MUST CHURCHES BE “SOFT TARGETS”?
John Piper once asserted that Christians should not procure conceal carry permits in order to defend themselves against criminals, insane sociopaths, terrorists, and those who would persecute Christians. Apparently his edict was a response to a president’s public encouragement for students at a leading Christian university to consider securing CCW permits for their own protection. I will agree with Piper on one count. If while preaching that Jesus Christ is Lord or sharing the gospel, someone attempts to insult and/or assault me, then as a Christian I am called by the Lord to receive that person’s aggression with love, humility, and endurance. If such persecution occurs and I bear it well, then the scriptures teach that I am blessed and that God is pleased with me (Matt. 5.10 -12). The Lord and the Scriptures are clear on this point—Christians are called to suffer unjust persecution for the cause of Christ. However, Piper is wrong about a believer’s right to defend his or herself from the other three possibilities, which are the brutal attacks of violent criminals, the dangerously insane, and terrorists. Criminals, sociopaths, and militant radical Islamic jihadists are not seeking to maim and kill people because they are rightly practicing the Christian faith. For the most part they simply do not care what we are doing or why we are doing it. In the case of the insane (e.g., the massacres at Aurora Colorado, and Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut), these sociopaths are not thinking rationally in the first place; therefore, no amount of empathy or Christian persuasiveness will deter them during an active shooting. These murders will not stop until they are out of ammunition or dead. Likewise, rapists, serial killers, murders, and drug-crazed criminals that daily attack and kill innocent people in Baltimore, Chicago, or LA are not concerned about what faith anyone is practicing. They simply don’t care whether their victims are atheists, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, or agnostic. They only want to satisfy their godless desires and greed irrespective of who they defraud and maim. And lastly, militant radical Islamic jihadist (911; Fort Hood, TX; and San Bernardino, CA; or terrorists of any stripe for that matter) are not persecuting individuals for living out the Christian faith. Instead they are murdering innocent civilians of all faiths simply because they have not converted to the terrorists’ peculiar twisted interpretation of the faith they profess. Consequently, they can only be stopped by lethal force that is carried out with extreme prejudice.
Regrettably it is demonstrably observable from the deadly attacks at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, and most recently at West Freeway Church of Christ in While Settlement, church shootings are becoming a real “thing.” Consequently, given these realities, Piper’s assertion is not only void of common sense it is also lacking biblical support. Jesus himself clearly commanded his disciples to arm themselves (Luke 22.36), and to do so at their own expense. He didn’t say “And if someone attempts to rape or murder you, or is in the process of massacring dozens of children, then you should wait until the proper authorities arrive.” Neither did he say, “Before arming yourself go and check with the authorities and see if you can get permission.” Although this particular verse may be the most unknown or politically incorrect verse in the Bible; nevertheless, it is the clear instruction of Jesus—and no amount of theological, rhetorical, or intellectual gymnastics is going to dissolve His clear biblical injunction to His followers.
Moreover, in a world where horrific massacres occur and are increasing at an alarming rate, it is irresponsible to suggest that Christians avoid taking advantage of their legal advantages to self-protection simply because pacifists have an elevated view of what it means to be a passionate Christian—especially when living in a free society that protects and fosters one’s God given right to self protection. If anyone chooses not to arm himself and avoid protecting his family or those around him, then that is his privilege. If he wishes to encourage others to do likewise out a false sense of security in the government’s capacity to protect its citizens, then he has that right as well. But please, don’t imply that law abiding Christians who disagree with such a position are some how less then authentic in their faith, or are less trusting in the Lord, or are some how deficient in a proper understanding of the scriptures if they choose to take advantage of their constitutional right to protect themselves and the others around them that cannot. It is simply indefensible to assert that because one person puts on a uniform and another does not, then that necessarily means that the one with the uniform will be able to protect everyone else at all times, and will always be there when you most desperately need them. Such is demonstrably not the case. As the old adage goes, “When seconds count the police are minutes away.” That is not a slur on our law enforcement agencies, it is simply a recognition of reality. Police offices, as good as they are, can’t possibly be all places at all times; consequently, given the rise of violence throughout out country, everyone—including Christians—need to make a decision as to whether they are willing to become protectors or potential victims.
Additionally, Jesus also said that it is a supreme display of love that one would lay down his or her life for a friend (John 15.13). And the fact is that it is no longer an uncommon event in which armed civilians (both Christian and non-Christian) are successfully saving the lives of others at the risk of their own. This reality is demonstrably observable by the quick actions taken by the volunteer security team composed of church members at West Freeway Church of Christ this past Sunday. These heroes are to be applauded for standing in the gap between the innocent and the murderer in their midst. Regarding protecting the innocent, James the half-brother of Jesus also taught that if anyone knows to do what is right and does not do it, then it is sin (James 4.17). Consequently, if we have the freedom to adequately train and arm ourselves in order to protect the children who attend our schools, day-care centers, and churches during these troubling times, then there is nothing unbiblical or unChristian if we choose take up such a responsibility. And if we chose not to do so, whether for conscious sake, or a lack of physical and/or emotional capabilities, then it’s time to consider hiring those with the proper training to protect those that attend our events. To continue ignoring the violent realities of our troubled times is no longer a thoughtful option. I am not surprised by those living in peaceful upper-middleclass gated communities in the suburbs who agree with Piper. Nevertheless, it is inappropriate, if not elitist, to belittle law abiding devote Christians living in the drug infested gang ruled streets of America’s urban centers because the chose to arm and defend themselves. Moreover, if pagans, atheists, secular humanists, or Muslims wish to come and challenge what we believe, then so be it. As far as I am concerned they are more than welcome to come and give us their best shot—but they must do so with their minds and arguments. Nevertheless, having made this invitation, if they plan to bring weapons, then let it be at the risk of their own lives.
Copyright @ 2013 Monte Shanks