Guns In Church

There is currently a debate in Arkansas regarding the admission of concealed firearms into Churches.

As it is, it is a felony offense to do such, but recently an amendment has been put forth to Arkansas lawmakers that would give Churches the option to allow concealed guns within their grounds and buildings.

Some have argued that they don't want to have to worry about who among the congregation is armed while they pray, saying that it would damage the sanctity of the Church.

The issue has been seen in Texas as well, but where it has truly made a difference is in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was in this city that the New Life Church had a horrible situation arise.

Matthew Murray, 24, raised in a "deeply religious" household, was a disturbed young man who "hated Christians".

Following some threatening gestures, on Sunday, December 9th, 2007, he entered the Church with a rifle and two handguns.

After firing some 40-odd rounds and killing 4 people (in two separate but related Church facilities), he was finally shot dead by Jeanne Assam.

Ms. Assam is a volunteer Church Member performing the duty of a security guard.

"Assam said she believes God gave her the strength to confront Murray,
keeping her calm and focused. 'It seemed like it was me, the gunman and
God,' she said at a news conference." ~ Fox News.com

I'm sure that the incident has been cited by the state's legislature, but I wanted you to see the reason why it might be a good idea to have concealed guns in a Church.

Considering the increasing amount of violent animosity Christianity and Churches have been receiving in recent years, a trend that shows no sign of abatement, this measure may prove wise. Using the New Life Church as a model, perhaps implicitly trusted volunteers could guard the congregation while they pray.

Oh, and by the way, I remember when this Colorado story broke. The MSM was quite ready to weaponize this for use against the Church-going Right.

Then it was revealed that a Church member volunteer, (and a woman, no less!) was responsible for saving the day with her quick, decisive, and accurate action.

The story was quickly relegated to the "minor occurance" file...

H/T: AP, Fox News, New York Times, Today/MSNBC, CBSNews