Two thoughts tonight

1. Reading another article about the VT shooting, I ran across a very interesting quote. Turns out that one of the guns used in the shooting was bought online (www.thegunsource.com). When interviewed about the connection between his store and the shooting, manager Eric Thompson replied, "I just feel absolutely terrible that this tragedy even happened in the first place." How trite. Isn't it like the prostitute who apologies to her clients who confront her after contracting a STD? Or heck, like the tobacco farmer feeling sorry for smokers who suffer from lung cancer? When you peddle a dangerous good, sad consequences are to be expected, right? Which brings me to my point: guns are a dangerous good, and should be either heavily restricted or just outright banned (I know banishment would require either re-interpretation or appellation of the 2nd amendment, something not out of the question). Do guns ever bring safety? Seriously. Does gun ownership make one less likely to suffer?

Three points of thought: (1) If guns ownership was prohibited, I think that crimes involving guns would decline precipitously. You wouldn't be "protected", but the criminal would also be far less likely to have a gun. (2) Even if you do own a gun, if someone brandishes a gun during a criminal act against your person, you're not going to have time to go retrieve it. And if your aim is bad . . . (3) As Christians, what on earth would we want with a gun? Peter, one of the inner 3 of Jesus's circle, did carry a sword (interesting in its own right), but the only instance of his using it was rebuked by Jesus. Should we be more concerned with making peace than making war? (Note, I'm not saying be non-aggressive or passive; the previously-blogged question "what if an intruder threatens your home & family" deserves action, maybe a well-timed lunge or series of swift kicks. Again, see the point above about your spare time [maybe while said intruder goes to the bathroom] abilities to go and retrieve your firearm, should you have one).

Am I off here? What are your thoughts?

2. Overshadowed by events in Virginia, the past 2 days have been very deadly in Iraq. Over 200 people dead at the hands of extremists within Iraq. Seeing the images, like this one, makes my heart ache for Iraqis. If I haven't mentioned it before, I have a very strong compulsion to hug the first Iraqi man I meet. (Still waiting to meet someone from Iraq. Perhaps my closest chance was at the Climate Change conference in Istanbul. But alas, only Jordanians, Iranians, Palestinians, and Israelis. No Iraqis).


Earlier today, I was inspired by my friend Francine, who posted a copy of Psalm 11. I have included it below. May it be a reminder to you, as it was to me, of God's power in dark times and of his passion for justice.

For the director of music. Of David.

1 In the LORD I take refuge.
How then can you say to me:
"Flee like a bird to your mountain.

2 For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings
to shoot from the shadows
at the upright in heart.

3 When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?"

4 The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD is on his heavenly throne.
He observes the sons of men;
his eyes examine them.

5 The LORD examines the righteous,
but the wicked and those who love violence
his soul hates.

6 On the wicked he will rain
fiery coals and burning sulfur;
a scorching wind will be their lot.

7 For the LORD is righteous,
he loves justice;
upright men will see his face.