I am wondering what God must be thinking about church folks who already and who are considering strapping on guns as part of their Sunday best. I got to ruminating about this after reading a response today to news of Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal signing into law a bill that would allow parishioners with concealed-weapons permits to carry guns in churches.

The bill was signed last week and goes into affect Aug. 15. It makes Louisiana the seventh state to allow guns in houses of worships. In Louisiana’s case, guns are permissible as long as the pastor says it’s okay and permit holders take an additional eight hours of tactical training each year and serve as part of the church’s security force.  In some other places, people already make guns a standard church accessory.

I just cannot imagine going to a church where members are allowed to carry weapons in their purses, in the small of their backs or holstered to their sides. The thought of hugging someone during the passing of the peace at my church and accidentally feeling hard steel press back against me is unsettling. The peace that I seek in church would elude me.

Several years ago, a member who was in law enforcement caused a minor stir when he wore his service revolver to the church I attend. For me though I’m still not completely comfortable, that’s where I draw the line – police officers or other law enforcement persons coming to worship with their weapons but not as members of an armed church security force.

The impetus for the Louisiana bill and other gun-in-church legislation comes from the increasing number of church-related shootings that have occurred in recent years. I understand the fear and the need to feel protected. But still is this the correct response?

 Do we trust our guns more than we trust our God? Increasing so, I am afraid, across socio-economic, racial, ethnic and age groups in our society.  For growing numbers of people, and I know a few, guns are little gods. All powerful, and there to protect and to render judgment.

An opinion article published yesterday on Religion Dispatches sheds light on the dichotomy. Written by Welton Gaddy, it was entitled “Bobby Jindal Squares Packing Heat with Jesus” and asked the question, “How does one promote a new law that allows guns in church with the Prince of Peace?”

Gaddy, who pastors a church and heads a national interfaith alliance based in Monroe, LA., believes something is wrong with the increasing infusion of civic rhetoric with the language of faith.

“Why would civic leaders not want one of the last institutions devoted to peace-making to continue that important work in a society addicted and fascinated by guns?”

What must God be thinking about all the gun violence in our communities and our churches, and the response from church folks and government officials to it?

I’ve heard of instances in black churches where trustees have brought guns to church meetings  and once attended a church where a shooting had occurred following a meeting. That’s frightening enough. But as way of life for church-going, I cannot fathom knowing that along with toting their Bibles, my fellow members are packing their pistols.

Where is God in that?

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