Improved Clinch

Sacred Guns

The private ownership of guns is a decisive issue here in the U.S.A. At least for some individuals. David Yeagley is looking at this from a historic and religious perspective in a piece titled “Can A Christian Pull the Trigger?, Thoughts on Self-Defense."

My answer. Yes, they can.

A couple interesting historic notes from Yeagley’s piece.

"In 1619, the colony of Virginia had statutes that not only required everyone to attend church on Sunday, but “all such as bear arms shall bring their pieces, swords, powder and shot” or be subject to a three-shilling fine. That same statute was renewed in 1632, and again in 1738.

Connecticut law in 1636 declared that the militia leader of each settlement was required to have “two pounds of gunpowder and 20 bullets” in his home, and he was to inspect the other men’s arms for serviceability. A year later, 1637, a fine of five shillings was imposed on anyone failing to meet the law. In 1650 Connecticut required every man above the age of sixteen to possess “a good musket or other gun, fit for service."

Yeagley’s concluding statement.

"But take it from me, an Indian: turning your weapon over to someone else means only one thing—surrender. It has never meant anything else. It means you submit to a greater power.

So, is the American government greater than its people?"

The comment thread is interesting reading, also.

Posted by on 04/12 at 03:32 AM