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Christianity Today, February, 2008 |

Arming in the Aftermath

Shooting spree at two churches prompts pastors to rethink security plans.

Sarah Pulliam | posted 1/21/2008 09:23AM

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Wednesday's new stories on Colorado shootings | Media attention turns to gunman's internet postings and homeschooling as churches pray for healing. (December 12, 2007)

Tuesday's stories on the Colorado shootings | Developments: Shooter apparently posted diatribe, coroner rules death a suicide, churches discuss armed guards, families will unite. (December 11, 2007)

Security Guard Describes Shooting | "It was me, the gunman, and God," security guard says. (December 10, 2007)

Gunman's family asks for forgiveness as YWAM explains relationships | Murray "was briefly a student" at training center but did not complete program. (December 10, 2007)

Colorado shootings reflect big threats at big churches | Growth of megachurches has spawned an industry devoted to protecting and securing large congregations. (December 10, 2007)

Gunman "Hated Christians," Kicked out of YWAM | Man killed four at training center and megachurch. (December 10, 2007)

Reports Draw Connections Between Victims, Shooter | Sisters in New Life shooting were heavily involved with Youth With a Mission. (December 10, 2007)

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February 2008, Vol. 52, No. 2

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Mel	Posted: January 23, 2008 6:53 PM

Church leaders and Christian activists need to pray and shine some light on the dark, shadowy world of mass shootings. Most shooters have been on SSRI drugs (Paxil, Luvol, Zoloft, Prozac etc). Nazi death cults and government mind research/control programs also figure prominently in the lives of these tortured souls. Beauford Furrow, who shot up a Jewish school in California was in such a cult and lived on a military base in Washington State. Larry Ashbrook, who shot up a Fort Worth Baptist church youth meeting in the late '90s belonged to the same organization and told the Fort Worth Star Telegram months before his rampage that he had been under government mind control since his time in the Navy. Do your own research, pray and speak out on this issue and watch the darkness flee.

Dana	Posted: January 22, 2008 7:32 AM


i can't understand the mindset that making the church a safe place (in this case, through firearms) somehow makes it less of a sacred place. i'm thinking of the children's safe houses in africa, run by christians for kids escaping militia, that are fortified compounds with armed guards who are to shoot any militia who approach - these spaces are sacred because they ARE safe.

RJR_fan

Posted: January 21, 2008 1:35 PM

When a church in South Africa was assaulted by four thugs with AM-47s and grenades, one parishioner threw himself upon a grenade. Another pulled out a 38 caliber revolver and shot back, ending the attack. In fact, "Shooting Back" is the title of his book, which I really should read some day. Seriously, tho, as an usher in my church, I often am one of three guys carrying the offering down an empty hall to the safe in the counting room. Since I love and value my family as well as my life, maybe it's time to get that concealed carry permit.

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