Dan-
I certainly have NO
objection, and would feel real guilty if someone harmed a hair on your head~!
So, to prevent that sense of guilt, you're going to hook me up with a really smokin' deal on a Bersa concealed carry .380 ?
(Just kidding...really!
)
Seriously, I again thank all who've posted here with thoughts & opinions. The funny thing is that it started with a question of clergymen of what to carry and how to carry it. For those who answered those questions, specifically, I am especially grateful.
The conversation has gone far & wide. I find it interesting that no one objects to doctors carrying to save their lives or family lives knowing that in their utilizing a weapon, they might take the life of a BG. Yet for some, idea of a pastor using a Peacemaker (or other weapon of choice) causes heartburn. I realize the doctor-pastor anology is imperfect; yet there is a point of comparison there as well.
Without becoming overly theological - I respect the rules of THR regarding theological discussion - I see myself, as a pastor, to be a shepherd. I follow the Good Shepherd in my calling to be an undershepherd - a pastor - and that means defending the flock not only from spiritual harm (a very REAL evil, I would argue Technosavant, not theoretical) but from physical harm if I can. That involves helping get contingency plans in place, get people thinking about security and reaction (to all sorts of situations), and in the case of really, really bad stuff happening, what about afterward. I pray I never have to use ANY type of weapon, be it a gun, knife, or thrown hymnal, in church or anywhere else. But if something does happen, I also pray I am able to defend those whom I love.
FWIW, I'm planning to get in on the CCW class in October. We'll see where things go from there.
For now, I will depart in peace...
Q