Bring Your Guns To Church

In preparation for the 4th of July, New Bethel Church in Louisville, KY wanted have an outreach event for people in their community. So on June 27th the church hosted their first "Open Carry" Service in which members and non-members alike were encouraged to bring their guns to church to celebrate the 2nd Amendment.

After finally being able to find an insurance carrier that would cover the event, around 175 people turned out (pistols in tow) watched videos from gun enthusiasts, sang songs (selections: America, the Beautiful, My Country 'tis of Thee), and enjoyed a summer cookout. There were some rules for this gathering: All guns must be unloaded and holstered (however those who have "concealed-carry" permits were welcome to have their loaded gun with them). The event went off without a hitch and there are plans for the church to do this outreach event again (for a full story click this link).

This event irrupted a firestorm around the 2nd Amendment (those working hard to defend it and those who would like to see guns go by the wayside). As the firestorm ensues people get broken into 1 of two categories: a card carrying member of the NRA that likes to drink beer and carry an uzi, or the "Anti-American" who wants to burn the US constitution. Both of these categories are unhelpful.

As the Church in this world our concern should not be so much with the politics of the day, but rather what we are promoting in this world.

Jesus told his followers that he would turn their "pitch forks into plowshares"...how then does it reflect on the gospel when his followers hold tightly to their guns? The people of God should always be encouraging things that are full of creativity and life giving...what then does it communicate when we hold events that encourage people to bring weapons to public places (particularly in light of recent school and church shootings)? Further, if our trust is found in God alone what do we communicate when we worry in fear about the government taking away our "only defense"(one's firearm)?

This is not a commentary on the 2nd Amendment (for all of you who like to hunt you can let out a sigh of relief) but rather to point out that while we may be thankful for certain rights, it doesn't necessarily mean those rights need always be celebrated (would our churches hold a rally in support of the 1st Amendment where we listened to George Carlin's "7 Dirty Words You Can't Say On Television")? Is it not appropriate that certain rights we accept with great trepidation and care?

Let's remember that at whatever events the Church holds it should always communicate (and embody) the gospel of Christ: a message of hope, reconciliation, beauty, creativity, and life.