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guncontrol

Why Gun Control is a Religious Issue

I am not a political person.  I do not follow, say, political campaigns, or the ins and outs of various pieces of legislation, as closely as some of my friends do.  But I am a religious person.  Many of my political opinions, then, are formed by my religious ideals: for example, a commitment to help the poor and marginalized, a desire for a peaceful world, and a respect for the sanctity of life from natural conception to natural death.

That is why I believe that gun control is a religious issue.  It is as much of a “life issue” or a “pro-life issue,” as some religious people say, as is abortion, euthanasia or the death penalty (all of which I am against), and programs that provide the poor with the same access to basic human needs as the wealthy (which I am for).  There is a “consistent ethic of life” that views all these issues as linked, because they are.

All of these issues, at their heart, are about the sanctity of all human life, no matter who that person is, no matter at what stage of life that person is passing through, and no matter whether or not we think that the person is “deserving” of life.  The issues just mentioned of course are very different. To take the most obvious example, the agonizing decisions surrounding euthanasia, with which loving families are sometimes confronted, are not to be equated with the twisted decisions of a mass murderer.  But they are all, in one way or another, actions that impinge on the sanctity of human life.  God gives life to every person, and that life is holy.

Continue reading at www.americamagazine.org
 
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  • Tony

    So what is your point? Are you pro-2nd Amendment or pro-gun control?

    • http://www.facebook.com/raceman94 Brad Meyer

      I think he's pro-gun control. The article is pretty long but it seems like he favors gun-control.

      • rjim

        I don't think he see how the availability of guns has saved the lives of a vast number of people. Japan did not attack the main land since we had so many guns, a church shooting only saw one member dead because of a concealed weapon and there was no deaths at an Internet cafe because a 70 year old man had a concealed weapon. That is preserving life. In the late fifties and early sixties there was no need for a gun to protect oneself. Those days are gone. I pray they will return, but it will not be anytime soon.

    • http://twitter.com/BradNova Brad Nova

      You can be both you know. There used to be a ban on assault rifles and high capacity magazines.

  • http://www.facebook.com/raceman94 Brad Meyer

    I'm glad you are a God-fearing individual and that you are pro-life, anti-abortion, and all that, but your stance on supporting gun control does NOT go over well with me!!

    • yaki534

      If firearms are banned, then only criminals will have guns. … Not a comforting thought, huh?

      • Chris

        Stop repeating that stupid mantra. Facts don't support it. Other countries withless guns have less people die. Guns are stupid.

        • Seawolf

          Guns are tools, people with amoral upbringings act stupidly!

        • LibertysSon

          Yeah, Like Africa?

          • Michael g.

            Some time ago I saw where the crime rate in Johanasburg was out of control. So, people did one thing to protect themselves;; they got guns on a 'Black Market.' Now the guns they are acquiring are machine guns.

        • Bagui

          In Switzerland, guns are part of everyday citizens' lives, so crime is low to non-existent. However, in the UK, guns are bought on the illegal market to use for robbery, and murder. The rising tide of Islam will guarantee that Sharia will allow their believers will obey their conscience to take up arms against infidels. France and other countries cannot stop a Muslim from obeying his conscience, when he needs to execute justice against infidels, for blasphemy against Allah and his Prophet. So, yes, it is a religious issue for Muslims to obey Sharia, regardless of whether infidels have weapons or not. In the U.S., if one obeys Sharia, it may be necessary to steal weapons to judge infidels, as the Beltway Sniper did. It is a challenge to prove home invasions, and flash mobs are Sharia motivated, when there is a media blackout on the perpetrators culture and/or religion. Compound that with media outlets that find out that information, and are labelled racist. It is interesting that our politicians push for gun control, but do not see that they have to register their guns…case in point, Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, among them.

        • Carl

          Chris,

          What rock have you been hiding under??? Let's mention a few…….New York City, Chicago, DC & New Jersey. How is very limited to no firearms helping out with crime in those places? They have some of the worst crime rates in the nation and some of the strictest gun laws. The reason that crime is escalated in these areas is because the criminals do not fear an armed population of law abiding citizens. They pretty much have free reign in these places with gun free populace. Let's look at Kennesaw, Ga. This city is extremely close to Atlanta, GA with it's high crime rate. In 1986, Kennesaw passed an ordinance requiring all citizens to carry guns. The doom sayers screamed that this would be like the Old West all over again. The opposite has been found true in Kennesaw. Their crime rate is much lower than Atlanta and most of the nation as well. So, do you research before posting senseless dribble like that.

        • William

          We already know what happened in Canada and Australia when they banned hand guns. Law abiding citizens turned in their guns. The criminals did not and the murder rate in each country went up substantially.

        • Michael g.

          You're implying that guns can think. What a novel idea. Maybe we could program to do their own hunting for us, that way we wouldn't be responsible for anything they do, now would we?

          • Carl

            Michael, ??? What are you talking about? Where did anyone imply that guns can think? The person using a weapon is solely responsible for their actions. A firearm is neither good nor bad. It is simply a tool that can be used for good or bad. The person using the firearm determines the outcome of their actions. I use my firearms for target practice and shooting competitions and would never think of using one in a violent way.

          • Michael g.

            Help me out here a little bit Carl. I've ben looking for the post that I referred to but can't seem to come up with.
            Besides, I'm being satirical about the whole thing. I can do more damage that way.

          • Carl

            Michael,

            Sorry, I thought you were one of those democrap trolls.

          • Carl

            It was the one above that chris posted about guns being stupid. I didn't catch that one. Again, sorry for the assumption that you were a troll.

            "Stop repeating that stupid mantra. Facts don't support it. Other
            countries withless guns have less people die. Guns are stupid." Quote from chris (the troll)

          • Michael g.

            Carl, you sound like someone I could be friends with. Sorry my comment may have been a little misleading. That was not intended. I use to be a democrat; but that is all behind me. What was I thinking? or was I? Some people have been down right nasty to me. I'm a little concerned (understatement) with what's going on just the same. Let me ask you; have you seen any information concerning the implanted computer chip that Obama wants done sometime in the middle of January next year? A lot of people are very, very angry over this one. He keeps pushing; sooner or later he's going to get his nose blooded real good. Hope it doesn't come to that. Let met know your thoughts.
            MG (sounds like a car…)

        • EstebanCafe

          Not true: http://www.kc3.com/news/britt_aussie_crime.htm
          Sir, what do you know about living in a country with strict gun control? You are at the mercy of those who do not obey that law. Did you consider Norway's tragedy? There are many others.
          BTW, guns do not have personality and conciousness–they cannot be "stupid" only those who wield them can. People are stupid, not guns.

        • petroskhan

          You know that your comment is completely inane, and you sound like a child, right? "Guns are stupid"? Really, what are you, 12?

          And FYI, the facts DO support that guns decrease crime. Take a look at Kennesaw, GA for some home-grown numbers. Or any other place in America where gun control is lowest. Criminals don't want their victims armed, Chris. It's as simple as that. They will go where the pickings are easiest. Maybe you should move to New York, or DC? I hear there are very few guns there, so by your logic, the crime rate must be REAL low.

        • UF Gator

          What say you, chris, to all the reponses you have received?

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/David-B-Severy/557985964 David B Severy

        Things are very "far gone" and some of our elected officials are criminals.

        2 Chronicles 7:14King James Version (KJV)14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

    • Jojo

      I agree. This is EXACTLY why we're in the mess we're in, the Christian community has been allowing the liberals to strip away our rights bit by bit. Yeah, nothing like reading an article by someone willing to give up our right to own guns. How naive.

      • http://profile.yahoo.com/SE7XEYMCSEKIJ6ORU2MPLRROWI Sharon B

        The Christian community has been allowing the liberals to strip away our rights bit by bit? Give Me A Break! There are millions of us Christians who disagree with stripping away our 2nd Amendment rights. Don't generalize Jojo.

  • http://www.missiontoisrael.org Ted R. Weiland

    "Fredrick Bastiat described self-defense as a natural right…. What Bastiat depicted as a natural right, the Apostle Paul described as a God-required responsibility:

    '…if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.' (1 Timothy 5:8)

    "After providing for his family’s spiritual safety, a Christian man’s next priority should be providing for his family’s physical protection. Food, clothing, and shelter are of little benefit if you are unprepared or unwilling to defend your family against thieves, rapists, and murderers. It is not unchristian to practice self-defense – it is unchristian if you do not."

    For more, see Chapter 12 "Amendment 2: Constitutional vs. Biblical Self Defense" of "Bible Law vs. the United States Constitution: The Christian Perspective" at http://www.missiontoisrael.org/biblelaw-constitutionalism-pt12.php.

    • http://twitter.com/BradNova Brad Nova

      How do you square that with what Jesus teaches?

      But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you, and persecute you;

      • http://www.facebook.com/melody.reed1 Melody Reed

        It's not meant to do good to someone raping your daughter and sit by a let them, stop twisting Gods words.

        • http://www.facebook.com/therealpcallen Patrick Allen

          "But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" – Jesus

          • LibertysSon

            Well this reference was in reference to political and class status.. It was not in response to a deadly attack. A slap is not a life threatening act. It basically means do not be angry and vengful to an insult. Show humility and patience when insulted. It is not a reference that applies to a sword or deadly weapon.

          • Bagui

            To use that in context, would accurately be figurative, but in Muslim societies, which are similar, it is symbolic to literally slap a non-Muslim when they pay the tax levied upon all infidels, as in dhimmitude, to show you are a conquered people. Muslim practice "taquiyya" or diplomatic concealment, to appear peaceful, in the beginning of settlement in a country. Once Sharia Law can be implemented, and a country can be submitted to Islam, weapons are used full force to subjugate & conquer an infidel nation. At that point, weapons are used to silence or punish infidels, even to death. Read what happened when Ghenghis Khan did, when he approached a Muslim land that he wanted. If his envoy came back riding a horse with no head, he laid waste to that city or land. He offered peace (submission)!!

          • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_YRJJ7XYJIMFYUTJ5KXUFR3ZEFE Ken Kirkham

            Turning a cheek is not the same as offering a second daughter to be raped…Try reading that passage again. All items mentioned are small in comparison to life.

        • http://twitter.com/BradNova Brad Nova

          How is an accurate quote of the bible twisting God's words? I am asking Mr. Weiland can justify violence when Jesus clearly teaches us to be pacifists.

          • http://www.answersingenesis.org/ keyboardshark

            Self defense is not "violence". Being the instigator of bodily harm to another would qualify as violence, which the Bible is clearly against.

          • http://twitter.com/BradNova Brad Nova

            But Jesus still tells us to love our enemies and to do good to them.

          • http://www.answersingenesis.org/ keyboardshark

            Then i guess it is a question of who He was referring to when He said "enemies" and what types of actions would be tolerated. The Bible usually refers to those who oppose the Gospel as 'enemies.

            "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:"
            Philippians 3:18

            We who have become saved were also 'enemies' before we became saved:

            "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."
            Romans 5:10

            The reason we are to love them is twofold: One, they may be someone whom God is in the process of saving. And two, by showing love rather than hatred to those who oppose us, it will be a testament to the world that we belong to Christ and are held to a higher standard than the world's standard, which says we should hate our enemies.

            Also, if we defend ourselves against someone who is trying to harm our family, that is not showing hatred. In fact, we might be doing them a favor by stopping an attack before it progresses to murder, thereby saving them the death penalty, so it could be argued that that is an act of love.

      • Vladimir

        I can love my enemies and still take the life of him who is about to kill my family or me.

      • UF Gator

        Reason in the face of the adversary, Brad, that if anything is what the Lord expects! It's everywhere in the Holy Bible, advice on dealing with satanic forces. Most of your friends who do you harm are not satanic forces. Don't your friends curse you sometimes? There's a difference and you have a brain to discern the difference.

      • Bagui

        Brad, please see above references, and where Jesus said to purchase a sword. Even "Natural Law" from a secular perspective dictates for defense of resources, and the ignorance of that fact would surrender one's ability to feed and care for families. This is not to capitulate to the Federal, Progressive, or Socialist/Marxist models where the government determines what belongs to whom, and distribute it evenly, regardless of whether some individuals want to work, or are truly disabled from doing work of any kind. In that event, some government models would euthanize them as the Party says, or has determined their right to breathe air. Hitler and Stalin are not the prime examples, but progressives such as H.G. Wells, and Margaret Sanger, who had a penchant for picking people of color, Eastern European, and mentally challenged, as being inferior. Sorry, Brad, that you are tempted to call posters on this and other blogs are those among us as mentally challenged, and deserving euthanasia. (or maybe it is seen in your obvious high horse position…oh, I'm not better than you, that's for sure…because I have an opposing opinion, or moral directive,God forbid.) I welcome debate, but on liberal sites, they heap abuse on me, as if I am the scum of the Earth, whoops, Mother Earth. I try to carefully explain that their relative morality should allow me to, like, you know, like, be different, you know?
        .

        • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

          You also, those Sites can't handle the Truth are someone speaking the Truth. Keep on keeping on with the Truth. ,, God Bless

  • Mike T

    Agreed Ted – very well put comments!

  • John E

    You argue for the sanctity of life, but not the life of someone who wants to prevent mortal harm to themselves and loved ones by legally carrying and being prepared to use a firearm. You want them to go as sheep to the slaughter, because no amount of gun control legislation is going to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. Do you not see the hypocrisy of your stance?

    • Chris

      You don't have to carry a lethal weapon to prevent mortal harm – that's paranoid stupidity. If you wanted to prevent mortal harm you would never drive a car.
      I've been shot at and "carrying" would never have prevented it and would have been absolutely NO USE whatsoever in resolving the problem. You've been listening to the garbage from the NRA whose only job is send business to gun manufacturers.

      An ideal world would be one without guns. If you want a defensive weapon to satisfy your paranoia – move somewhere else or get a weapon that is capable of replacing the judge and jury. Why do you have this lust to kill people anyway. Surely praying will solve your problem.

      • Seawolf

        Why do you have a "lust" to see defenseless people mowed down by a murderer? Earlier in that same town at a church a murderer was shot by a member of the congregation after only one person was killed. Would you rather that murderer would have been able to kill 12 or 13? I am glad a law abiding citizen was armed and able to defend the innocent and take out the killer.

        • EstebanCafe

          Mssr Sea Wolf…unfortuantely you are dealing in actual events and not in theoretical machinations. You apparently live in the real world and will not be able to reach Mssr Chris with logic, reason and reality. This is sad.
          It is OK with me if some sheep want to provide for their own slaughter and not defend themselves; however, it is an egregious insult to humanity that they would require the same of others.

          • mesaman

            Well stated!

      • gm

        Protecting your family is not "Lust" for killing. You need the prayer. There is no idel world so you need to grow up. Maybe you should move to a country with no Firearms like "Norway".

        • Michael g.

          Wait a minute! Wasn't it in Norway where that guy went on a killing rampage a while back? I think he got about 70 or so. Help me if I'm wrong on the location.

        • EstebanCafe

          Sir, was not Norway the site of the largest mass murder ever to take place–70 some people slaughtered because not one carried a gun? Killed like sheep. I may be mistake, but I don't think that is what God wants.
          A gun is much lighter to carry than a police man or SWAT member. And they don't really stop crime anyway…but they do provide nice chalk outlines and produce great reports regarding dead bodies.

      • John E

        Your statement is foolish and naive. A world without guns would not be ideal. It would, as in times past, be a world of swords, knives, clubs, etc. I've not been listening to the NRA. So, wrong again. And no, the NRA's only job is to protect our 2nd ammendment rights. That's 3 strikes, but not enough for you as you get totally un-Christian, unrighteous and sinfully judgmental, accusing me of having a lust to kill people! I do not, sir. You, sir, are a fool and I will not continue this conversation with you any further.

        • Michael g.

          I'm smiling…

        • petroskhan

          Awesome response. Short, to the point, and right on target.

        • mesaman

          Congratulations on a well phrased rebuttal.

      • Bagui

        Why is it that liberals and so-called morally-sensitive individuals have to resort to name calling when they don't permit their opponents to call them names. If you have relative morality to say that you get to choose what is wrong and right, then you are just as fascist as Stalin or Hitler, who stripped away gun ownership rights, and proceeded to round up their opponents to kill/mass bury them in slaughter. The U.S. has killed Native Americans, and under progressive leadership with FDR, rounded up Japanese descent, as well as German-and Italian-descent groups, who had no means to oppose the Federal Government. Given, the UK assisted the South in arming themselves during the War Between the States, to hopefully re-unite those former colonies back to the UK. Before that, the War of 1812, and the American Revolution should have been a slam dunk for the British Empire to conquer us, save for Americans owning weapons. You would not have objected to saying "Cheerio" instead of "goodbye", or "Blimey". It's a "Bloody" shame that you are not so submissive to other responsible citizens!!!

      • Carl

        Chris,

        Again, you must really do some research before posting garbage like this. The first recorded murder occurred in Genesis. Cain murdered his brother Abel. Did he use an AR15 or an AK47? This murder happened way before firearms were invented. Murder comes from the hearts of people not from the tools they use. If you outlaw firearms, then people will pick another tool to commit murder. When that tool is banned, they will select another and so forth. One thing that liberals like you can't understand is that once a person decides to commit murder or other violent crimes against another person, a gun law or any other law for that matter will not change their mind. For instance, if the place a psychopath picked out to commit violent acts had a sign banning firearms, do you think that the murderer would have stopped in his tracks and said, "Oh no, there's a sign banning firearms inside. I guess I won't be killing anyone today." So in your fantasy land of "No Guns", violence will still exist including murder. Once Jesus returns for His millennial reign, we will finally have world peace.

        Here's another quick one for you: When Peter was with Jesus at the time the Roman's captured Him, why did Peter have a sword that he used to lop off the soldier's ear? He walked with Jesus, the Son of the Living God and still found it necessary to have a sword with him.

        • Evermyrtle

          I would guess that he did not use an AR15 or an AK47. Those things were not invented until about 4,500 years later,. But likely if they had been available he would have used one. You have to have matching arsenal to be able to compete, that means to protect yourself. We get rid of all of our guns, that would be good if you could get every bodies guns but do you seriously think that the killers, the terrorist are going to give up their guns,? I DON'T THINK SO.!!

          Oh Yes, Peter!! Why did he us a sword to cut off the ear of the soldier. He had a sword because that is what was available. As you said There were no guns, therefore it was impossible to have a gun. They used what was available and many more people went around with swords then, than people do not with guns,now..

          Another question. Why did Japan stop and not swarm and take America at the end of WW2?. I am told by those who know, I think they are called authorities, that it was because they knew American homes all had guns and were ready to use them if necessary,

        • Michael g.

          It wasn't the Romans. It was the Temple police who picked Him up.

        • Patrick Henry

          Rawanda should have proved to the anti-gun folks the stupidity of the idea that getting rid of guns will make a peaceful world. Most of those killed there were hacked to death with machetes.

      • http://profile.yahoo.com/RQSXJIXIII53M6WBYPBPI5I5HI A

        What a batch of blithering stupidity! There is notheing paranoid about carrying a concealked weapon to protect yourself or your family. And the NRA is there to protect the right sprovided by the second amendment – not to provide business for the gun manufactureres. Wake up and get your head out of the sand!

      • Michael g.

        You really have a very low opinion of everyone but yourself. Why is that? What were you doing that someone would take a shot at you?
        If having a gun makes you paranoid, then you have to include the police, the military, most politicians, etc.
        Besides, your 'ideal world' doesn't exist; and won't.

      • Evermyrtle

        Chris, I am 82 years and all of my life I have lived in a home where there was a gun. None of us have ever killed anyone, shot at anyone, threaten to kill any one or wanted to kill anyone. What in heavens name has warped your mind that you think any such rediculas thing!! Could it be that you are a liberal?

      • EstebanCafe

        There will be born … a culture of constant readjustment, fed on utopia.
        Umberto Eco
        "Ideal world"? You're not from around here, are you?
        Answer this Sir: If you were in that Colorado USA theater and that man started killing people, would you want a weapon to fight back or would you be content to sit there with your spouse and take lead?
        Careful here: if you say "I'd want a weapon with which to defend my spouse, self and assorted innocents, then we're left to ask "So what's your point?"
        If you say that you would prefer to simply die in the slaughter, then you've lied to this thread and are a fool.
        So which is it?
        It is usually at this point that you will begin to "readjust" your argument and point to theorecticals or engage in machinations and intrigue. Just answer the question.

      • petroskhan

        I don't have a "lust to kill people", I have a lust to keep myself and my loved ones alive, should we be in some restaurant or theater, and some nut decides that it's a great place to kill a large number of people. Sadly, those nuts are correct in their assessments, due to the short-sighted, let's-all-live-in-a-dream-world attitude that you and so many others are using to adversely shape the laws of this country.

        "An ideal world would be one without guns." Really? Okay, for the sake of discussion, let's go with that. Let's say that that would make the world "ideal". One problem, Chris…this isn't an ideal world, the world of your fantasy. This is the real world, and guns are real. And more bad news for your fantasy? Bad guys are real, and they have guns. Do you want to join the 2 million Americans each year who use a gun for defense of life, family and property, or do you want to continue trying to live in your fantasy world?

        And as for you being shot at…same here. And having a gun on me did a world of good, and saved my life, and about half a dozen others, as well. I can't imagine a situation where facing an assailant with a gun wouldn't be improved by having a gun. I call BS.

        Get your head out the fantasy, and look around. This is the real world, Chris. If you want to be a sheep, go for it. Just don't demand that the rest of bleat along with you.

      • mesaman

        ….."capable of replacing the judge and jury". I have such a weapon, S&W .40 and CCW permit. Praying gives me the strength to stand and be counted, if the occasion arises. I would be willing to save your hide in such an instance, but I won't ask your permission. I believe if I must squeeze the trigger, I am eliminating one of satan's followers. Your comment concerning the NRA was uncalled for and lacks the civility you hypocritally profess. Shame on you.

      • SilverHairedSaint

        Wake up. We do not live in an ideal world. We live in a fallen world, and until God destroys this earth and creates the new earth we will continue to live in that fallen world.

        • Ruth

          Amen, Silver Haired Saint ! Christ said himself to sell your clothing to purchase a sword…Does the author of this column Question his spoken word ?I have been an NRA member for 20 yrs but never felt the need to obtain my CCW until a relative threatened my life on Facebook while my husband lie in the hospital fighting for his life after a 6 coronary bypass surgery, and was unable to protect me…We are truly living in what the Bible says is the "Last Days" and things are only going to get worse, and the bad guys will always somehow get their weapons…Inspite of ANY gun laws….So, We must learn how to protect ourselves and our families !

      • Engineer313

        Everyones brained is wired in a differant way. You think you do not need to carry a weapon. I live in Arizona. We have not only CCW laws, but open carry as well. In the sticks where I live, Break in's are unheard of. Anyone who would do that knows every home has weapons. It prevents the crime before it happens. I use a wheelchair. I also carry . I travel in peace knowing I can protect myself and any others that need it. We all look at this in a differant way. I hope the day will never come when you wish you had a firearm. It will be to late then.

    • Esther Mae Egan

      Dear John, I am praying that what I can present will educate you and others that might read this blog. First I have a link here that might be worth yours and others attention to this question of weapons or guns What does the Bible say about carrying weapons for our own … I hope it is a link so you can go right to this study. Next, I would like to say for years I did not own a gun nor did I care to have it in my whereabouts, but I supported the NRA and other gun clubs to give the right to others that did want a gun. Over the years, I have changed my mind as I see the culture we face today, and the animals that might want to do me or mine harm. Here are some Bible passages you might want to look up and read.
      Exodus 22:2 Matthew 10:34 Genesis 27:40 Leviticus 26:6-7-8
      Ezekiel 9:2 Luke 11:21 Luke 22:36, 38 Nahum 2:1
      Also remember the strong man will protect his own. I pray that this will help you in your search for truth and God will give you understanding. Guns are not toys and need lots of respect, but I also believe that God has allowed them for good because of the evil around us. Nothing is good or bad in itself. What one person considers bad another considers bad, and vis versa.

      • Esther Mae Egan

        I see the link did not come though so I will post it again with underline

        'What does the Bible say about carrying weapons for our own

        • Michael g.

          Even Christ Himself tells us to: "…sell your cloak and buy a sword…" In this instance He is referring to a 'deadly weapon.'
          If you want to take a look at the book: "The Second Amendment Primer," in there it tells the history of personal weapons and their origins. The Roman government told their outlying provinces that people should have weapons. This was because they knew they couldn't get there in time to prevent crimes from happening. It's the same way today. Nothing's really changed; only the technology and the faces–that's about all.

  • william whitburn

    Luke 22:36 the Messiah told the Apostles to purchase a sword .. it is a physical sword, that is what he took off the servants ear with.

    • mallen11

      Yes, and Jesus put it right back on in the defense of Peter who at least had a sword and was willing to use it even though it wasn't necessary in this case. It doesn't even say it was taken from him to defend the Lord. We should have the freedom to defend ourselves and others with guns even if it is against a government who wants to enslave us.

  • Donald DeCamp

    It is an unfortunate fact of life that gun control that takes guns out of the hands of law abiding citiizens never unarms the criminals.
    They always find ways to obtain weapons, and leave the law abiding citizens helpless to defend themselves

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/HM63OD3M3DCXW4RFTETVMJBMOM Shell

    If the RIGHT TO BARE ARMS HAD NOT been included by the founding fathers when setting up a government in this nation where would we be now?? The militia would have taken over "We The People" and that would be the end of this nation at that point in history. Thank GOD, on whom this nation was founded, led us in the "right" direction and today we find ourselves in the fight of our lives and the lives of our children, grandchildren, ad infinitum!

    • Bagui

      It's a joke of Larry the Cable Guy to say that we have the right to "bare arms" (shaved), and he was making a joke using a double entendre, using similarly sounding words. It is the right to "bear" (carry with your hands) arms, as English was meant to use, not to be confused with the animal we call the "bear", which is an identical word to the verb "to carry, or bear". Never mind, we confuse "martial (military) law" with Marshall Plan (WWII reconstruction of Japan and Germany), because "martial" and "marshal"/"Marshall" are pronounced the same. English can be a pain, when you had a strict teacher, who still could not pronounce "Juan" as "oo-an", because it is a Spanish name. Lord Byron used in his writings, and he said it correctly. I have this lecture regularly with "both sides" of debates, but the left is more abusive to me.

  • tod

    checking

    • tod

      They won't let me tell you what I found ,but if you click on my name it's still there ,but you need to hurry before they find out .And if you think I'm kidding ,you try and tell what I found .The devil doesn't want you to know what I found !!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Clark/1714276659 Richard Clark

    Yes I agree it is a religious issue. Luke 22: 35-38 Our LORD and SAVIOR commanded. 35And he said to them, When I sent you without purse, and money, and
    shoes, lacked you any thing? And they said, Nothing. 36Then said he to
    them, But now, he that has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his
    money: and he that has no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
    37For I say to you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished
    in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors:
    for the things concerning me have an end. 38And they said, Lord,
    behold, here are two swords. And he said to them, It is enough. Also as stated in 1 Timothy 5:8…if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own
    house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.' As I see it It is our religious duty to be armed. GOD as laid that burden onto us. This is part of the self responsibility that GOD demands from us.

  • http://www.facebook.com/melody.reed1 Melody Reed

    Ever Christian needs to think about this article, again this guy thinks law abiding citizens should be punished every time a crime happens. Why don't we punish the criminal starting with leaving out the word alleged when we know who committed the crime. This criminal needs punished and it needs to be done publicly so others will think about it before they commit crimes. Stop punishing the innocent this is why we have these problems no one ever is held accountable instead we punish the innocent. That is not biblical.

    • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

      Amen

  • Douglas

    I will repeat my opinon on this Gun Control BS. First, God knows evil and he had fought evil an eye for an eye by providing man with weapons of one sort or another…guns are no exception! Guns are a Freeman's (American) Insurance policy…."one You Hope You'll Never Need to Protect your family and Friends….But Will Be Very Happy You Had One (GUN/Insurance Policy) when You Needed It!!

    But Why Does the Average Person Need an AK-47 (example)you ask…in any Army (Civil of not) you must keep up with your enemy…if he has a gun and you a knife…you won't win!! My concerns now are the current direction our Government is headed with Drones on American soil!! This should not be allowed…for any of their lame excuses!! The Congress suggest that we should only allow drones in America to protect Americans from Terrorist activity…BULL!!! Then some suggest that they must write a Law to limit their Use…Don't allow them in the first place and you Bums in Washington won't have to worry about drafting a law to limit their use!!!! Because if you get drones…I must buy Rocket Launchers to bring them down!! God we have got to Stop This Madness Coming Out Of Washington!!! Our Fore Fathers "established the second amendment" so every American would be on call at all times if our Government tried to enslave us and take away our Freedom!!!

    • Michael g.

      Ak's are fun to shoot. That's true of anything.
      To stop the mindless nonsense we must vote out the dems and the libs., and keep 'em out. I'm tired of living on pins-and-needles all the time.

  • Mark Brickey

    First, Father, I can see that you live in a cloistered world! The USA has multiple gun regulations on record, as well as do States. Just as with ANY law, though, the strength is in the enforcement of that law that limits it's violations.
    There are strict regs for procuring an A-15 & it's ammo. Follow the money & you'll find that these were not enforced. As you'd also know, if you were to visit the "real" world it's only CRIMINALS that break the law & don't follow regs & licensing. A criminal can procure weapons of about any caliber as can be seen in countries with the STRICTEST gun regulations!
    Also, if not a gun, then what? This character had the wherewithal to booby-trap his apartment, so he could have just as easily gassed or bombed the theatre. Evil begets evil.
    If 1 concealed-carry armed citizen would have been in that theatre (we'll ignore for now that the theatre doesn't ALLOW CC…) he could have either taken the guy down (knee/foot/elbow shot) or at least kept the coward busy until police got there. He probably would have been hiding behind some sweet young lady or child or cowering under some seats…

    • Bagui

      Holmes had help or training in explosives, so it could easily have been Black Bloc OWS who had the ability to train other anarchists, and Holmes fit the sociopath mindset of many of these Soros backed agents of change. (oh, we can't accuse Soros of being violent, just encourage the groups he finances to affect change as they see fit, or trained to do.) The pundits, and talking heads of the Left just dismiss, joke, and laugh off the connections that are made. "The enemy of mine enemy is my friend", is what allows Communists, Islamist groups, and anarchist elements to ally themselves with those they would otherwise kill later. Their is no honor among thieves as far as human nature is concerned, and try as I might to deny, every culture has one among them statistically to qualify as anti-social, or a sociopath, who would deny life to another individual, especially the vulnerable unborn, or born children, elderly, and disarmed. I'm sorry, but "that dog ain't gonna hunt", and Friars have a choice to disarm their own.

      • Bagui

        I'm tired and made the common error among other tired posters of using "their" instead of "there", when saying "there is no honor among thieves", and that "i" before "e", except after "c" rule. Good grammar should be the mark of blog posters, but I had an English teacher who screamed about a lot of things that are acceptable today.

        • Michael g.

          You're forgiven. I've done it too. Besides I have neropothy in my hands and stumble around on the keys a bit, so I know what you're saying.

  • Texas Jack

    I find this article very disturbing as an attempt to equate gun
    control with any taking of life. My God did not tell his people to go into the Promised
    Land and kiss the inhabitants. The word was kill all that was in it and how do
    you interpret –an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth–Gun control is not
    about guns it about control— Ask any country that has lost their rights to
    have guns what happens to the crime rate and they will tell you it goes strait up.
    Your right to keep and bear arms is not so you can hunt bambi. Your gun rights
    are there to keep a balance between the people and those who would play god
    over the people of this nation—It is to defend your self against a tyrannical
    government. This is what they are trying to do to end our balance of power. A
    bunch of soft hearted comparisons will not stop those who would over turn this
    nation and use the government to enslave the people–HITLER—- If we forget
    the past it will repeat itself.

  • LibertysSon

    While I understand and agree with Fr Martin's position on life issues, I have to respectfully disagree with his stand on gun control. I was also disappointed to see him call for a ban on so called "assault weapons". Those of us with military backgrounds understand that a semi automatic rifle is not an assault rifle.

    The AR 15 is a semi automatic ,223 caliber rifle. It is not a "machine gun". It is not an "assault rifle' as many Liberal pundits and politicians like to call it. It requires one trigger pull to discharge one shot like all semiautomatic rifles made since the beginning of the 20th century. Remington , Winchester, and Ruger all make rifles that operate in the same manner. Real military assault weapons can discharge 600 rounds a minute. Not so withe the AR15 since it is not an automaic weapon.

    The left likes to use the "assault weapon" term as a pejorative to demonize certain rifles and lobby for more gun control and restrictions on private firearms ownership. You should not align yourself with this the pro abortion, anti Catholic, anti Christian, pro gun control left on this issue.

    To quote Charlton Heston:

    "There are no good guns. There are no bad guns. Any gun in the hands of a bad man is a bad thing. Any gun in the hands of a decent person is no threat to anybody—-except bad people.

    Regards,
    Luke

    • Michael g.

      Take a look at the book: "Paul Revere's Ride." In this work you will find what was the cause or the spark that sets off the American revolution. It was the British Army going out to take the guns away from the population. History could repeat itself.

  • dcepa

    If one or two persons had had a gun in that theater, many lives could have been saved by stopping the gunman. Fr. Jim needs to check out Kennesaw, GA, and stick to non-political stuff.

    Historical Excerpts you can google:

    In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control. 1929 to 1953,
    about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were
    rounded up and exterminated.
    ————————–—-
    In
    1911,Turkey established gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million
    Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
    exterminated.
    ————————–—-
    Germany
    established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, a total of 13
    million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were
    rounded up and exterminated.
    ————————–—-
    China
    established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million
    political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up
    and exterminated
    ————————–—-
    Guatemala
    established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan
    Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
    exterminated.
    —- ————- ————-
    Uganda
    established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000
    Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
    exterminated.
    ————————–—-
    Cambodia
    established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million
    educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and
    exterminated.
    ————————–—
    Defenseless people
    rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun
    control: 56 million.

    • mallen11

      Outstanding information now why can't gun control people see this and stop their rantings about gun control? It must be that they want to exterminate millions of American citizens as well. Vote against -0 by supporting Romney even if you have to hold you nose to vote for him — I am.

      • UF Gator

        I won't have to "hold my nose" to vote for Romney. That is a seed of "tolerance" Ms Allen. That part of you statement reeks. Consider:

        "The notion of a Christian commonwealth should be exploded forever… Government should protect every man in thinking and speaking freely, and see that one does not abuse another. The liberty I contend for is more than toleration. The very idea of toleration is despicable; it supposes that some have a pre-eminence above the rest to grant indulgence, whereas all should be equally free, Jews, Turks, Pagans and Christians." – A Chronicle of His Time in Virginia, Pastor John Leland, Baptist, [Thomas Jefferson's Pastor during his term as third President of the United States.]

        accessed 07242012
        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Leland_(Baptist)

    • http://www.facebook.com/therealpcallen Patrick Allen

      But without our gun laws, the thing in Aurora, and Va Tech, and many others, may not have happened, because these killers bought their guns easily and legally.

      • Bagui

        Patrick, our gun laws are already in place, short of confiscation, and criminals buy guns prohibited by the government. Russia has gun laws in place, but gangsters buy guns & bombs without restraint through the illegal market. The Russian Mafia, Chechen, and Dagestian guerrillas can buy surplus Russian weapons with a wink and a shake. Of all suppliers, one is a Russian ex-pat, and another is Saudi Arabian, who sell to anybody.
        Even AG Eric Holder reinstated arms trade with drug cartels, in much higher volume, and like Stalin, is blaming his underlings and partner agencies as sources. The gun dealers in those border states were threatened with license revocation, if they did not cooperate. The cover-up from the Federal government stinks to high heaven, so that our President invoked executive privilege to protect his appointee Eric Holder. We are seeing a President whose mentor Frank Marshall Davis worshiped Soviet methods when other Communists in American went moderate, whatever that means.

  • Cathy

    Yes, but what is your stance on gun control? Our Constitution guarantees access to guns for a reason- the Founding Fathers knew we needed the ability to defend ourselves and our families. If that is your belief, then I think you have grasped the religious aspect of guns. You are charged with protecting your family and neighbors, as yourself. You can't do that effectively armed only with a broom or kind words. Guns protect many more people than they kill, and people are the real killers.

  • john q public

    The author needs to re-think his positions. There are lots of people who want to die, particularly those with terrible diseases like bone cancer which leave them in constant terrible pain. However,
    only in a few places (Oregon?) can you get help dieing. I also believe that capital punishment is
    good because we as a society can't afford to support worthless killers for the rest of their lives at $80,000 per year.

  • DWoodPC

    ",, that God gave us the intelligence to bring about lasting change…." means more then this author understands. There are so many "buts" in this article I hardly know where to start.

  • Jeanette Victoria

    Jesus never said
    that individuals have no right to defend themselves. Even less did
    he say they should not defend their feebler brothers when such are
    in danger. A person might decide to offer no resistance to aggression
    if he risks only his own life, but he can’t shirk the moral duty
    to help others

    • http://www.facebook.com/therealpcallen Patrick Allen

      "But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also" – Jesus

      • Jeanette Victoria

        Context is your friend the meaning is clear we are not to return one outrage for another. It says nothing about self defense.

        Resist not evil – Or, the evil person. So, I am fully persuaded, τω
        πονηρω ought to be translated. Our Lord's meaning is, "Do not repel one
        outrage by another." He that does so makes himself precisely what the
        other is, a wicked person.
        Turn to him the other also – That is,
        rather than avenge thyself, be ready to suffer patiently a repetition of
        the same injury. But these exhortations belong to those principally who
        are persecuted for righteousness' sake. Let such leave the judgment of
        their cause to Him for whose sake they suffer. The Jews always thought
        that every outrage should be resented; and thus the spirit of hatred and
        strife was fostered.~Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

      • petroskhan

        Mr. Allen, what exactly is your point, or stand, on this issue? As a nation, we are faced with crime, with criminals having neither morals nor regard for human life. Criminals by definition do not obey the law.

        The solution of those on the left is to attempt to outlaw guns. Logic dictates that only the law-abiding obey the law. Criminals will not. So, the end result of gun restrictions is that you disarm the largely law-abiding population, to their detriment. Such laws force them to become defenseless against those who do not, and will not, obey the law.

        If you were a criminal, would you prefer your victim armed or unarmed? That's the question at the very root of the issue, because being unarmed in a crisis, confronted by an armed criminal, is the situation in which all too many find themselves, due to the whining and fear-mongering of the short-sighted.

  • Cecil

    Zionica! Your support of this article is unconscionable! Are you serious? EVERY point this Fr. whoever makes, promoting gun control is based on idiotic assumptions! Who does the catholic churches fight against on abortion?….the PEOPLE who are doing the abortions! Rightly so! And on the gun issue…..they are wanting laws against the guns? THAT is stupid! That would be like making laws against the ABORTION TOOLS, that the abortionist use! CAN YOU SEE THAT??? Abortionist's tools do not perform abortions….abortionists do! You don't see the Catholic church trying to get laws passed, banning forceps and etc.!! So why is this Fr. Whomever losing his common sense??!

  • Seawolf

    From what is presented here, you can not tell if he is for or against stricter guns laws, but he is for them if you read the article. The problem is that guns were prohibited in the theater and therefor many died. The "law" did not stop the murderer from bringing guns into the theater. In an earlier shooting at a church in the same city only one died due to the quick action by a member of the congregation who shot the shooter. Compare that to 12 dead so far and many injured. Restricting guns for law abiding citizens does not save lives, it costs lives. So, to follow his logic of preserving life, you should make guns easier to obtain for law abiding citizens and the PENALTY for use of guns in crimes much stiffer and the prisons a lot harsher. If you want to find the real culprits in these murders, you should look to the ACLU and the liberals who forced God out of our schools. The commandment, Thou Shalt Not Murder and the eternal accountability to God for an individual's actions is a great constraint to this type of action. We did not have these before the Supreme Court forced schools to follow the humanist view that there is no God and man is just long term product of primordial ooze with no moral or ethical responsibility. Amoral men are the culprit not the guns. If he could not get the guns, maybe he would have used fire bombs and brought down the whole theater. Sad that the theater forced the law abiding citizens to be defenseless against this murder.

  • mallen11

    The wording in the second amendment says "the right of the people to KEEP and BEAR (to carry) arms, shall NOT be infringed. George Mason, one of the writers of the Second Amendment said at the Virginia Convention to ratify the Constitution in 1788: "I ask sir, what is the militia? It is the WHOLE people. To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them."
    It might surprise some people to discover that our Savior was a proponent of self-defense:
    Luke 11:21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own homestead, his possessions are undisturbed.
    Luke 22:36 Then said he unto them … he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
    NOTE: Jesus did not tell His disciples to register their swords with the government.
    Matthew 24:43 …if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into.
    Jesus commanded His disciples to purchase weapons:

    • http://www.facebook.com/therealpcallen Patrick Allen

      Luke 11:21 " strong man-meaning Satan." – JFB. "
      The strong one armed – The devil" – Wesley. "
      Christ is not citing a general illustration, but is pointing to a specific enemy – Satan" – Vincent

    • http://www.facebook.com/therealpcallen Patrick Allen

      Luke 22:36 "
      These words of Christ are not to be understood literally, that he would have his disciples furnish themselves with swords at any rate, since he would never have said, as he afterwards does, that two were sufficient; which could not be enough for eleven men; or have forbid Peter the use of one, as he did in a very little time after this" – John Gill

      • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

        Only one of the 4-Books said Peter. There wasn't time for Jesus Disciples to go get what they had and sell it that NIGHT and go and Buy Swords before He was taken. You are making a New God and New Christ for yourself. God and Christ are Never Changing. Maybe you should read all the Book and see that God said He could Love whomever He wanted and Hate whomever He wanted. And see how God through Christ destroyed Cities because of the Sin of a Nation, Destroyed Nations because of the Sin of One Man.
        God through Christ made the Law(s) that would have allowed the woman caught in Adultery to be Stoned to Death. Jesus would have done nothing if it hadn't been for the bunch Testing Him. I mean there were People put on Crosses daily, and Jesus passed on by doing nothing. There were people being Beaten, Stoned to Death, etc., and Jesus did nothing, He passed on by them. Also where did Jesus Disciples go after He was taken-? They went scared to death to a room, remember-? You not only need to read from the "I" in the Beginning to the "N" in Amen at the end of the Book, but you need to ask God for some Understanding of what you read. ,, God Bless, Jimmie

  • D. Fayette

    The Obama administration is attacking religious freedom and imposing mandates without regard to the Constitution. The founding fathers knew that power corrupts we see that happening at an ever increasing rate since the 2008 elections. Cars kill, knifes kill, bombs kill if you use the logic of James Martin. The right to bear arms and to have a well regulated militia, was not in the Constitution for the purpose of recreation or personal safety, it was there to provide a defense against a runaway government. The Federal Government wouldn't be so keen on forcing States to comply with unconstitutional laws, those that control activity outside the enumerated powers specified in the Constitution, if each State had a "well regulated militia". The National Guard has been compromised as to it's allegiance because of its dependence on the Federal Government.

    • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

      Kenya Obama and his wife are extensions of the Right Arm of the Devil and his ways. People and mainly Christians need to read and understand ROMANS 1:16-32, taking very good notice on what the last half of Verse 32 says. Not only those who do such things are worthy of Death (Hell), but also those who approve of, uphold, Support are Defend those who do such things, are also worthy of Death (Hell).
      To vote for someone like Obama who is by Proxy, Actions and Statements, etc. is a Baby Murdering (Abortions) and Homosexual Same Sex Supporting (making no difference if it is your own son are daughter, as I had a daughter that was once that way who I went fully against as being a Christian) is by God, himself being one and the same.
      Jesus taught that there was no difference between a Lair and a Thief, a Murder and Homosexual it can be said, etc. There is only one way and that is God's Way. Excuses never reach God's ear as God turns His Face and Gives a Deaf Ear to the Righteous (Christian) who is Sinning. We are Watchmen and Women, EZEKEL 3:17-21, etc. ,, God Bless

  • Wordman

    It's very simple people: We wish to protect the life for the innocent and take away life from the guilty. The unborn are innocent. Therefore we are against abortion. Murders and those who seek to murder are guilty. Therefore we support capital punishment and gun rights of the law abiding. Simple.

  • Chev James

    The Jesuit who authored the article is trying to make the case for gun control, but he fails. He is also a member of the most authoritarian organization on earth–the Roman Catholic Church. Protestants, on the other hand, do not believe that any one living man speaks for God. If the anti-gun factions get their way and somehow manage to severely restrict the ownership of certain weapons, e.g., semiautomatic rifles, I can assure you that civil war will follow. And this civil war will make the last one look like a walk in the park. It won't be the North against the South; it will be the common people against the so-called "elites" who wrecked the economy before calling for massive gun control. It rather follows that the "elites" would want the common people disarmed; the "elites" already control the political process–they want to prevent any successful uprising that would tilt power toward the common people. But as the rich get richer and more and more jobs go overseas, we will reach a tipping point in which the common people will say "Enough!" and will finally get the government to listen to them at the point of a gun, since they don't have the money for bribing our legislators as the "elite" does. Too bad the elites couldn't get guns banned before they wrecked teh economy; now they are nervously looking over their shoulder, wondering when the Occupy Wall Street Movement will give way to full insurrection and the breaking of the upper 1 percent's strangehold on the nation.

  • UF Gator

    I like this quote from an earlier post … I think it says it all:

    Great Quote, bill1776! I also like your name with the 1776… maybe that will prompt some memories for folks about where we are. I hope you don't mind if I quote you: Here is what bill1776 said:

    "What is the goal of the ACLU? Roger Baldwin founder of the ACLU at the responsible age of 50 wrote "I am for socialism, disarmament, and ultimately for abolishing the State itself as an instrument for violence and compulsion. I seek the social ownership of property, the abolition of the properties class and sole control of those who produce wealth. Communism is the goal."

    They want to change America into an atheist communist nation."and of course" The Supreme Court said a religion need not be based on a belief in the existence of a supreme being. In the 1961 case of Torcaso v. Watkins, the court described "secular humanism" as a religion. Ref. Washington Legal Foundation." ~bill1776

    • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

      Former Gov. Mike Huckabee spoke about a former mas murder and his whole concept was from his studying and beliefs in "secular humanism" and People and Life having no value, because he said he was both God and the Devil, etc. This junk is what is being taught in our Schools and Colleges all over this sick and perverted Country. ,, God Bless

  • D. Fayette

    Had the folks going to see the movie that glamorized violence for entertainment had the moral fortitude to not go…they would not have been there to be shot. Perhaps the author should also focus on the morality of citizens supporting those that create such violent films.

    • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

      Again, amen

  • http://www.facebook.com/therealpcallen Patrick Allen

    It's good that law abiding citizens have guns, this way we're able to kill threateningly evil people like Trayvon Martin, whereas that whole situation just couldn't have been settled without guns.

    • Bagui

      Another intolerant response from the Left is pointing to the Trayvon Martin case, when flash mobs use fists to overpower one victim at a time, and the only media outlets covering those attacks are those "racist" and actually, transparent sites like The Blaze, or Russian News, of all places, who report on the hypocritical American media, Liberals, & politicians/Democrats.
      Case in point, the retaliation attacks for Trayvon Martin ("justice for Trayvon" comments), and the 300+ flash mob that trashed a Jacksonville Wal-Mart (a hint of things to come/anarchy).
      Patrick, you need to lighten up, like my former Liberal friends used to say, with their bigotry in place for any Conservatives, or even God-fearing citizens (oh,no!!) Liberals have their share of Chicken Little warmongers. They wear hatred on their sleeves, hoping for the day when mass graves will hold anyone who differs in opinion with their Comrades.

      • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

        Amen

    • petroskhan

      Umm…Zimmerman's been found guilty of what, exactly? You're not judging the man before all the facts are in, are you? That would be so intolerant of you…

      And while a gun was used in Trayvon Martin's unfortunate death, please remember that over 2 million times per year, according to the FBI, a gun is used to defend life, property and family.

      Demonize the criminal, not the tool he uses.

  • Xman3

    I saw a posting: The second amendment ensures the first. About says it all. . . . . . . That is why those Progressives, Democrats, Socialists, Marxis, Commies and the rest of the radical pact who want to take away the Freedom of American Citizens want to outlaw guns, or register them so the Government can shortly take them away.
    In 2012, don't believe
    the media. If one votes for a Democrat (or Rino) at any level of Government -
    Federal, State or Local, that person may be an idiot.

    Vote for the most Constitutional, Conservative,
    Christian and Candidate with the most American Values in all elections.

    • Bagui

      Let's divide the vote, when Ron Paul has no statistical advantage against either Romney or Obama, and a write-in candidate will capture up to 10% of the vote. Sometimes, a nicer bully will ensure the rights of Americans, and Romney gets enough jeers, and log-blow attacks from politicians and so-called media pundits, enough to where I can feel confident we can flush out the madness of the Left. All they have "Left" is to use the vote-counting Spanish company, that is owned by George Soros. Note how Rangel's district in New York has not finished count of his opponent's votes at close to 50%, and the opponent has essentially given up. Is that the kind of candidate you want to vote for…even Romney has enough will to fight this mess.

  • http://www.facebook.com/therealpcallen Patrick Allen

    Matthew 5:39 – just one of many verses Evangelicals subjugate to the Constitution, their supreme religious authority.

    • Bagui

      You're empty like "clouds without water", so be productive Patrick, and see the moral outrage that holds defenseless people in slavery, without the chance to protect themselves. Now that people are arming themselves, Obama has to arm drones over our cities to equalize what he sees are threats from the general militia of the population. If crime or illegals were the real issue, it would focus on the highest crime cities by districts, or the border areas where the highest crossovers of illegals is too obvious. Let's not offend anybody that will vote.

  • Jim L.

    Sorry, but you're making the same mistake many liberals make when you call for "limiting access" to guns. The reality is that guns exist. Criminals and those who suddenly have an urge to kill as many as possible will always have access to guns. I once learned of a Chinese group that took a container of AK-47s off a ship and brought it to an inner city neighborhood where these weapons were sold to gang-bangers, some as young as 12. And you've also forgotten that the founders, in their great wisdom, wanted the people to be armed with the same weapons the government has, so that we can defend ourselves from our own government, if need be. So yes, the people should have so-called "assault weapons." I recommend you get a bit more political wisdom before writing more articles about a subject of which you are woefully ignorant.

  • Vladimir

    The author ends his article with, "… I am for stricter gun-control laws that will protect lives, not end
    them." He never once said WHAT law will do this or HOW that law will accomplish it.
    The movie theater restricted guns and 12 lives where ended. The gunman chose a venue that afforded him unfettered ability to end as many lives as he could. Had the movie theater allowed guns especially concealed guns, the gunman, being a coward, would either have been deterred entirely or gone to a place where law abiding folks are prohibited from protecting themselves.
    This author is just another rationally challenged liberal unable to fully think through a problem.

  • Jim Scrobko

    If James Martin, SJ,
    could guarantee that gun control would take guns out of the hands of criminals
    I would support it. But if that can't be guaranteed, It would not be rational
    to disarm the law-abiding and make them defenseless against armed criminals. Is
    it just coincidence that the preponderance of communities with the strictest
    gun control laws also have the highest crime rates?
    “When a strong man, fully armed, guards
    his own house, his possessions are safe. 22 But when someone stronger attacks and
    overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up
    his plunder”. Luke 11:21-22
    Jim Scrobko

  • Randy131

    James Martin S.J., a good Christian, I doubt it. Against capital punishment, then how does one reconcile himself to the Bible's book of Numbers: Ch.35 Vs.16-21, not a Law made up by Moses to regulate the people in his care, but a Law by GOD the Father who instructed Moses to tell the people, and explained how they were to obey it. Guns today are the means to deliver death or defend oneself, just as swords were when Jesus was teaching His Apostles, yet Jesus allowed Peter to carry a sword. One of the greatest gifts GOD gave to Man and the Angels, was a 'Free Will', to choose and be judged by that choice. Like Adam and Eve in the 'Garden of Eden', who disobeyed GOD and ate of the 'Tree of Knowledge', their original sin was not the disobedience, for that was their choice given and allowed by GOD, but the reason for that choice was 'Mankinds Original Sin', which was 'Envy' of the power of GOD, which Satan, as the Serpent, promised they would obtain if they partake in the fruit of that tree. I've been told by many that 'Sex' was the original sin, or by a Priest that 'Pride' was original sin, guess the Priest didn't understand that 'Pride' was the original sin of the 'Fallen Angels', who followed Lucifer when he refused GOD's will for them to serve mankind, but instead declared that he was greater than man, and man should serve him instead, and was punished for that 'Pride', not the refusal to serve, and is the reason the 'Fallen Angel', now called Satan, hates all mankind. But apparently James Martin S.J. demands that our gift of 'Free Will' be taken from us, like the Muslims are hell bent on doing in converting all people to Islam, even though Jesus allowed it with His Apostles and Deciples, as shown by Peter's possession of a sword. Also government taking from one person to give to another is not GOD's plan, for GOD tells us we are our brothers keepers, not our government, and many use the excuse of not helping the needed because the government takes their money and is suppose to do that with it, instead of them having to do it. All through the New Testament, the Apostles, while spreading the Gospel, made sure they earned their own keep and made sure all about them reckonized that fact, and a lesson missed or misunderstood by James Martin S.J. Healthcare is an individual responsibility, and is best done by protecting GOD's temple, one's body in which He inserted a soul, and if one needs help to do that, GOD did not give our government that responsibility, but gave it to each individual to use his 'Free Will' and make the decission to help or not, not to have a government take from one and give to another, especially what has not been earned or voluntarily given, which taxes are not, and if you don't believe that, try not paying them and find out the truth, for they'll come and take them from you, or take your freedom by putting you in jail. A true Christian follows GOD's precepts in the Bible and uses his 'Free Will' to choose what he will be judged on, whether defending himself with a gun or giving to the needy what is his to give, and not demanding the government does it for him.

  • Mys77

    To protect ones own life is a basic instinct…. how one does that is every person right. Perhaps if only women had guns…. we would see less assaults on women…. but then again…. if someone wants to kill you they will find a way….I support peoples right to own a gun…. and for those who don't want one… that is your personal decision. I just wish for every person who randomly thinks they can shoot at will and not think anyone will shoot back….wouldn't it be fitting and just to have the right to shoot back????

  • al

    I think Jesus' words to turn the other cheek, etc, were meant to teach the love of God. We are to be a witness for Him. However, this has its time and place, where it has its redemptive value. That offender can walk away with a new conviction, because one turned the other cheek. However, where someone is causing a massacre of lives, I believe the higher application of love would be to kill the one to save the many. It is logical (and God gave us minds to be logical and think). I think the author is following Jesus' letter of the law, and violating the spirit of the law. We live in a world with guns (Jesus' time no guns); we need to be able to meet hate with love, and be able to apply that love by saving many over one: With a crazed armed killer(s) we can only do this if evenly matched. We are not in paradise yet.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/David-B-Severy/557985964 David B Severy

    We cry out that our freedoms are being taken from us. And three things complicate the matter: 1) My sins 2) Our sins 3) satan's sins.

    If we get back to the study of God's word and prayer, to fasting and seeking God's face (his attention), AND TRUST HIM, and turn away from our own lawlessnesses, we will have peace in the storms here now and those coming.

    If we do this and repent of sin, God may stop spanking us so hard. If we look at Romans 13, we find that the law officer and military are the Ministers of God for our good and they bear the sword to punish the evil doers.

    Let us pray not that we should get the gun we think we need to walk the streets in our city or town, and not that the gun we have be taken away, but let us pray the Jesus will send the gospel again in word AND POWER.

    No one really pays much attention to the church where it is involved in sin and scandal. But if some in her will repent and believe, will heal and deliver in Jesus name and in Jesus ability, if the reputation of Jesus can be cleansed in the Public's eye, and we churched sinners are the dirty reputation Jesus is blamed with, if we can do what faith says do and stop doing what faith cannot abide , then God may yet come to the rescue of us, of his church(es) in the USA. If not, if the church will not stop sinning, we will all likely see more guns and more crime that is more people harming each other AND LESS CHURCHES.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjH3ZMUks1o&feature=player_embedded

    • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

      Amen brother. We don't need more Churches of Men built, we need more People attending those already built and are Preaching the Truth about God and His Word and Ways. Everyone who is on the only thing God is and His and Christ's Love for everyone, needs to read the Whole Book and Read and Understand what Jesus said in the 15th Chapter of JOHN like verses 1-11, etc.
      Seems people even claiming to be Christians, are into dirty talking Movies, watching those TV Shows with and Programs like Ellen who promote Homosexuality as being Good instead of Evil and against God and His Word. Like one of the Songs I wrote a while back says, "Lord help me to walk, the talk that I'm talking. Please help me to be, an example of You." Jesus was about about winning Souls, not making excuses and helping Souls go to Hell. ,, God Bless, Jimmie

  • http://www.facebook.com/robert.burns.5817 Robert Burns

    States that have concealed carry laws have less gun violence. It doesn't take a very smart person to understand why this is. Maybe that's why many don't get it who are giving their opinion here.

  • http://www.facebook.com/richard.r.tryon Richard R. Tryon

    We all should recognize that it was God that made our Universe possible and therefore our conception and life able to happen and be everlastingly thankful. But it is our soul that is conditioned on Earth and who knows how many other places in God's Universe before it has matured and qualified to be in Heaven where all souls from life on Earth are able to enter when qualified. Not by quota, but by just being completely ready, no matter how many Eons it takes! Keep this in mind when seeking truth and recognize that none of us needs or deserves Divine intervention except as we are able to call upon the power of the Spirit. We may give credit to God for helping us, and of course be it the Spirit, or God the Father, or Son, as Christians tend to be most likely to comprehend, it matters little to God. He knows that he designed our Soul as the marker of our unique genetic code in his perhaps experiment to see what infinite variations can produce through eternity.That code is in our soul-cell that leaves our body when no longer bound to it.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

    I disagree with your ideas on Gun Control. I find all through the Bible where God and His Son taught different than you about Weapons. Even LUKE 22:35-36 which Jesus spoke maybe an hour are so before He was taken that NIGHT in that Garden.
    Common Sense tells us Jesus spoke of His Disciples taking all they had and sell it to purchase Swords (Weapons) to Protect themselves after He was no longer here on Earth.
    It was late at night, so where could have Jesus Disciples gone to find someone who would buy whatever they had to sell-? Where would they have gone then to buy Swords at that time of a Night-?
    Half of those Disciples were Fishermen by Daily Trade and "ALL" Fishermen carry Knives, be they small Knives are large Knives on their side, are I guess back then it may have been a Sword. Anyway, those with Jesus had 2-Swords they carried with them and while they were out Ministering with Jesus and going into the Temples. So owning Weapons for Protection and Protecting yourself and Family from those doing Evil IS NOT WRONG, but GOOD According to God's Word and Christ Himself.
    If you come to do me are mine are even someone else Harm out of being Evil, I WILL unload every-thing I have on you and then throw it at you. But if you come to do me are mine are anyone else Harm because we are Christians, then have at us and do whatever. ,, God Bless, Chaplain Jimmie King

  • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

    What if that Devil Craved man would have not had any Guns, but used only PVC Pipe are Steel Pipe Weapons costing a Few Dollars when he entered that Movie in Colorado-? What if he would have had a few Black Power Pipe Bombs with Secure Short Fuses and through them in different places in the Movie House are up in the air over the crowd-? What if it was a small Home Made Flame Thrower with a Backpac as Fuel Carrier-? What if that man would have had a short PVC Pipe Potato Gun and Camper's Gel-Fuel with a Fuse to shoot at the Crowd. That spreading Hot Burning Gel-Fuel all over a lot of people and seats, etc. causing a Big Fire and a lot of smoke-? We have seen what has happened in places where there were a lot of people when a Fire Broke-out. Besides, there would NOT have been a Loud BANG with a Potato Gun, just a THUD most people would maybe not have even noticed and may have believed the pieces of Flying and sticking to you Flames they were seeing had some-thing to do with the Movie Effects, but then it would have been to late. That man could have then started lighting and throwing Pipe Bombs into the crowd while people were screaming and scrambling towards the exit doors. So there were many things that could have been done which may have cost many more Lives and Injuries than was caused by GUNS that night. It is so hard to see things like that senseless Shooting at that Movie House, in our Schools and even the Many Church Shooting that have gone on over the years here in America. We are use to seeing those things happening to others in other Countries as we pass by our TV News on our way out the door going to a Ball Game, Movie are Shopping. Remember a couple years back where a Devil went into a Church with a Gun to Shoot the Church-up and Kill People. There was an ARMED with a Gun Female working Security who shot and killed that man before he could cut loose on the crowd in that Church Building. What if a few are all the People in the FIRST one are two Rows were Trained and Armed. They would have drawn their GUNS and started shooting at that man in which only his chest was protected by Armor (Vest) and even then, the People's Bullets would have maybe knocked that man down, and for sure knocked the wind out of him and hurt him bad through his Bullet Proof Vest. I believe TRAINNED Armed People such as those really Trained with Conceal Carry Permits would have stopped that man and many Lives would have been spared and far fewer Injured People would have came out of that Movie. One thing we know and History Proves, even in Countries where the People are fighting against the Country's Armies and Fire Power. What it proves is that you can't STOP a determined Person are a Sick Mind from doing what they have in their heads and hearts to do at all costs. GUNS have NOTHING to do with the answer are STOPPING such People. The Phyical Man is far different than the Spiritual Man, and the Spiritual Man is what is Evil and Wicked. The Bible tells us People WILL become Lovers of SELF more than God, –and People Hearts WILL Wax Cold. We are seeing this more and more daily, that is People loving SELF far more than Loving are others, and their is no Feelings for others left in them. This Country is in BAD Spiritual Shape. We have been calling Evil Good and Good Evil way to long, and now it is catching up with all of us. ,, God Bless, Jimmie

  • Evermyrtle

    I am not a political person,or a religious person, but I am a dedicated Christian and will do all I can to promote Christian rights. GOD gives us the rights to protect ourselves and to protect our families. Guns are not mentioned since there was no guns when the Bible was written, therefor guns were not mentioned. In Bible times they did as we do now, they used what was available and were pretty much matched, with others with whatever they had to protect themselves.

    JESUS was not necessarily kind. HE spoke the truth always and if it was not liked or received HE moved on. HE did not allow people's opinions stop HIM from speaking the truth. Something like being"politically correct, HE did not let that stop HIM.

    • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

      Amen

  • Sneed

    The single most religious issue in my mind related to guns is that the only authority over us it that of our creator. Guns insist that this remains so.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

    Former Gov. Mike Huckabee said it like it is about the Colo. Shooting by using what another Mas Murder had said. It come down to SIN and not GUNS. I am both for and against the Death Penalty. I'm against it because of the Innocent who are put to Death as with some who were Innocent and pulled over 60-yrs. in a State Pen before finding out they were Innocent.
    I am for the Death Penalty because God, Christ the Maker of the Laws God the Father Made Through Christ was for the Death Penalty. I believe in forgiveness, but you still have to pay for what you do in this Life and then will come the Judgment when you leave this world.
    Those People who kill and show no remorse and/or brag about what they have done. They need a Trial, have time to try and get right with God and be forgiven, then put them down and their Souls in the Lord's Hands for their eternal Judgment.
    I just read where this past Deer Hunting Season in just 4-of the Eastern States, well over 1-Million, almost 2-Million Hunters were all out hunting in the Woods all over those States. Not one person was Shoot are Killed by Guns, Bows are Knives. No, not one person with that many Locked and Loaded Guns out there. Common Sense does not control Guns, Bows and Knives, People do, good are evil in Heat and Mind. ,, God Bless, oldgrapeape

  • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

    If People would be lining-up to get into God's House where they was hearing the Real Gospel and Truth being taught, like People do for Ball Games and Movies, etc. This Country and World would be a far better place than it is now, with things going to get worse by the day as we see daily.
    As with most every-thing, with this Shooting, People let their Emotions take over and run crazy. Research the FBI Stats and other Stats out there. I feel just as saddened about passing an Auto Accident where someone has been Killed as I do viewing the almost 3,000 who were Killed in this Twin Towers. I feel just as saddened and feel sorry for the family and friends of one of my neighbors dying. Isn't it amazing how we over look that as we do all those dying in other Countries when we pass by our TV to shut it off as we are heading out the door to go eat out, go to a Ball Game, Movie are Shopping. We may see all those Dead laying around, Bombed out Homes and Crying Families, and we may says, "those poor souls" as we shut off the Tube are Computer (of course not Cell Phones) and go on about our own business and pleasures, etc. But when it is in our own Yard, Block, it becomes so great of a thing and our Emotions go crazy. ,, God Bless

  • darrelljr

    God said if a man does not have a sword, then let him go sell his cloak and buy one- to defend his life and liberty which was given him by his God.

    • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

      Amen, LUKE 22:35-36

  • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

    It is because of there being over 50-Millions Guns owned by Civilians that America stays free from Foreign Countries. Again I find it amazing how People against GUNS and Death Penalty were over come with Joy when Bin Laden was Captured and held a little over 23-Minutes and then was Shot in the Head and Chest (Murdered without a Trial) by our Seal Team. These people say "well he deserved to die, he was behind almost 3,000 People being Killed." Numbers has nothing to do with anything but Emotions. Buy the Book, are go on YouTube and watch the Harbinger and see what it all meant with 9-11. Read ISAIAH Chapter 9 verses 8-20 and see how we reacted with 9-11 as Israel did in ISAIAH, Make sure you pay close attention to verses 19-20. ,, God Bless

  • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

    Go look at the many a many of cases on YouTube and see how many times Citizens with Concealed Guns Shot Armed Bad Guys, thereby Saving Lives of the Innocent who were in those places. Walmart use to be a Gun Free Zone until a few times when a Citizen carrying a Gun saved someone(s) life in Walmart are their Parking Lots.
    Once a Walmart employee was being stabbed over and over by her Husband are boyfriend in Walmart. Walmart was a Gun Free Zone at that time, yet a 70-some year old man had his Gun on him and could stop the man with the knife, so he shot and killed him saving the woman employee's Life. Walmart no longer was a Gun Free Zone after that.
    The Liberal Media does not show these things because they for the most part are ignorantly against Guns. Frontsight is running some of these Life Saving Armed Citizens are over and over taking down are running off Bad Guys armed with Knives and/or Guns. http://www.ignatius-piazza-front-sight.com/2012/07/24/front-sight-blog-sane-americans-arent-buying-the-anti-gun-bs/
    How about the Lady and her Mother who went out for Lunch one day and her Mother sitting beside her was shot and Killed by an Armed Gunman. The lady had a Concealed Carry Permit, but she had left her Handgun in her car locked-up instead of having it on her person (I and my wife do that sometimes ourselves-?, being stupid). The lady said she had a number of open windows to take that Gunman out if she would have had her Gun with her. But instead, that Gunman got upset about some-thing and started shooting people, her Mother was one who was shot and killed and the Gunman got away.
    It is like a Speeder thinking he will not be caught are a person who believes they will never be in an accident. Most People like at that Movie are in School, at Work, in the Twin Towers are even in Church believe it will never happen to them are theirs. But it does are chances are it will happen and then it is to late. But the TRUTH is not what is wanted in most cases are in most People's Emotional Lives. ,, God Bless

  • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

    I'm almost 68-years old, I was raised in Church and heard the Scriptures from my Mother day and night until my Dad died in 1957. We were a very poor Welfare Family and my mom had to go to work as a Waitress and Fry Cook in a Greasy Spoon cafe. My dad had a Heart twice the size of normal, and stayed very sick. My Mom took in Washings and Ironings and walk with a wagon to pick them up and then deliver them.
    My younger brother and I were left at Home and Mom had to work double shifts most of the time to pay our rent and fed us. So of course I started running the Streets and got in with the wrong crowd who used me because of my age. Grab and run on Beer Trucks, Liquor Stores, and once being forced into breaking into a Gas Station to see if there was any cash, etc. I stole my first Gun from one of my sisters at age 13 are 14 and became a Punk in Trouble all the time until I came back to the Lord in 1882. I have carried a Gun most of my Life, even when I more are less lived in Bars and Night Clubs and ran with some Big Bad named People according to Law Enforcement and the FBI. But even being in Fights while having a Gun on my person, I have never pulled a Gun on anyone ever, it was always for my own and my Family are whoever else Protection. Even though I have been cut once and shot at a number of times as the proof shows.
    When I was 20-years old in Edmond, Okla. I did get into a Fight and took a 22-cal. Rifle away from a guys after he had pulled the trigger on me and it didn't go off. I thumped his head good and also one of his buddies who jumped on my back. Later that night, these same two guys with a number of their friends stopped us on a side street and we got out because they were wanting in our car to get after me. They had there car with it;s bright lights shinning on us when I got out of our car. Then one of them yelled for the guys I had whipped and took the Rifle away from. He came with the light behind him and smacked me with a Big pair of 18-inch Channel Locks up beside my head. I again did a fast number of whipping him and was on top of him when someone kicked me in the side of the head rolling me off of him. They were yelling :lets get them all," so I made it fast few steps to our car and grabbed that Rifle because that bunch then was out for real Blood, including the Blood of my friends. I fired 3 or 4 shots in the air and they all ran and jumped into their cars and took off. The Law was called on me and I was arrested and got beat-up by the Chief of Police and 4-of his Officers hold me after he had knocked me out of a chair by surprise. So happens I was born there and the Mother of the boy with the Gun was good friends of the Chief's and other Officers.
    It is not the GUN(s), it is the person with a Gun are Knife are Channel Locks, etc. who is bent on hurting and are destroying someone. .. God Bless, Chaplain Jimmie

  • http://www.facebook.com/merlin.wood1 Merlin Wood

    the 2nd amendment allows us to defend good people from the trash, but the first reason for the 2nd amendment is to allow us to defend ourselves from an out of control government

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/RQSXJIXIII53M6WBYPBPI5I5HI A

    To the writer of this piece – you evidently need a course in the Bible to shore up your "Religion." Start with the Book of Numbers, Chapter 35, verses 16 through 31. This is part of the Law brought down the Mountain by Moses. It clearly sets forth the policy of capital punishment for murderers.

  • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

    Kenya Obama and his wife are extensions of the Right Arm of the Devil and his ways. People and mainly Christians need to read and understand ROMANS 1:16-32, taking very good notice on what the last half of Verse 32 says. Not only those who do such things are worthy of Death (Hell), but also those who approve of, uphold, Support are Defend those who do such things, are also worthy of Death (Hell).
    To vote for someone like Obama who is by Proxy, Actions and Statements, etc. is a Baby Murdering (Abortions) and Homosexual Same Sex Supporting (making no difference if it is your own son are daughter, as I had a daughter that was once that way who I went fully against as being a Christian) is by God, himself being one and the same.
    Jesus taught that there was no difference between a Lair and a Thief, a Murder and Homosexual it can be said, etc. There is only one way and that is God's Way. Excuses never reach God's ear as God turns His Face and Gives a Deaf Ear to the Righteous (Christian) who is Sinning. We are Watchmen and Women, EZEKEL 3:17-21, etc. Some People even Claiming to be Christians are on their way to Hell. It is our Duty to try and stop them even if we have to yell it from the roof tops. We are not Judging, they are Judged and judging themselves by God's Word. ,, God Bless

  • Winston

    The socialist author leaves much room to criticize his ignorance of the U.S. Constitutional 2nd Amendment graning each citizen the right to bear arms. Perhaps he should also read the Bible for a change to see what Jesus said about "beating plowshares into swords"….in todays vernacular that transcribes over to be "guns" for self defense, hunting, etc.. I'm sick to death of these hypocrites trying to play god when they are so self-absorbed putting themselves above the whole populace and our rights. It also lends some understanding why when I served in the Military that the homosexuals we were aware of were largely "chaplain assistants".

  • DWoodPC

    I think youve gotten our attention Tod, do you want to give us details of what you are talking about?

  • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

    I guess it won't let me poast any longer are some-thing. Anyway, it was great and God Bless all of you, Jimmie

  • http://www.facebook.com/jimmie.king.127 Jimmie King

    A post from 17-minutes ago is still going, but has never gone-up on this Board-? Nothing bad in it, so I wonder why when we all know that the TRUTH we set us free. ,, God Bless

  • Amishron

    People who are in favor of gun control & wanting more laws restricting gun rights in the light of what happened in Colo. are having a knee jerk reaction based upon their emotions & not facts. The fact is that owning a gun & carrying a gun wherever we go is a God given right. What happened in Colo. happened because the theater had a no gun policy. If someone else would have had a gun, the outcome would have been a lot better.

  • Evermyrtle

    I cannot understand why people cannot understand a gun is perfectly innocent, Guns don't kill, people kill through the hate that consumes them, a gun is the handiest thing that he can use. Get rid of the hate in the hearts of mankind and guns will never kill anyone.

    Teach people how to use guns. That should be taught to children at a relative early age as well as the respect of guns

    If a person is determined to kill someone he will do that one way or another.

  • TL Fifer

    To the above author, You may be a religious man, but you have not studied scripture or at least the Old Testament. First God demands that people who commit murder to be put to death. The reason he commands this is that he see human life as sacred and anyone who kills an innocent person forfeits his/hers right to live. In re guards to gun control, the ancient Hebrews carried weapons of war on most all the time. Even Abramham had weapons. It was the fathers' responsibility to teach their sons how to use such weapons. There isn't anywhere in the Bible where it says that you can't defend yourself when some is actively tring to kill. Those who quote Matthew "turn the other check" don't understand what this group of scripture is all about.

  • Paul

    Just because you believe this is a religious issue does not necessarily mean that it is. A moral issue maybe, such as the moral obligation to defend one’s family from harm. Standing aside while their lives are threatened believing that only God has the right to take a life? Not a stance I would wish to take.

  • http://www.facebook.com/timothy.delrusso Timothy DelRusso

    How many lives would have been saved by one sane armed person in that theater using his gun to defend the unarmed peaceful people in that theater that were being assaulted by this nut or clearly evil person? We would applaud the policeman who found need to shoot him and thus save lives – wouldn't we? Why not encourage sane people to help in this kind of defense?

    THAT would be the most pro-life thing any one could do. Nuts and evil people bent on evil against others in society too often benefit from sane and good people not being armed, ready and willing to help in righteous defense of the innocents. People should get a gun, take courses, get permits to carry and be ready to help and even be deputized.

    Good Samaritan-type laws for the immunity or legal protection of properly licensed non-police gun owners / carriers using a firearm in defense of others that are being threatened with imminent loss of life or injury by another person with a weapon – especially a gun – should exist in all states.

    The defense of the unarmed being assaulted by evil is completely consistent with scripture and is thoroughly Pro-life. Read the whole bible – especially the entire New Testament (KJV) and not just cherry-picked verses from Sermon on the Mount theology that will be in effect when Christ actually returns to rule in his kingdom on earth.

  • http://www.facebook.com/kamaut.longbabilon Kamaut Longbabilon

    " the agonizing decisions surrounding euthanasia," interesting for a Christian to say that, because Euthenasia is actually murder, no matter whether one does it to oneself, or someone else by consent. Further, euthanasia in unnecessary, once we get away from Western Doctors toxic and poisonous "Medicines" and engage in using what Our Creator gave us – Herbs. After all, God is the Master Planner and Creator, and knows every cell, every atom of a cell, every quark of an atom, inside out and how to make even them more efficient if He wished. So, why do "Christians" rely on toxins? – the answer has to be because they really don't Believe God very much at all. That is borne out by the beliefs they DO keep, which are defective according to scripture. So what they hold as beliefs are superstitions, false ideologies and outright Lies! – No wonder The Christ got angry at the hypocrites of His day on Earth! Now we have even more hypocrites who refuse to teach The Truth, and only mention a few little bits of Jesus' Teachings, and leave out the ESSENTIALS! – Read what Kamaut Longbabilon has to say on FB… nothing new, but he borrows the best bits of the real teachings of Yeshua from others, and presents it with links if you want them. But all in all, If we cannot follow what God designed, then we can expect to make our own "Curses" (Ex 20, 2nd Law) as a result of "Hating" God, or Disrespecting Him, Disobeying Him, or outright Insulting Him! Think deeply about this! – Euthenasia, Abortion, Homosexuality etc, are products or "Curses" as a result of intentional SIN! Gun control sound good, but can lead a nation to slavery once a bad Government is entrenched… I ask: Do you want slavery or death?

    • UF Gator

      You have stated, "why do "Christians" rely on toxins?" I say, "No, it is not "Christians" who rely on toxins, it is the uneducated in the use of natural products who rely on toxins." You have targeted Christians and Westerners before in similar ways. If you are desirable of doing business out in the world, it is advantageous to understand and respect the internal laws of those regions where you wish to do business. In the case of the United States of America, I advise you begin with understanding the U. S. Constitution. Thank you for your comment.

  • Don

    Another blubbering liberal. There is no sanctity for a criminal to grab some women and destroy that woman for life because he uses force to get what he wants. There are basic rules for human behavior and when violated it becomes a needed thing to dispatch by law or self defense those who have no reguard for anyone but themselves. They the Criminal, not WE the non criminal, force these events upon themselves by their total lack of civility and lack of morality. Ask Joe Stalin, Mao, and Hitler what they thought of the sanctity of human life after killing 400 million between the 3 of them. Blubbering Idiot without thought basted in Liberal hogwash wrote this crap and come to think of it, being a Liberal, those 3 I mentioned were all on the left like you.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_YRJJ7XYJIMFYUTJ5KXUFR3ZEFE Ken Kirkham

    I'm not sure what is more frightening…a mass shooting by a sick person or the mind numbing prattle and twisted logic of gun control people. I will protect myself, my family and those near me. I will use whatever tools are available to do that effectively. Guns are a tool, nothing more and nothing less. I am not paranoid as I have not reason to be so. I do know that there are bad people who do bad things and I will stand between them and those who I love. I carry a gun, I will continue to carry a gun and nearly every person attending our church carries a gun…openly, proudly and without concern for the noisy sheep who cry out for gun control and are more afraid of the sheepdog than the wolf as they ask the wolf to help them disarm the sheepdogs. Why do you sheep trust the wolf more than the sheepdog?

  • SirWilhelm

    One of the big problems with the Bible is translation. Most Christians, and Jews, base their views of the sancitity of life on the Commandment which says, "Thou shalt not kill". There is evidence that it should say, "Thou shalt not murder". The difference would be, that murder, killing someone that is defenseless, is the crime, while killing, such as in war, is justified, if you're on the right side. Since Jehovah was directly involved in several wars, not necessarily on the side of the Jews, when he decided they need punished by a neighboring power, it would appear killing is ok, with Him. On the other hand, He punished Cain for murdering Abel, setting the precedent, for the Commandment, which appears to be mistranslated. Since men have forged weapons since the beginning of civilization, the real issue has never been about the weapons, it has always been about when, where, and on whom, they can be used, without fear of punishment, in the afterlife. Obviously, the use of weapons always has consequences in life, whenever they are used, for right, or wrong.

    • Xman3

      I saw a posting: " The second amendment ensures the first." About says it all. . . . . . . That is why those Progressives, Democrats, Socialists, Marxis, Commies and the rest of the radical pact who want to take away the Freedom of American Citizens want to outlaw guns, or register them so the Government can shortly take them away.

      In 2012, don't believe the media. If one votes for a Democrat (or Rino) at any level of Government – Federal, State or Local, that person may be an idiot.
      Vote for the most Constitutional, Conservative, Christian and Candidate with the most American Values in all elections.

      • SirWilhelm

        All the media is now controlled by Obama. Even Fox News has sold out, while trying to maintain the illusion it is still, "Fair and Balanced". Vote the best way you can, while praying that the election will still matter, if there is an election. Don't be surprised if this administration stays in power by any means it finds necessary.

    • BobJohnson321

      As George Carlin once said, religion has never really had a big problem with murder.

    • http://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.dixon.509 Jeffrey Dixon

      Then why are these verses accepted as good examples of morality in the bible? These are acts of murder.

      Kill People Who Don't Listen to Priests
      Anyone arrogant enough to reject the verdict of the judge or of the priest who represents the LORD your God must be put to death. Such evil must be purged from Israel. (Deuteronomy 17:12 NLT)

      Kill Witches
      You should not let a sorceress live. (Exodus 22:17 NAB)

      Kill Homosexuals
      "If a man lies with a male as with a women, both of them shall be put to death for their abominable deed; they have forfeited their lives." (Leviticus 20:13 NAB)

      Kill Fortunetellers
      A man or a woman who acts as a medium or fortuneteller shall be put to death by stoning; they have no one but themselves to blame for their death. (Leviticus 20:27 NAB)

      Death for Hitting Dad
      Whoever strikes his father or mother shall be put to death. (Exodus 21:15 NAB)

      Death for Cursing Parents
      1) If one curses his father or mother, his lamp will go out at the coming of darkness. (Proverbs 20:20 NAB)
      2) All who curse their father or mother must be put to death. They are guilty of a capital offense. (Leviticus 20:9 NLT)

      Death for Adultery
      If a man commits adultery with another man's wife, both the man and the woman must be put to death. (Leviticus 20:10 NLT)

      Death for Fornication
      A priest's daughter who loses her honor by committing fornication and thereby dishonors her father also, shall be burned to death. (Leviticus 21:9 NAB)

      Kill Nonbelievers
      They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul; and everyone who would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. (2 Chronicles 15:12-13 NAB)

      Kill False Prophets
      If a man still prophesies, his parents, father and mother, shall say to him, "You shall not live, because you have spoken a lie in the name of the Lord." When he prophesies, his parents, father and mother, shall thrust him through. (Zechariah 13:3 NAB)

      Kill the Entire Town if One Person Worships Another God
      Suppose you hear in one of the towns the LORD your God is giving you that some worthless rabble among you have led their fellow citizens astray by encouraging them to worship foreign gods. In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully. If you find it is true and can prove that such a detestable act has occurred among you, you must attack that town and completely destroy all its inhabitants, as well as all the livestock. Then you must pile all the plunder in the middle of the street and burn it. Put the entire town to the torch as a burnt offering to the LORD your God. That town must remain a ruin forever; it may never be rebuilt. Keep none of the plunder that has been set apart for destruction. Then the LORD will turn from his fierce anger and be merciful to you. He will have compassion on you and make you a great nation, just as he solemnly promised your ancestors. "The LORD your God will be merciful only if you obey him and keep all the commands I am giving you today, doing what is pleasing to him." (Deuteronomy 13:13-19 NLT)

      Kill Women Who Are Not Virgins On Their Wedding Night
      But if this charge is true (that she wasn't a virgin on her wedding night), and evidence of the girls virginity is not found, they shall bring the girl to the entrance of her fathers house and there her townsman shall stone her to death, because she committed a crime against Israel by her unchasteness in her father's house. Thus shall you purge the evil from your midst. (Deuteronomy 22:20-21 NAB)

      Kill Followers of Other Religions.
      1) If your own full brother, or your son or daughter, or your beloved wife, or you intimate friend, entices you secretly to serve other gods, whom you and your fathers have not known, gods of any other nations, near at hand or far away, from one end of the earth to the other: do not yield to him or listen to him, nor look with pity upon him, to spare or shield him, but kill him. Your hand shall be the first raised to slay him; the rest of the people shall join in with you. You shall stone him to death, because he sought to lead you astray from the Lord, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery. And all Israel, hearing of this, shall fear and never do such evil as this in your midst. (Deuteronomy 13:7-12 NAB)

      2) Suppose a man or woman among you, in one of your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, has done evil in the sight of the LORD your God and has violated the covenant by serving other gods or by worshiping the sun, the moon, or any of the forces of heaven, which I have strictly forbidden. When you hear about it, investigate the matter thoroughly. If it is true that this detestable thing has been done in Israel, then that man or woman must be taken to the gates of the town and stoned to death. (Deuteronomy 17:2-5 NLT)

      Death for Blasphemy
      One day a man who had an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father got into a fight with one of the Israelite men. During the fight, this son of an Israelite woman blasphemed the LORD's name. So the man was brought to Moses for judgment. His mother's name was Shelomith. She was the daughter of Dibri of the tribe of Dan. They put the man in custody until the LORD's will in the matter should become clear. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Take the blasphemer outside the camp, and tell all those who heard him to lay their hands on his head. Then let the entire community stone him to death. Say to the people of Israel: Those who blaspheme God will suffer the consequences of their guilt and be punished. Anyone who blasphemes the LORD's name must be stoned to death by the whole community of Israel. Any Israelite or foreigner among you who blasphemes the LORD's name will surely die. (Leviticus 24:10-16 NLT)

      • SirWilhelm

        If you really want to know, Jeffrey Dixon, I believe the God of the Bible, was a flesh and blood entity that passed himself off as a god by using advan ced technology. He was one of many gods, that tried to use religion as a civilizing, and controlling, influence, with humans that had not experienced civilization before. Humans turned out to be difficult to control, and punishments tended to be harsh, as a result. The gods left Earth, sometime around the time of Alexander the Great, and humans have filled the leadership roles in both religion and government. Are we more, or less, civilized, today? And what role does religion play, either way?

        In a message dated 7/27/2012 10:25:26 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, notifications@disqus.net writes:

        (http://disqus.com/)

        Jeffrey Dixon wrote, in response to SirWilhelm:
        Then why are these verses accepted as good examples of morality in the bible? These are acts of murder.

        Kill People Who Don't Listen to Priests
        Anyone arrogant enough to reject the verdict of the judge or of the priest who represents the LORD your God must be put to death. Such evil must be purged from Israel. (Deuteronomy 17:12 NLT)

        Kill Witches
        You should not let a sorceress live. (Exodus 22:17 NAB)

        Kill Homosexuals
        "If a man lies with a male as with a women, both of them shall be put to death for their abominable deed; they have forfeited their lives." (Leviticus 20:13 NAB)

        Kill Fortunetellers
        A man or a woman who acts as a medium or fortuneteller shall be put to death by stoning; they have no one but themselves to blame for their death. (Leviticus 20:27 NAB)

        Death for Hitting Dad
        Whoever strikes his father or mother shall be put to death. (Exodus 21:15 NAB)

        Death for Cursing Parents
        1) If one curses his father or mother, his lamp will go out at the coming of darkness. (Proverbs 20:20 NAB)
        2) All who curse their father or mother must be put to death. They are guilty of a capital offense. (Leviticus 20:9 NLT)

        Death for Adultery
        If a man commits adultery with another man's wife, both the man and the woman must be put to death. (Leviticus 20:10 NLT)

        Death for Fornication
        A priest's daughter who loses her honor by committing fornication and thereby dishonors her father also, shall be burned to death. (Leviticus 21:9 NAB)

        Kill Nonbelievers
        They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul; and everyone who would not seek the Lord, the God of Israel, was to be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. (2 Chronicles 15:12-13 NAB)

        Kill False Prophets
        If a man still prophesies, his parents, father and mother, shall say to him, "You shall not live, because you have spoken a lie in the name of the Lord." When he prophesies, his parents, father and mother, shall thrust him through. (Zechariah 13:3 NAB)

        Kill the Entire Town if One Person Worships Another God
        Suppose you hear in one of the towns the LORD your God is giving you that some worthless rabble among you have led their fellow citizens astray by encouraging them to worship foreign gods. In such cases, you must examine the facts carefully. If you find it is true and can prove that such a detestable act has occurred among you, you must attack that town and completely destroy all its inhabitants, as well as all the livestock. Then you must pile all the plunder in the middle of the street and burn it. Put the entire town to the torch as a burnt offering to the LORD your God. That town must remain a ruin forever; it may never be rebuilt. Keep none of the plunder that has been set apart for destruction. Then the LORD will turn from his fierce anger and be merciful to you. He will have compassion on you and make you a great nation, just as he solemnly promised your ancestors. "The LORD your God will be merciful only if you obey him and keep all the commands I am giving you today, doing what is pleasing to him." (Deuteronomy 13:13-19 NLT)
        Kill Women Who Are Not Virgins On Their Wedding Night
        But if this charge is true (that she wasn't a virgin on her wedding night), and evidence of the girls virginity is not found, they shall bring the girl to the entrance of her fathers house and there her townsman shall stone her to death, because she committed a crime against Israel by her unchasteness in her father's house. Thus shall you purge the evil from your midst. (Deuteronomy 22:20-21 NAB)

        Kill Followers of Other Religions.
        1) If your own full brother, or your son or daughter, or your beloved wife, or you intimate friend, entices you secretly to serve other gods, whom you and your fathers have not known, gods of any other nations, near at hand or far away, from one end of the earth to the other: do not yield to him or listen to him, nor look with pity upon him, to spare or shield him, but kill him. Your hand shall be the first raised to slay him; the rest of the people shall join in with you. You shall stone him to death, because he sought to lead you astray from the Lord, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that place of slavery. And all Israel, hearing of this, shall fear and never do such evil as this in your midst. (Deuteronomy 13:7-12 NAB)

        2) Suppose a man or woman among you, in one of your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, has done evil in the sight of the LORD your God and has violated the covenant by serving other gods or by worshiping the sun, the moon, or any of the forces of heaven, which I have strictly forbidden. When you hear about it, investigate the matter thoroughly. If it is true that this detestable thing has been done in Israel, then that man or woman must be taken to the gates of the town and stoned to death. (Deuteronomy 17:2-5 NLT)

        Death for Blasphemy
        One day a man who had an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father got into a fight with one of the Israelite men. During the fight, this son of an Israelite woman blasphemed the LORD's name. So the man was brought to Moses for judgment. His mother's name was Shelomith. She was the daughter of Dibri of the tribe of Dan. They put the man in custody until the LORD's will in the matter should become clear. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Take the blasphemer outside the camp, and tell all those who heard him to lay their hands on his head. Then let the entire community stone him to death. Say to the people of Israel: Those who blaspheme God will suffer the consequences of their guilt and be punished. Anyone who blasphemes the LORD's name must be stoned to death by the whole community of Israel. Any Israelite or foreigner among you who blasphemes the LORD's name will surely die. (Leviticus 24:10-16 NLT)

        _User's website_ (http://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.dixon.509)
        _Link to comment_ (http://redirect.disqus.com/url?url=http://zionica.com/2012/07/24/why-gun-control-is-a-religious-issue/#comment-599708557:bEl_HrFDbqT y4m8K9llkSpnBsMw&imp=31a105f9-d8f5-4a64-ac86-cb24ad7cc01a&zone=notifications .clicks&forum=zionica&thread=778204884)

  • bigscottk

    Unfortunately it is beliefs & teachings like this that have eroded our constitutional rights & got us where we are today. The writer made the comment that he doubts we'll ever need the well regulated militia that the framers envisioned. How do you know?

    Let's take a worst case scenario here. Let's say Obama wins reelection, the liberals take control of both the House & Senate, NDAA is put into full efffect, Obama appoints one or two more ultra liberal judges to SCOTUS, & then through a combination of laws passed by Congress, presidential orders, & judicial activism by SCOTUS the following Amendments to the Constitution are made null & void. First the 2nd, then the 1st, then the 10th, then the 4th & 5th (read them if you don't know them by heart).

    Don't think it can happen? Think again! After 9/11 if someone would have told you that in only years we'd have a communist trained, Islamic sympathizer in the White House you would have called that person insane! Look at how many of our freedoms have been attacked & destroyed since Obama took office. Look at how much how much more power Obama has granted himself via presidential orders in the last year alone. Look at how much authority Homeland Security & the TSA, which many including myself believe to be unconstitutional, have to detain you without reason & perform warrant-less searches on anyone they choose including little old ladies!

    I'll go you one better. Our out of control government has now passed the SCOTUS test and is able to usurp both the 1st & 10th Amendments among others in mandating now that all employers are mandated (forced) to pay for abortifacients & abortions through a new "tax" commonly referred to Obamacare. SCOTUS has ruled now that the states do not have the right to regulate certain commences within their own borders & that someone must now pay for the killing of an innocent human regardless of their personal or spiritual beliefs. Now you have proof that our current government has no regard for the rules (the Constitution) by which were set by the people & which our government is to abide by.

    Yes, I dread the thought of a second civil war or the thought of having to use force to overthrow an unjust, ungodly, & unconstitutional government but that is the exact reason why our Founding Fathers gave us the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment is not there to insure we have the right to have firearms for hunting or sporting purposes. The Second Amendment is there to keep our government in check and to prevent and if necessary stop tyranny. Any restrictions on the Second Amendment is to open the door even wider to governmental tyranny.

    • UF Gator

      Thank you for your accurate assessment of the situation. Many want to brush it aside but I know that if I see and feel the weight of it, most people can, yet, only subtly acknowledged as though in denial. Undeterred, the president continues his illusionist act… where each act of disrespect has assured the adversary that Americans are ripe for the taking. May God bless America, home of the free and the brave.

    • UF Gator

      response to bigscottk rewrite: I just want to thank you for your accurate assessment of the situation. Though many in denial want to brush those realities aside, the executive branch, undeterred, continues an illusionist act, with which each act of disrespect, further assures our adversaries that America is ripe for the taking.

    • Randy131

      "The Second Amendment is not there to insure we have the right to have firearms for hunting or sporting purposes. The Second Amendment is there to keep our government in check and to prevent and if necessary stop tyranny." PRECISELY!!! The US Constitution's sole purpose is to protect the people of the USA from their own government, and provide it with the means, under it's mandates only, to form and run a government for the protection, from within and without, of the people of the USA. Not to steal from people to provide benefits and entitlements to others. By making the US Constitution irrelevent and violating it's purpose, you are destroying the USA and it's people, through decadence and usurpation of people's rights and freedoms, which will bring us all down through financial malfeasance, with the collapse of our currency, another Constitutional mandated authority that has been usurped. Knowing all this, smart people will buy more guns and store ammo, food, and water.

  • UF Gator

    Fort Hood report faults FBI for missteps in Hasan review, cites political correctness, Published July 19, 2012, FoxNews.com
    http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/07/19/fort-hood-report-recommends-many-changes-for-fbi-no-disciplinary-action/ accessed 072612

    A long-awaited report onthe Fort Hood shooting faults the FBI for numerous failures in the run-up to the massacre that left 13 dead, concluding that agents' assessment of Maj.Nidal Hasan was "belated, incomplete and rushed" — and suggesting political correctness played a role in the bureau's decision not to investigate him more thoroughly.
    The report, obtained by Fox News Thursday afternoon, includes 18 specific
    recommendations for changes at the FBI. However, it does not recommend any
    disciplinary action against employees at the bureau.
    The report found that the FBI "erred" in several respects — by
    failing to interview Hasan when concerns were raised about his contact with
    known terrorist Anwar al-Awlaki; by failing to search for more email contact
    between Hasan and Awlaki; and by waiting too long to pursue leads on Hasan.
    he FBI "erred in the process they followed to conclude that Hasan's
    communications with (Awlaki) were benign and acceptable," the report said.
    "Their assessment of Hasan was belated, incomplete and rushed, primarily
    because of their workload."
    The report, conducted by former FBI Director William Webster over the course of
    two years, concludes that despite "missteps," the problems at the FBI
    in the lead-up to the massacre do not constitute "misconduct" that
    would warrant disciplinary action. END OF QUOTE

    what's wrong with this picture: total steath

  • UF Gator

    Quotes from the TRANSOM.COM, today, 0726/12: The media is reporting that Obama called for more gun control steps in his remarks. I’m not sure he did – this seems to be pretty non-specific anti-gun language – but I wonder if Chicago approves of headlines like this? My bet is they don’t. http://vlt.tc/e01 “President Obama said his administration has already made progress (though gun control definitely hasn't been a priority), saying, “The background checks conducted on those looking to purchase firearms are now more thorough and more complete." However, he said, that isn't enough, and he blamed Congress for dragging its feet. Obama was most specific on two points. After the requisite declaration of support for Second Amendment rights, Obama said: I also believe that a lot of gun owners would agree that an AK-47 belongs in the hands of soldiers, not in the hands of criminals. That they belong on the battlefield of war, not on the streets of our cities. He went on to say that "a mentally unbalanced individual should not be able to get his hands on a gun so easily," adding that these measures, "shouldn't be controversial, they should be common sense.” Video here. http://vlt.tc/e03 END OF QUOTE

    • Randy131

      'Obama said: I also believe that a lot of gun owners would agree that an AK-47 belongs in the hands of soldiers, not in the hands of criminals.' I fervently do not agree, and I own many guns. By putting a ban on AK-47s, you only assure they will not be in the hands of law abiding citizens, who only wish to protect themselves, for the government has 'NEVER' been able to prevent criminals from getting any gun they desire, and we have laws banning criminals from possessing any type of gun, but have not stop criminals from getting whatever gun want. Laws banning anything only work through those who will voluntarily comply, for look at 'Prohibition Laws', which didn't work either. It was reported on Lou Dobbs' show this morning that places across the USA that allow citizens to carry concealed weapons, crime is 22% less than places that do not allow citizens to carry concealed weapons, and murder rates are 30% less. You find these type of statistics between banning and allowing, citizens to carry weapons everywhere across the USA, for individual places that ban carrying a gun have become killing fields for the criminals and crazies. These are facts proven every time they investigate and correlate statistics, and statistics don't lie, but politicians certainly do.

      • UF Gator

        Randy: Thank you for your stance on the issue and for your reminding us of the critical points.

        • Randy131

          Thank you for your comments below on important issues, and keep trying to educate people, for it is direly needed. Also 'GO GATORS', for I've been a huge Gator fan since high school, when I watched Steve Spurrier win the Heisman Trophy, even though I didn't attend UF, but instead gave 4 years in the USMC. Good luck and may GOD bless you and yours.

          • UF Gator

            Awesome, sir. Thank you for your service to our exceptional country and for your support of a great university. UF Chemistry '93! Spurrier, inspirational man to say the least, was coach during my undergrad work there!

  • Evermyrtle

    our guns of today, replace swords in the Bible. There are many scriptures in the Bible promoting our defending ourselves

  • SilverHairedSaint

    By your logic then we should go back to walking.
    There are more people killed every year in vehicular crashes than by gunshot wounds. In fact only a day or two after the nut job in Colorado killed 12 people in the theatre, where much worse violence is portrayed in IMAX for all to "enjoy" (and he was well armed), 14 people were killed in a one vehicle crash in Texas. Where is the outcry for the elimination of transportation by vehicle.
    I 'm sure there must have been many who have died riding on horses, in buggies, on bicycles, etc. over the years, but there is no outcry to eliminate them and return to the ever reliable feet on the ground transportation with which we were created.
    How about when an airliner crashes and hundreds die in an instant, do we then eliminate flight as a mode of transportation–no we don't for the same reason we should forget about the ridiculous issue of gun control–common sense.
    The best thing we could do as a society would be to go back to training, at young ages, proper weapons safety and use. "Train a child up in the way he should go…" An educated and armed citizenry would make for a much safer nation in every regard. It would assure protection from the evil individuals who would do us harm as well as any would be tyrants who try to steal away our rights by force of arms.

  • partyless1

    Besides what most will correctly disagree with you about your non-Biblical stance on firearms, is your use of the word kill. One of the most misstated commandments is THOU SHALT NOT MURDER, that frequently is incorrectly stated as KILL instead of MURDER. The Bible supports capital punishment as that would fall under kill (just as what soldiers, police officers, those defending themselves, etc. are sometimes called to do). There are many reasons for this if one takes the time to study the Bible and put it in context with history, that includes nations that murdered children as part of their culture and belief in false gods.

    Far too many individuals promote non-Biblical stances based upon the incorrect usage of KILL instead of MURDER, leading to an incorrect application of God's Laws and false teachings such as claiming that the Bible aligns with Gun Control.

  • bill1776

    The killer was allowed to kill so many people in the theater because the theater had rules that no guns were allowed in the theater. Guns were banded and only the outlaw had guns so he could shoot anyone he choose at random.

  • G. Tallman

    Well crap. It's not a religious issue whatsoever. It's a power issue. Specifically, the power to resist the tyranny of government. Read the constitution and an early American history book would you?