That may be true, but he was still a soldier none the less. He wasn't a little boy who decided to pick up a sling shot and kill a giant one day like you read in the children's Bible stories.
Because I am a minister. I preach God's Word and that is my calling.
Even then, the odds of loosing your life to a criminal in your lifetime is less than 0.04% in the US. Does that really justify the need to carry a gun in public? I know there are other crimes to consider, but even then, most Americans do just fine without carrying a gun with them and a large majority of Americans don't even own a gun.
Same here. My ministry takes me to to one of the most dangerous places in the world for westerners, but I still don't see a need to arm myself. I have to trust that the military and local police will protect me in those regions. Some places I have an option if I want security provided which I always decline, but unfortunately in some places the local officials make it a requirement. In those cases I intentionally try to distance myself from the soldiers carrying weapons. With or without security though, the locals know how dangerous it is where they live and are always amazed to see an American walking into their villages. I often get asked if I am crazy, but that's always a good door opener for sharing the gospel and telling them who gives me the courage to visit them.
I grew up in rural NC, no farm life for me, but my father was a Marine and there were always guns in the house. I have owned guns since I was a teenager and joined the military right out of high school. Even today when I visit military camps doing ministry here in Mindanao I spend time on the range with the soldiers. I'm still a pretty good shot. Not sure what happened with that one round, but from 50 meters all the holes will fit inside a quarter.
I used to work for the NC Department of Corrections as a corrections officer. I have spent quite a bit of my time interacting with the type of people you described. I not only heard some pretty horrific stories, but witnessed quite a few unpleasant things while working there.
I myself was raised in a military family. Dad was a vietnam Vet and was a Marine.
These were the points in your post I was addressing:
You quoted me and and made the assumption that those who choose not to carry a gun have never had much experience with guns, crossed paths with evil people, or faced danger. The main point of my response to that was to show that others also have extensive experience in those things and despite this, many people still don't consider carrying a gun for self defense.
But what happens if you have to use it? Your secret will then be revealed to everyone.
I would much rather explain me having to shoot someone in self defense than I had go face to face with a hurting grieving mother and family asking why I didn't save her 6 year old baby and husband from a meth headed madman.
Yes I have heard that as well but the truth is that we all have free will.
Do you think those same church members would be willing to take a bullet for the brethren in an active shooter situation if they didn't have a gun? How many do you think would crouch down in fear behind the pews instead?
Im trying to keep up with you on the scriptures, but the truth is, I see a way to eternal life when reading the stories of David. I see spiritual event that have and must take place, not anything to justified my doing anything in the flesh.
So is this your point: "David carried a sling to protect sheep and kill goliath, Therefore, I should carry a gun to protect family and good people around me?" If this is the message you see in scripture, I say go for it, until you are able to see more.
I have no problems. Can we all sow our gardens without the pressure from others to have our gardens look like theirs? I dont like eggplant, but does that mean that I should tell you that you shouldn't plant them....or that you are wrong to plant them? Should I look at you in disgust and disbelief that you would plant them?
