I’ve been disappointed with some of my fellow Christians the last few days. For a few, priority number one after the Newtown tragedy was the need to stave off any attempts to limit their “right to bear arms.” Paul Smith wrote an article yesterday that voices some of my disappointment: A New American Idol – The Second Amendment.
I’ve also been a bit disappointed with myself. Some of my comments haven’t reflected Kingdom values, either.
Others are listening. And watching. At this time, I don’t want to be known as one who speaks up against guns, nor as one who defends their use. I’d much rather be known as someone who speaks about God, His Kingdom, and the lifestyle that citizens of that Kingdom should live.
May I speak the language of the New Jerusalem, rather than the language of Meshech and Kedar.
Stanley Hauerwas is said to have remarked, “I tell everyone I’m a pacifist so that other people will prevent me from killing some ___ one day.” (Hauerwas apparently feels freer than I to use coarse language) I write posts like this to remind myself, and give others the freedom to remind me, what I need to be focused on.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6)
Thanks Tim for your comments. I too have been disappointed with my brethern on both sides of the street. There are no easy answers and the wisdom of the past great leaders is missing, especially among the “politicos.”
Thanks for the reference Tim, and I must apologize if my post was “over the top.” One very gentle soul referred to it as “provocative” and I appreciate his diplomacy.
I have a 6 year old first grader, and my wife frequently substitute teaches. Had that event happened in my home town I could have lost both of them in a heartbeat. Writing out of that horrific realization, I used words that perhaps were ill thought out and poorly chosen. The content, however, I most fervently defend.
I appreciate your conversation.
Paul
Tim,
Did you hear the NPR interview with Southern Baptist Richard Land yesterday about gun control? A few of Land’s comments tempted me to use that language Hauerwas if fond of using. Notice, Robert Siegel even asks Land, “What is the NT justification for this?” Land’s answer if very disappointing–especially from someone with an image for having more than a mere cursory awareness of the literature and issues.
http://www.npr.org/2012/12/19/167649305/southern-baptist-leader-gun-free-zones-are-a-fantasy
–guy