Why are you now taking up the issue of guns?<\/p>\n
Our perceived need for self-defense discounts the life of the person on the other side of the gun. I\u2019m really limiting my message to my fellow Christians, especially evangelicals. And we have a massive presence of lethal weapons in our Christian communities. I\u2019m aware of some pastors who now go into the pulpit armed and ready to use their weapons to defend their congregants. That sets up, in my mind, a disaster.<\/p>\n
What do you say to people who say they need a gun to protect themselves and their families?<\/p>\n
I like to ask people the last time they faced a mortal threat in their life. Most people can\u2019t think of one. Within our conservative ranks, there seems to be an almost rampant fearmongering that\u2019s used as a device to build audiences and readership. And I think it\u2019s contrary to the optimism of the Gospel.<\/p>\n