Saturday, January 24, 2004

It's official, holy writ declares without qualification that "Churches are dedicated for the worship of God and as havens from the cares and concerns of the world." I know fairly well that many vehemently disagree with me on this point, although I very much agree with the spirit of this edict, I do not agree with this situation on the doctrine of "bad guys will always have their guns, good guys always feel the need to comply with laws."

An outright declaration of position, especially a position abridging a freedom, brings without fail challenge of that abridgment, whether in a court of law or defiance through civil disobedience (or otherwise). What else will this position and registration with the BCI bring about? Perhaps some uninformed and ignorant people will feel a wave of warmth and false security, but such positions are an invitation defy law, whether by a few law abiding citizens concerned by such explicit and public positioning or by the criminally insane and unstable.

Before this declaration, many concealed carriers took the council of church leaders and refrained from carrying in LDS churches. Others simply let their faith guide them, carrying on occasion, and leaving at home when ambivalent on this very personal subject.

The leaders of the LDS church may well have revelation beyond what they have made public, the Creator might have told them that firearms are inappropriate inside LDS houses or worship and that God will protect and keep those places free of danger, abuse and other assorted cares of the world. In such case I would feel better, but there is no such indication in their official declaration. There is, although infrequent, a sad record of the "cares of the world" entering those very special places.

Perhaps people who carry concealed posses a certain amount of paranoia and a desire to protect themselves, loved ones and community from evil intent, but that in my estimation is a freedom I do not want abridged in this society fraught with uncertainty.

I don't know. Chalk one more up for those who would take shelter in warm baths of false-security.

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