Posted on 10/02/2009 6:58:13 AM PDT by School of Rational Thought
DETROIT — The Rev. Lawrence Adams teaches his flock at the Westside Bible Church to turn the other cheek. Just in case, though, the 54-year-old retired police lieutenant also wears a handgun under his robe.
Adams is one of several Detroit clergymen who have taken to packing heat in the pulpit. They have committed their lives to a man who preached nonviolence and told followers to love their enemies. But they also say it's up to them to protect their parishioners in church.
"As a pastor, I'm referred to as a shepherd," Adams said. "Shepherds have the responsibility of watching over their flock. Do I want to hurt somebody? Absolutely not!"
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Black pastors are in a position to lead that white clergy do not.
An atypically fair article from AP. No mention that churches are often criminal enterprise zones by law.
A place like Detroit needs special Rules of Engagement.
Praise the Lord, and Pass the Ammunition.....
That large Amish population in Detroit certainly causes its share of problems, doesn’t it!
"It discourages the crazies from acts of violence if they see uniforms around, but I don't want everybody bringing guns," Meredith said. "My ultimate conviction is what does the word of God say and what would Jesus do? Can you in your wildest imagination ever see Jesus packing a .38? I can't imagine Peter and Paul carrying .45s."
And he calls himself a preacher, but has never read Luke 22:36. Or for that matter John 18:10.
They were carrying the equivalent since gunpowder was not yet in common use.
We will now read from Matthew, Mark, Luke...
... and DUCK.
After following Jesus for three years, Peter was still carrying a sword the night Jesus was arrested. You would think Peter would not still be “packing heat” after three years if the Lord had an objection to it.
Yeah, and a lot of people forget about that incident in the Temple with the whip. Some people love to pick and chose scripture.
Good point.
What's more Jesus (in Luke 22:36, if anyone has not yet read it), COMMANDS his followers to buy swords, even selling their outer garment to get the funds necessary to make the purchase.
Later Jesus rebukes Peter for drawing his sword (and cutting off Malchus' ear). Jesus told him to put it away. If Jesus needed protection, He didn't need to carry a sword personally or rely upon His followers, He could ask His Father to send a Legion or two Angels. But that was not His plan. It was necessary for the "Son of Man" to be crucified and be the atonement for sin. The swords were for those who would remain and to fullfil a prophesy, that Jesus would be numbered with transgressors. Were early Christians breaking the law being armed? Was there a black market in swords?
And in Luke 11:21, Christ (right after teaching his disciple's the Lord's Prayer) says, "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed."
The mealy-mouthed pseudo-Christians have to edit great chunks out of the Bible to get where they want to go.
>No mention that churches are often criminal enterprise zones by law.
What the... that makes no sense.
“Were early Christians breaking the law being armed? Was there a black market in swords?”
Apparently not, at that time. Furthermore, these were people living under Roman occupation. How often does a conquering force allow the vanquished to remain armed? Even more amazing, after Peter cut off a Roman’s ear, he is not arrested. A tolerent bunch, those Romans!
>”When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed.”
Good point.
IIRC Jesus reattached the ear immediately.
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