I will admit, I am not a religious person. That having been said, I grew up Catholic and have the highest respect for people of all faiths who find solace in spending some time of contemplation of their place in the universe.
For many, Church is just that. A chance to join with a community, bond as friends and wish each other well. One of my favorite traditions of a catholic mass remains the handshakes and hugs that accompanied "Peace Be Upon You" as old friends and family members reminded each other how much they love each other and their community.
I had not imagined a way to make it much better.. but apparently, the Arkansas State Legislature has nailed it. Nothing says "Love of God" and "Peace" like bringing some guns into church.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/...
LITTLE ROCK, Ark (Reuters) - The Arkansas House of Representatives approved a bill on Monday to allow concealed-carry permit holders to take their weapons into churches, and it is expected to be signed into law by the state's governor.
I am not sure what to make of this. There are several thoughts that come into my head.
Is it out of fear? Do you go to a church where you are worried about the pastor, alter boys/girls, lectors or congregation deciding they need to go on a killing spree?
Do you believe that the highlight of your life would be killing a person in church, in a scene worthy of Tarantino?
And maybe it's scary, but I can't find a single incident of a church being robbed at gunpoint during Sunday service.
Hell, it's so verbotten that even the cast of the Wire talks about it. (Note, NSFW content)
And what weapon do you take to mass or church service? We always had to wear our Sunday best. Nice slacks and shirt or a suit. Do you shine up your gun before hand? Should it be on your hip holster?
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The Church Protection Act would allow individual places of worship to decide whether to allow concealed handguns and who could carry them. The Republican-controlled House passed the bill 85-8 with bipartisan support. The measure previously passed the Republican-controlled Senate 28-4.
Arkansas joins a handful of other states, including South Carolina, Wyoming and Louisiana, that allow guns in churches, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Gun control and gun rights issues have dominated the public conversation since a gunman shot dead 20 children and six adults at an elementary school December 14 in Newtown, Connecticut.
Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe, a Democrat, was expected to sign the bill into law. His spokesman, Matt DeCample, said that Beebe "wants to continue the discussion with lawmakers and church leaders this session."
But the sick part of this is that a Democratic Governor is prepared to sign in a law allowing guns into churches. Let's talk about the real impact of this.. and that is intimidation.
When people feel potentially intimidated to worship in the church of their choosing you wipe away that peaceful message of a community and you pull in the fear and doubt. You put people on edge. A peaceful hug of a long lost friend is a bit worrisome with their hip holster digging into your side.
Don't like the message of the sermon that week, why, nothing says I love the lord to the pastor while complaining about your dislike of "The Meek Will Inherit the Earth" going overboard then a firearm as you talk to him about your bitterness over a sermon.
Too bad. As a kid, I grew up where we shared hugs, handshakes. After mass, we'd share donuts and a breakfast provided for all the community that helped those in need.
That was the kind of church I remember. Needing a gun when you're surrounded by friends and loved ones never came into the picture.
Sad that in Arkansas, the state I was born, it apparently is now.