Two Theologians and a Gun

In the aftermath of Virginia Tech it's natural that the gun control conversation should come to the fore once again. Tonight two of my regular theological reads are addressing the subject, albeit from two different perspectives.

First, there's John Stackhouse, in response to the question, "How could this happen?"

So here’s one simple answer: guns.

No, I’m not about to sound off about gun control. And no, I’m not saying that the individual wasn’t to blame, or that his parents aren’t to blame, or that society isn’t to blame, or that God isn’t to blame. All of those are valid sites for analysis and reflection.

Here I want to say something a little different, at least for a theologian, and I need to say so in two parts.

You can read on here.

Then Ben Witherington makes a damning and in my view obvious observation:

It is interesting to me that even most American Christians, when they discuss these things, discuss them in terms of their Constitutional rights to bear firearms. They don’t ask whether the New Testament might have anything to say about Christian conduct in this regard.

Read Ben's essay here. Food for thought.

Comments

[david]

Really looking for hate mail on this one, aren't you? Well, someone had to say it.

[david]

I just read through both articles, and then the 50-some comments on Ben's blog and am amazed by two things. 1. The general conversation was remarkbly kind, which is uncommon on such passionate issues, and 2. I am amazed how quickly arguments tend to move towards pragmatism. Essentially our best bet on these argmuments, should we disagree with what Jesus seems to be saying, is that "it just doesn't work" or "Jesus didn't know what He was talking about". More appeals to being good citizens of our country, preserving our lives, and honouring constitutions.

truly baffling that the gospel got so far from where it started. I have to go now, I hear Constantine calling me to pick up my sword...

sigh.

(kudos to the folks discussing this so kindly on Witherington's blog. You give me hope to despite our differences we might just be seeking the same things, the same One.)

[Wes Roberts]

...the title of your post sounds like a good title for a book. Just a suggestion from your olde friend...but...you need to plan to be doing a lot of writing on this next trip over. Make a story out of it...a novella...I know you can do it. No pressure...but...since being with you again...and hearing your brilliance, combined with your good heart, combined with what I experience our Triune God doing way down deep in you...hey!...there's a story, or three, in there, my friend. The world, even beyond your world, is waiting. Send me the drafts.

...waiting expectantly,

Wes

[david]

yeah. what he said.