to try to save their life... and I would pray, and I would call 9-1-1.

When someone is not breathing, I would not simply pray and call 9-1-1.
I would act.
I would do everything in my power, and what I have been trained to do to try to save their life... and I would pray, and I would call 9-1-1.

That is how I have resolved the question of guns and religion.

If I am in a situation where someone is trying to cause mortal harm, I will not simply pray and call 9-1-1.
I will be in a position, where, if possible, and if I am able, I will act.
I will do everything in my power, and what I have been trained to do to stop the person causing mortal harm... and I will pray, and call 9-1-1.

This weekend I am attending a basic handgun and pistol class, which is the class required to apply for my concealed carry permit.  This does not mean I will carry a gun every day -- or ever.  This means, I legally have the right, and have the training to carry a concealed firearm if I so choose.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion on this matter, and that is the beauty of our country.  I have spent a lot of time thinking and praying about this, and I just wanted to share my thoughts on this particular matter.

Thank you for your respect, and for reading.

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