Ben Witherington, New Testament professor at Asbury Seminary weighs in on the topic of guns and religions on his blog.I was surprised when a nationally known conservative megachurch pastor who appeared on Larry King Live a few years back actually claimed that Jesus taught that we as private citizens should have guns and use them when necessary.
Even if you are one that supports the right for private citizens to use guns for protection, Dr. Witherington correctly points out that this stance runs counter to the teachings of Jesus.
Any thoughts on this from the blogosphere?
3 comments:
Exodus 20:13 says it all - "Thou shalt not kill". My Bible does not have any conditions attached to that verse that says it is OK to kill under certain circumstances. Our society needs to start obeying The Ten Commandments!!!!! One day when we face our Lord, He is going to ask us "Have you obeyed my commandments?" How will some one answer this question knowing that God already knows what they have done during their lifetime?
I think if you get a Greek version of this translation it says "murder" not kill. Lots of explanation of "proper" killing in old testament,etc. day vs. night.
What about the night before the last supper? Luke 22:36 reads:
36 [Jesus] said to [the disciples], "But now the one who has a purse must take it, and likewise a bag; and the one who has no sword must sell his cloak and buy one." (New Revised Standard Version, NRSV)
Early 18th and 19th century Ohioans were fined for not having the appropriate firearms, powder and ball WHEN attending Church. If you notice since 1950 all (except one) mass murders were in areas declared gun free zones. Thus you have created a liability by bailment. Virginia Tech (38) has publically settled at $440,000 per student murdered under their charge with police present. More money was paid under the table.....
Ankh - The interpretation of Luke 22:36 is proplematic when seen in the context of a non-violent comment by Jesus, "no more of this" from the arrest/garden scene just a few verses later in this same gospel account.
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