It is amazing how the gospel has changed since I used to go to Sabbath and Sunday school. My memories of Bible verses, religious songs, hand holding, prayer, potlucks and sermons will never be the same. Seems that the "old time religion" that I grew up with has regressed to a new low in a Kentucky church.
A Kentucky pastor didn't get the memo that churches are considered "safe havens" from all that is wrong with the world. They are now sanctuaries for firearms! Imagine that.
Has Jesus has come full circle?
Have you ever wondered if some extremist churches are a little dangerous?
A Kentucky pastor is inviting his flock to bring guns to church to celebrate the Fourth of July and the Second Amendment.
New Bethel Church is welcoming "responsible handgun owners" to wear their firearms inside the church June 27, a Saturday. An ad says there will be a handgun raffle, patriotic music and information on gun safety.
I don't know about you, but this makes me just a little scared shitless uncomfortable.
But this may not be the only church in Kentucky who is planning this heavy-metal-infused-with-artillery church social. According to the Kentucky Council of Churches:
Marian McClure Taylor, executive director of the Kentucky Council of Churches, an umbrella organization for 11 Christian denominations in Kentucky, said Christian churches are promoters of peace, but "most allow for arms to be taken up under certain conditions."
I challenge Ms. Taylor to show me where, any where, Jesus said it was okay to take up arms "under certain conditions."
It is obvious Pastor Pagano did not do his homework before he gave his okay for this strange affair. He probably should have spoken with Pastor Phillips in Arkansas.
John Phillips, an Arkansas pastor who was shot twice while leading a service at his former church in 1986, said a house of worship is no place for firearms.
"A church is designated as a safe haven, it's a place of worship," said Phillips, who was shot by a church member's relative for an unknown reason and still has a bullet lodged in his spine. "It is unconscionable to me to think that a church would be a place that you would even want to bring a weapon."
Then again, maybe Pastor Pagano just doesn't care about the precedent he is starting.
Let's hope he gives a sermon about the real Jesus Christ.