Sights of Scripture: How Trijicon Melds Bible Verses with Gun Sights

Dive into the unique intersection of faith and firepower with our in-depth look at Trijicon, a leading optic manufacturer known for engraving Bible verses on their ACOG scopes and rifle sights.

Firearms and Faith

For some, those two worlds seem completely at odds. Yet a popular sight manufacturer, Trijicon, has built its business around biblical messages etched onto equipment meant for combat. What are these Scripture references, and why does this company include religious content on products used by militaries worldwide? As a fellow follower of Christ and shooting enthusiast, I wanted to shine more light on this little-known tradition. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the verses Trijicon imprints on Trijicon sights, their deeper spiritual meaning, and the debate sparked when biblical text appeared on devices carried into battlefields across the globe. What we discover may challenge assumptions we hold about mixing expressions of Christian faith with instruments of warfare and self-defense.

The Bible Verses Trijicon Uses

John 8:12 - "I Am the Light of the World"

The Scripture most frequently etched onto Trijicon products is John 8:12, where Christ declares “I am the light of the world.” This mirrors the illumination their sights give shooters, even in the darkest conditions. With a Trijicon device mounted on a rifle or pistol, soldiers can clearly see their target and aim steady no matter the environment. The verse connects seamlessly to the sight’s life-saving function.

In John 8, Jesus also teaches that those who follow Him will "never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Once again, we see Scripture poetically linking light with overcoming dark situations, both physically and spiritually. Trijicon allows Christian soldiers and law enforcement officers to literally carry this Gospel hope into their duties to protect and serve.

2nd Corinthians 4:6 - God's Light Shining Out of Darkness

Trijicon also references 2 Corinthians 4:6, which reads “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” Here, the Biblical theme of light emerging from darkness appears again, now in the context of Christ spiritually shining within believers' hearts.

And for troops facing harrowing combat events, this verse offers deep inspiration even during frightening encounters with evil forces. Etched onto their equipment is the promise that the Light of Christ illumines our hearts, no matter how dark the battle may rage around them.

Why Trijicon Includes Bible References 

Founder’s Christian Mission

Trijicon’s Scripture practice traces back to founder Glyn Bindon, a devout Christian who revolutionized gun sight technology. He began quietly engraving subtle references to verses like John 8:12 onto equipment in the 1980s without fanfare. For Bindon, the luminous sights his company pioneered aligned perfectly with Christ’s statement “I am the light of the world.” He envisioned the technology as a fulfillment of that verse, allowing police and troops to penetrate dark corners with light.

Intended as Inspiration for Soldiers

Importantly, Bindon included Bible verses not for vulgar branding ploys, but to uplift users' spirits as they carried these tools into harm’s way. His intent was to bring biblical inspiration to soldiers navigating intense combat zones or law enforcement responding to dangerous disturbances in the dark. By imprinting verses onto sights, Bindon enabled Christian troops to recall God’s promises and access sources of courage even in the most difficult shootouts and tactical missions late at night. Trijicon continues this legacy today in honor of their founder’s deeply held spiritual ethos undergirding the company.

But it’s worth noting that while Bindon was a devout Christian, he intended the verses to encourage rather than offend. He purposely engraved them subtly onto equipment used in intense moments, not blatantly plastered on crass apparel. Thus we should evaluate Trijicon’s practice in light of their founder’s original aim - sharing biblical light to comfort dark nights of the soul during combat encounters.

Controversy Over Military Use

Concerns Over Perceived Government Proselytization

While many troops and law enforcement appreciate Trijicon’s tradition today, it has also faced controversy notably back in 2010. That year, a secularist group filed objections over the Bible verses appearing on military equipment. They argued etching religious language implicitly violates policies prohibiting government officials from proselytizing faith. This raised legal questions given the blurred line between private companies and public institutions using these engraved sights.

Opponents contended that non-Christian soldiers might feel pressured to accept beliefs they don’t follow if biblical texts show up on required combat gear. And religious freedom advocates warned these etchings could slide down a slippery slope towards unwanted propagation of Christianity through official military channels.

Compromise Reached

To appease legal objections, Trijicon agreed to remove Scripture references from products sold to the U.S. military, whose policies prohibit proselytization. However, consumer models and those sent to foreign militaries can still elect to carry Bindon’s subtle Bible verse etchings. This compromise allowed the company to mostly retain its spiritual heritage while resolving disputes at home.

And Christian soldiers and law enforcement officers can still optionally purchase faith-marked sights for their personal defense uses through commercial sales channels. So while officially divorced from the U.S. military itself, Trijicon’s biblical message continues shining on.

Trijicon’s Bible verse tradition represents a fascinating intersection of tactical lighting technology, self-defense tools, and eternal spiritual inspiration. Their sights empower protection for those sworn to place themselves between us and grave threats, perfectly matching Christ’s Matthew 5:16 call for His followers to “let your light shine before others.” And the subtle verses etched on Trijicon devices offer biblical courage too precisely when embattled souls need it most.

Yes, this mixing of warfare equipment with New Testament Scripture has sparked controversy across ideological lines. But it undeniably spreads Gospel hope onto some of the planet’s darkest battlespaces. And for disciples of Jesus serving in military or law enforcement roles, Trijicon’s tradition reinforces core identity rooted in the Light of the World.

What Do You Think?

What do you all think about Trijicon’s approach here? Do you appreciate subtle Bible verses as inspiration for those risking life and limb for others? Or do you consider this an inappropriate blending of tactical firearms culture with evangelistic messaging? I’d love to hear perspectives - even contrasting ones - in the comments below.

And for fellow gun-loving Christians out there, share if you have experience using a Trijicon device yourself while hunting, competing, or protecting loved ones. Do verses like "I am the Light of the World" hold deeper relevance etched onto that handguard accessory keeping you steadfast? This unique company sits at the intersection between faithful Scripture and extreme operational contexts. Let’s thoughtfully explore these issues from both technology and theology viewpoints alike here.

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Complete List of Trijicon Sights and Their Correlating Bible Verse

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ACOG TA01 ACOG 4X32 JN 8:12

• Verse: John 8:12

• Scripture: "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"

ACOG 1JN 1:7

• Verse: 1 John 1:7

• Scripture: "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin."

AccuPin BW50G-BL PSA 91:5

• Verse: Psalms 91:5

• Scripture: "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day."

Reflex II REFLEX 1X24 2COR 4:6

• Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:6

• Scripture: "For it is the God who said, 'Let your light shine out of darkness' who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in Jesus Christ."

RMR RM01 2PE 1:19

• Verse: 2 Peter 1:19

• Scripture: "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."

RMRcc CC06 MT 13:32

• Verse: Matthew 13:32

• Scripture: "Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches."

Trijicon TA11 ACOG 3.5X35 MT 5:16

• Verse: Matthew 5:16

• Scripture: "In the same way, let your light so shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

AccuPoint RXnn REV 21:23

• Verse: Revelation 21:23

• Scripture: "And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."

MCOG MS07 1Th 5:5

• Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:5

• Scripture: "You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness."

RX30 TX42 IS 60:1

• Verse: Isaiah 60:1

• Scripture: "Arise! Shine! For your light arrives! The splendor of the Lord shines on you!"

ACOG ACOG 6X 48 PSA 27:1

• Verse: Psalms 27:1

• Scripture: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQ

Q: What is the controversy surrounding Trijicon's gun sights?

A: Trijicon has faced controversy for inscribing biblical references on their rifle sights, such as "JN8:12," in reference to the New Testament verse John 8:12. This has sparked debates about the appropriateness of mixing religion with military equipment.

Q: What are the Trijicon ACOG sights?

A: The Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) is a series of rifle scopes known for their durability and precision in military applications. They have gained widespread use among military personnel in conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

Q: What bible verse are inscribed on Trijicon's rifle sights?

A: Trijicon has engraved verses from the New Testament, such as "2COR4:6" ("For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ").

Q: How did the media, particularly ABC News, report on Trijicon's rifle sights?

A: ABC News reported extensively on Trijicon's placement of biblical references on their products, sparking public interest and debate on the issue of mixing religion with military equipment.

Q: Has Trijicon agreed to discontinue the practice of inscribing Bible verses on their rifle scopes?

A: Yes, Trijicon announced that they would cease the practice of placing biblical references on their rifle sights, following the controversy and public scrutiny.

Q: What is the Military Religious Freedom Foundation's stance on Trijicon's actions?

A: The Military Religious Freedom Foundation has been vocal in opposing the inclusion of biblical references on Trijicon's products, advocating for the separation of religion and military equipment.

Q: What were the implications of engraving Bible verses on military weapons?

A: The inclusion of biblical references on military equipment raised concerns about potential religious connotations in the context of armed conflict, and it drew attention to the boundaries between religious expression and government-endorsed products.

Q: What measures did Trijicon take regarding the inscriptions on their rifle sights?

A: Trijicon announced that they would remove the biblical references from their products and take decisive action to address the concerns raised by the public and government entities.

Q: Did the British Ministry of Defence address the issue of biblical inscriptions on military equipment?

A: Yes, the British Ministry of Defence became part of the public dialogue on the matter, expressing concern and urging Trijicon to address the controversy surrounding the inclusion of biblical references on their products.

Q: What were the serial numbers of the sights sold by Trijicon associated with?

A: The serial numbers of the rifle sights sold by Trijicon were found to be correlated with biblical references, raising questions about the extent to which religious inscriptions were integrated into the company's products.