That was the headline - sort of - as it told of Rev. Lawrence Adams of the Westside Bible Church in Detroit wearing a pistol under his robe while he preaches. He is a retired police lieutenant. He isn't the only preacher in Detroit packing some heat in the pulpit. His claim is: "Shepherds have the responsibility of watching over their flock. Do I want to hurt somebody? Absolutely not!". It seems, however, that Adams surprised a burglar carrying out a bag of loot at the church Sunday evening, and after the man swung the bag at him, the preacher shot him in the stomach.
I have mulled this over and have the following observations: 1. I may be sitting too close to the front of the church. 2. It will get real interesting when our chief of police also becomes involved from his place in the choir. 3. I seriously doubt our pastor has ever fired a pistol. That could make it even more risky. 4. Preachers packing a weapon in the pulpit goes back to the 1800's in Texas.
These remarks are made in jest. There have been some tragic events in and around churches in recent years. The extremists in Iraq and Afganistan actually target mosques for their evil doings. No place is totally safe anymore. However, people of faith must continue to face the dangers, however small or large they may be, to worship and serve the Lord. Do I want a pistol-packin' pastor? No thanks, Scott. I prefer a pistol-packin' police chief or retired officer at the sound booth. Years ago there was a song..... I will change it just a little. "Lay that pistol down, man, lay that pistol down. Pistol packin' preacher, lay that pistol down! "
