In response to the deadly church shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, a Tampa Florida church posted a warning sign for declaring: “We are heavily armed.”
The prominently placed sign reads; “Warning: Please know this is not a gun free zone — we are heavily armed — any attempt will be dealt with deadly force — yes we are a church and we will protect our people”
One of the church’s pastors, Allen Hawes, explains that because the church usually televises its services on public television, the church wants the attending congregates to know that the church is a secure and safe place. He also cited the recent shooting incident at a Texas church and the Las Vegas massacre as the reason why the church is highlighting its strict policy.
“It is a deterrent. Look at what is going on. In the past two months, look at what happened in Texas. Look at what happened in Las Vegas. Because we are a church that is on television, we are very involved in the community. We want people to know that this is a safe zone,” he had said.
“If you walk through the door with the intention to harm, that sign serves as a deterrent to you,” he added. “We are not a soft target. People here will defend their families.”
Hawes had told the local television that he truly believes it is a church’s responsibility to protect its parishioners.
“I believe, if you look at the teachings of Jesus, Matthew, and different places in the scriptures, we see it will get increasingly darker — wars, rumors of wars, and people with not good intentions are going to look for a way to make a statement,” he said.
While some misguided, and self-serving, liberal “Christian” denominations demand that Christians unilaterally disarm in the face of a violent and evil world, they are simply twisting the Bible to fit their progressive politics. What is new?
However, it is clear that self-defense is absolutely Biblical. In the struggle to protect human life, we are called to be wise and realistic when dealing with others.
For his part, Hawes had said that he, along with many of his church members, have concealed-carry permits.
