Priests and guns.*
Martyrdom was once considered the highest form of witness and confession. Indeed, monks and nuns went out to the desert to embrace the solitary ascetic life because the persecution of Christians stopped. I have known enclosed contemplatives who longed for martyrdom, in a sense, it is the Carmelite's deepest desire - to prove her love for her crucified spouse.
At times I've wondered, what if a Christian has a gun, and what if he or she was called to martyrdom - but instead he used the gun against an assailant and killed him? He not only missed the opportunity to die a martyr, but he killed another person. He killed another, rather than lay down his life?
Just a thought.
At times I've wondered, what if a Christian has a gun, and what if he or she was called to martyrdom - but instead he used the gun against an assailant and killed him? He not only missed the opportunity to die a martyr, but he killed another person. He killed another, rather than lay down his life?
Just a thought.
Some trust in chariots or horses,
but we in the name of the Lord. - Ps. 21
What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? - Matthew 16: 26
Ryan Erickson
Armed and more dangerous.
