Monday, July 23, 2012

The Aftermath of the Aurora, Colorado Shooting

Now matter how much the media plays up this terrible event, it remains exactly that -- a terrible event.

I cannot believe that some pundits actually claim that there is an epidemic of gun violence in this country.

That is patently untrue, and enforcing stricter gun laws will not undo the tragic element of this fallen world.

I was talking with one man a few days ago, who commented that in two different states, the same scenario of a lone gunman attacking a legislator occurred. In Texas, the outcry demanded that more citizens be permitted to carry firearms. In California, the growing demand for more gun-control erupted.

Guns are dangerous tools, when used improperly. The lone gunman in the Virginia Tech Massacre relied on  handguns, not assault weapons, yet he inflicted widespread harm.

Controlling the sale of weapons over the Internet would perhaps solve some of the problems associated with the disturbing trend of too much fire power accumulated by one person.

Yet the last thing that politicians or activists should do is enact a rash set of laws to prevent future violent events.

I believe that the better response is to permit qualified and well-rehearsed individuals to carry firearms. Freeing up a man's right to bear arms will only expand the freedom and safety of all.

Although some would find such a suggestion alarming, even out-right foolish, the alternative of taking away guns only prevents law-abiding citizens from arming themselves, while brilliant yet immoral criminals such as James Holmes will find more nebulous means of circumventing stricter gun laws.

Controlling the guns will not control the evil tendencies of men. The states and the federal government have the authority to require that individuals demonstrate consistent competence and skill in using a firearm, but severely limiting the sale of firearms will not prevent explosive, spontaneous acts of violence like the movie-house massacre on July 20 in Aurora, Colorado.

We live in a fallen world, one in which we cannot expect law enforcement to prevent every crime. This alarmism is a symptom of the more alarming sorrow -- that men and women do not trust in God the Father, who sent His Son to die for us, to live through us, and in whom we have all protection:

"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." (Isaiah 54: 17)

and

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.


"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

"Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence." (Psalm 91: 1-3)

Now, some may dispute attributing the promises of Psalm 91 for the believer, arguing that Psalm 91 is for the Messiah, Jesus Christ. However, God sees us as His own Son because of His great love for us:

"Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4: 17)

God gave us His own Son to save us from death, do you not believe that He can protect you from wicked men and their evil designs?










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