The recent shootings of people going about their lives all point to a larger problem. Previously, in “68,” I proposed putting our fears aside. Yet, that’s incredibly hard to do when we are repeatedly told to fear everything. “They” are coming for us. “They” want to take our stuff. “They” want to sell us drugs. “They” want to rape our daughters, wives, or mothers. “They” want to turn us all gay. “They” want to groom our kids. “They” want us to hate ourselves, or our country. “They” want to take over. “They” want to kill us!”
No wonder an old man felt he had to shoot an unarmed teenager through his front door. No wonder another man felt he had to shoot at some teenage girls for turning into his driveway. No wonder a man felt he had to shoot a cheerleader for accidentally getting into his car. No wonder another man felt he had to shoot at a family for trying to retrieve their basketball. I won’t discuss the politicians and pundits who have dialed our fears up to 11. Suffice it to say, their attempts to convince us to fear one another have been relentless.
Many of the same people who teach us to be afraid of everything also tell us we need to be armed. There are now more guns than people in the US, and still we are told we need more. It seems home defense, personal protection, and standing your ground are national values. Owning a firearm has been described as a “God-given right,” as if this was set forth in the Bible. Never mind that rights have often been tailored to societal demands. The US once enslaved the citizens of African and Asian countries, forcibly removed native Americans from their lands, and imprisoned thousands of Japanese Americans during WWII. So much for their Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness.
What I remember from the Bible is that the master said, “Put your sword back in its place…for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52) There may be a need for self-defense, but it seems to me we shouldn’t be using scripture to justify it.
I have become disillusioned. Christians who once taught about mercy, forgiveness, and compassion now teach about fear, suspicion, and ostracizing others. The God of love has been replaced by the God of banning books, fighting back, and taking power. Christians tell us to defend what’s ours. Against what? A sixteen-year-old trying to find his brothers or a six-year-old who just wants to fetch her ball? Maybe some Christians want us to trust God but carry a sidearm just in case. I’m not against the Second Amendment, but I seriously question whether everyone should be allowed to bear arms, especially people who also carry around a lot of irrational rage and fear.
In the future our generation may be noted for our fears rather than our resolve. I have to ask, do Christians believe their favorite passages or not? Does Psalm 23 mean something, or are we on our own, with only our trusty Smith and Wesson or AR-15 to protect us? Perhaps the culture of guns obscures what Christians claim to believe. Or perhaps some Christians have lost sight of their protector. As I recite the 23rd Psalm, I wonder what any of it has to do with either gun rights or self-protection.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”
MurrayWorks 