Keith - Please comment on carrying a handgun while street preaching. It's my opinion that this is probably a bad idea. At the very least, one must be prepared and practiced at being uber restrained when doing so. It's long been my opinion (backed by numerous real world examples and experience) that when wearing a firearm, one forfeits his right to be a provocateur, i.e. to be confrontational in any way, shape or form - what one says, wears, does, etc. For many insecure people, strapping on a gun gives them a false sense of courage. Unfortunately, this often also results a real degradation in their decision making process.
Those are great points. The most important thing to remember is that you do not forfeit your first amendment right nor your second amendment right when you are street preaching. The most important factor is the person's emotional intelligence. I've seen street preachers that proclaim to be preaching the gospel when in all reality, they are not being good Christians and are provoking violent reactions on purpose. If someone is going out to provoke people and to cause an emotional outburst from onlookers, you are definitely going to have a hard time justifying self defense. However, if you are simply out proclaiming the Gospel and wishing to have a conversation with people about coming to Christ, then there is no issue carrying concealed to protect yourself. I see two street preachers everyday in Idaho. Both are just simplying out there so people can come to Christ and have a conversation. I love seeing them and pray for their safety. They are truly spreading the Gospel.
Maybe carry when starting out would be a distraction. Getting more experienced with street preaching, more comfortable with handling argumentative people might be key. Carry when not preaching is easy to just walk away or avoid someone. That dynamic seems more complicated when street preaching. I have plans this summer to join in street preaching with several of my church members so I had the same questions and concerns as Mike. Thanks Mike for the question and Keith for the answer.
Hi Keith - I agree....at least in principle., but as you know, just because we can and may do something doesn't mean we should do something. I do recognize that sometimes we need to "step out of the boat", but we must also look at the big picture - if we anger or provoke someone trying to make our point, are we doing good or just feeling good? It's unlikely that we are changing their mind in a favorable way. My point was that when we are carrying, we need to exert self-discipline and consider if our words or actions will provoke a physical confrontation that we are unprepared to deal with by means not involving the gun. If you're wearing a gun and get into a fight, it's a gun fight - even if you don't intend to draw your gun. You still have the real possibility that the other guy may get your gun. As a former LEO, you know that people often do things that in hindsight are foolish (like the church security guy who fired a warning shot into the ground. When these things involve a gun, things can happen at what Ken Murray calls "the speed of life" and the legal and moral consequences can be significant. Anyway, I enjoy your work and hope you're doing well.
You really need to stop and reflect on what you’re saying here. You’re talking about going into public to preach the word of god. And then simultaneously talking about carrying a concealed weapon. Seriously, what is wrong with you? If you need a gun, then you’re not carrying a good message or you’re in the wrong place. Make better choices. Seriously.
Keith - Please comment on carrying a handgun while street preaching. It's my opinion that this is probably a bad idea. At the very least, one must be prepared and practiced at being uber restrained when doing so. It's long been my opinion (backed by numerous real world examples and experience) that when wearing a firearm, one forfeits his right to be a provocateur, i.e. to be confrontational in any way, shape or form - what one says, wears, does, etc. For many insecure people, strapping on a gun gives them a false sense of courage. Unfortunately, this often also results a real degradation in their decision making process.
Hi Mike,
Those are great points. The most important thing to remember is that you do not forfeit your first amendment right nor your second amendment right when you are street preaching. The most important factor is the person's emotional intelligence. I've seen street preachers that proclaim to be preaching the gospel when in all reality, they are not being good Christians and are provoking violent reactions on purpose. If someone is going out to provoke people and to cause an emotional outburst from onlookers, you are definitely going to have a hard time justifying self defense. However, if you are simply out proclaiming the Gospel and wishing to have a conversation with people about coming to Christ, then there is no issue carrying concealed to protect yourself. I see two street preachers everyday in Idaho. Both are just simplying out there so people can come to Christ and have a conversation. I love seeing them and pray for their safety. They are truly spreading the Gospel.
Maybe carry when starting out would be a distraction. Getting more experienced with street preaching, more comfortable with handling argumentative people might be key. Carry when not preaching is easy to just walk away or avoid someone. That dynamic seems more complicated when street preaching. I have plans this summer to join in street preaching with several of my church members so I had the same questions and concerns as Mike. Thanks Mike for the question and Keith for the answer.
Hi Keith - I agree....at least in principle., but as you know, just because we can and may do something doesn't mean we should do something. I do recognize that sometimes we need to "step out of the boat", but we must also look at the big picture - if we anger or provoke someone trying to make our point, are we doing good or just feeling good? It's unlikely that we are changing their mind in a favorable way. My point was that when we are carrying, we need to exert self-discipline and consider if our words or actions will provoke a physical confrontation that we are unprepared to deal with by means not involving the gun. If you're wearing a gun and get into a fight, it's a gun fight - even if you don't intend to draw your gun. You still have the real possibility that the other guy may get your gun. As a former LEO, you know that people often do things that in hindsight are foolish (like the church security guy who fired a warning shot into the ground. When these things involve a gun, things can happen at what Ken Murray calls "the speed of life" and the legal and moral consequences can be significant. Anyway, I enjoy your work and hope you're doing well.
You really need to stop and reflect on what you’re saying here. You’re talking about going into public to preach the word of god. And then simultaneously talking about carrying a concealed weapon. Seriously, what is wrong with you? If you need a gun, then you’re not carrying a good message or you’re in the wrong place. Make better choices. Seriously.
This happened last Sunday down the road from my church. A street preacher was shot.
https://www.kark.com/crime/i-forgive-you-man-injured-in-sunday-north-little-rock-shooting-speaks-out/
Wow. I missed that one. Thank you for sending me the link.
You're welcome. I didn't see it till today.