Anti-Gunner Pens Open Letter to ‘American Gun Lover’

Authors S.H. Blannelberry

Editor’s note: Though it was written in 2015, John Pavlovitz’s “Letter to An American Gun Lover” is making the rounds.  Pavlovitz retweeted it on his Twitter acccount last week.  Probably in opposition to national concealed carry reciprocity.  Anyways, this is the first I’ve heard of it.  While I’m not typically in the business of sharing nonsense, this was too funny to pass up.  “A ‘bleeding heart’ is always better than a dead one.”  LOL.  Not if that dead heart belongs to a craven serial rapist or kiddy didler.  

***

Pavlovitz

From Mr. Pavlovitz website, “I’m a 20-year ministry veteran trying to figure out how to love people well and to live-out the red letters of Jesus.”

If you’re an American gun lover, I’m not going to argue with you today.

I’m not going to exchange news articles and opinion pieces and stat graphics.

I’m not going to absorb lazy, tired platitudes about people killing people or about heart problems.

I’m not going to respond to personal attacks or allegations of my disregard for your individual freedoms.

I’m not going to debate which acts of terrorism are worth decrying and which worth justifying.

I’m not going to compare body counts and skin colors and shooter’s names.

I’m not going to trade snarky insults or angry tirades or verbal jousts.

I’m not going to play one religion against another in ascribing culpability.

I’m not going to listen to critiques that I’ve become “too political” over something that to me is far greater than politics.

I’m not going to engage in violence with you as a way of protesting violence.

I am going to spend today trying to create a more peaceful world in whatever way that I can.

I am going to spend it practicing the compassion and benevolence and kindness that I preach, as much as I am able.

SEE ALSO: Comedy Central Takes Swipe at Gun Owners in New Special

I am going to spend it fully grieving the loss of all innocent life.

I am going to spend it lamenting the fact that no amount of bloodshed seems to merit any other action than fiercely retaining the horrible status quo.

I am going to spend it mourning the fact that Sandy Hook wasn’t enough, that Charleston wasn’t, that Colorado Springs wasn’t, that Orlando wasn’t enough, that more mass shootings than days of the year aren’t enough to move you.

I am going to spend it praying for those who devalue life—and those who do nothing when it is squandered.

I am going to spend it knowing that for as long as I live, I will always represent one less gun in the world.

I am going to spend it trusting that a “bleeding heart” is always better than a dead one.

I am going to spend it being a person of life, surrounded by so much unnecessary death.

I am going to spend it living out my personal faith convictions, that tell me I cannot repay evil for evil, that I must turn the other cheek, that I must pray for my enemies, that I don’t get to take an eye for an eye.

And I am going to do it all armed solely with the belief that Love is the only worthy weapon worth advocating for.

I will not engage in another shootout today.

I will lay down my guns.

I will not return fire.

Peace.

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  • Stephen Davies March 8, 2019, 1:26 am

    Nehemiah 4:9 says though we pray to our God we still put the guards at the gate
    That’s why church’s in our country have to have safety/ security teams at them now.
    Tell that to NewSpring Texas church
    God will not do for us what we can do for our selves

  • Justista March 1, 2019, 10:34 am

    “I will lay down my guns.

    I will not return fire.”

    Let me know how that works out for you when evil comes knocking at your door, dumb ass.

  • Dr. Bob Thomas October 22, 2018, 6:09 am

    If you are anti-gun (or anti-sword) does not truly matter. What does matter is that you recognize that we all live under some form of authority. And that authority wields the sword. Jesus declared that He came wielding a sword of His own. He did it for a very specific reason. But in so doing, He justified the use of a sword as a tool to make change. Here are His words:

    Matthew 10:34-36 ESV
    “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. [35] For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. [36] And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.

    Our world is a living reminder of the result if the “sword” used by the Son of God. We are in conflict with each other. You may choose to not involve yourself in this battle. But that does not stop the battle from raging all about you. That is your choice. And while you enjoy the peace you crave, remember it I’d paid for by others who wield that very sword.

    Romans 13:1-7 ESV
    Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. [2] Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, [4] for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. [6] For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. [7] Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

    I carried that sword for my nation while a soldier. I also carried that sword for you while a Law enforcement officer. I now carry that sword for my loved ones. Those are my choices. I humbly breach you to allow me to makw my own choice just as you have made yours.

    As to those who abuse choice, let us deal with them individually, one at a time. Let us re-instill that fear that each of us should have of authority, and again make ourselves subject to it the way God intended it to be in the first place. Let us return to honoring God first. Obeying His commands. Doing works that are pleasing in His sight. Caring for each other more than we care for ourselves. All of us. Then these acts of evil can be dealt with before they manifest into acts of horror.

    Let’s not fight each other. Let’s work together to fight the evil.

    • SUSAN March 3, 2019, 1:26 pm

      Well said indeed

  • D Day Dog December 18, 2017, 2:28 pm

    We’ve been murdering each other ever since Cain and Abel. Should we blame the stone that was used? Nope – and we should not blame a firearm either. Insane people have been murdering each other for a looooong time and insane people will continue to murder other people for a looooong time to come. I for one don’t intend on making it easy for them by laying down my firearms and not returning fire while I see my loved ones or innocents needlessly slaughtered.

  • MJ December 18, 2017, 12:29 am

    My inalienable rights will not infringe on anyone who shares the same values of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit
    of Happiness”. Sick depraved people will always create victims in their wake and always be among us. The only true response is to be vigilantly waiting with a suitable deterrent. Anything less will be more of the same, senseless killings, blame and unanswered questions.

  • tombstone December 18, 2017, 12:09 am

    I started reading this little tomb, but the repetitiveness was rather annoying. And we know where its leading.

  • Ken December 17, 2017, 10:40 am

    LUKE 22.36. JESUS SAID TO HIS DISCIPLES “IF YOU DON’T HAVE A SWORD,SELL YOUR CLOAK & BUY ONE!!..sounds pretty by the letter to me

  • Not like you December 16, 2017, 1:52 pm

    An open letter to a preacher, like so many others is trying to ram his beliefs down my gullet:

    Dear Sir,

    I’m not going to attempt to use logic or even ethics to try to convince you that you are wrong. I won’t try that as you’ve already closed your mind to anything that isn’t your belief. I will ask you, however, to look at history, which may be a bit hard for you to do. When this country was founded, was there a freer place to live anywhere in the world that would allow you to practice or not practice your religion to the amount you wanted? If you say there wasn’t, then please consider carefully this one other thing. Would you have had this freedom if individuals at that time had decided that the right to arm yourself wasn’t one of the most basic rights an individual had? You’ll have to remember that there wasn’t a standing army that fought off the British, it was the People. It was a revolution.

  • Gnerd December 16, 2017, 5:14 am

    People who allow criminals to continue their evil acts are accomplices in their crimes, and will be judged accordingly when they meet their Maker. Being a willing victim doesn’t cede them the high moral ground, it makes their last act a mortal sin.

    • Derek December 16, 2017, 1:40 pm

      People who allow criminals to continue their evil acts must include those who make it easy to aquire guns. We, the gun owners must be equally culpable. 2nd ammendment gives us the right. It doesn’t free us from the responsibility. Nor does it say that firearms shouldn’t be registered to enable enforcement of that culpability.

      • Alan December 21, 2017, 4:35 pm

        Enforcement?!?
        So, if someone breaks into a gun owners home, and steals the gun that kills a cop, you want the gun owner held responsible?!?
        Based on past experience with the Left and Lawyers, even if the gun owner had the gun in a safe, the gun owner will go down and go to jail. Most moderately priced gun safes are easily jimmied, and many folks can’t afford a very high end one.
        Do you see the Pandora’s Box you are advocating for???

  • Ken December 15, 2017, 7:01 pm

    NOTED

  • Popacap December 15, 2017, 6:39 pm

    Utopian living mental cherry. One of your jobs/roles as a man is to protect your family (you may not take your life or roles that seriously, my guess is not). If serious threat awaits you or your family, what are going to do…beg for your life, wish him love?

    Beyond, a dumbass!

  • Peter Harrison December 15, 2017, 4:59 pm

    If you wish to interpret the phrase \”lay down one\’s life for one\’s fellow man\” so strictly that it includes laying down your life to a assailant who is armed (legally or illegally), then, under the Constitution of the US, that is your right.However….after many years of thinking about this issue, while I would not be \”happy\” to take a life to defend my own or my family\’s and friends\’ lives, I would do it without hesitation. Reverend, consider the words from the Bible, \”to he whom much is given, much will be expected.\” In this case, or this area of life, you, respectfully, might consider this: The statistics (which are mentioned above by others) do not support gun control, especially confiscation, or severe restriction of both hand and long guns. Laws that restrict gun ownership by law-abiding citizens do nothing to deter criminals, and most importantly, people who are psychologically sick from purchasing and using guns of any type for their evil purposes. Where there are less restrictive gun laws, there is less crime. And where the laws are stricter, the opposite is true.A criminal, by nature and by choice, does not follow the laws of the land he lives in. (Un-Biblical and evil.) The person who is mentally ill lacks the judgement and discernment needed to properly possess and use a firearm. Hence, the former is going against Bible by not submitting to the authority placed over him by God. The latter is not in a position, mentally and emotionally, to be a responsible and legal owner and user of weapons. While the fault to a degree is his, the greater fault is with his friends and family, who do not exercise the greater abilities of judgement and discernment that God has given them. One of the expectations that God has is that we, who are in our right minds, will take care those who are, unfortunately, less gifted than us, or who have suffered an irreversible loss of mental balance. That\’s where \”to he whom much is given\” comes in. As a Christian, I\’m sure that you know and believe that evil exists in the world. All you have to do is open up a newspaper every day (or a news website) and read about it. It is the evil that lurks in the hearts of men. Sometimes we have the time to react to this evil and slowly, methodically, and lovingly act in a way that reduces the evil and saves the life and well-being of the evildoer. But sometimes there just isn\’t time. If you choose to let yourself be gunned down by a madman, does it help him? No. If you choose to let a madman or a hardened, rational criminal commit capitol murder or manslaughter, does it help him or his victims? No. Does it \”set an example of love that will break his heart of stone?\” No. In the few moments, at best, that you would (or will) have to decide what to do, you have two choices: return fire to defend your life and the innocent lives of those around you, or to take a chance that you will not be killed. While you can choose to do this for yourself, and I respect your right of choice, if you are the biggest, or smartest, most adult, or most experienced person in the room, do you have a God-given responsibility to defend those who are younger, smaller, weaker, or less discerning than you? Remember, to he who much is given, much will be expected. Am I advocating murder? No. I\’m advocating defense, and the use of enough force, to defend my own life, and the especially the lives of those around me. After having been in the armed forces for a few years, I settled this question with myself and God. After that I stopped worrying about whether or not I would die in a firefight. And even though I am almost 60 now, I am still of the same mind and heart. The people who own guns do it to protect themselves and those around them from the harm that evil does. And evil manifests itself every day in the form of men who will try to kill you with guns. Laying down my life to them does not stop the evil. And while it is a sad fact of life that people die in crossfire, more people die in those situations if good men and women do nothing. There will always be evil in this world. And there will always be men who will use a gun for evil purposes. Do you want to exercise your abilities, mental and physical to protect the orphan, the widow, the child, the small, the weak, the least of these? Or are you willing to stand by and let them be killed? Respectfully, PMH

    • WGS December 15, 2017, 7:02 pm

      PMH,
      Outstanding reply!

    • Joe December 15, 2017, 10:48 pm

      A most rational response. But as he clearly states, his mind is closed to all logic and reason. You cast pearls of before swine.

  • Alan December 15, 2017, 4:24 pm

    Well, sorry to tell you this Mr. Pavlovitz, but you aren’t much of a Christian if you believe that evil lies in an inanimate object.
    Evil is the exclusive domain of human’s, and blaming inanimate objects for what is in the minds (and hearts, if you choose that analogy) of people is a cop out of the worst kind, for it relieves those people of their sins and guilt.
    Re-read your Bible silly man, and use logic too, for if there were no guns, and before there were, people killed people quite often, and swords, like guns, do not wield themselves.

  • C.G.A. December 15, 2017, 2:13 pm

    I guess all the evil out there will stop when everyone gives up their weapons, according to this liberal, socialistic twit thinks. My guess is that if there was someone to shoot back at all of these mass shootings, there would have been a lot less people killed. The exception being situations like the Las Vegas shooting where you would need a scoped rifle to shoot back. Evil is here every day and someone has to fight it. It is not going away because we disarm ourselves. It will always find a way around the laws because it doesn’t believe in laws. Why don’t we appoint all the liberal gun-haters to defend us from our enemies here and abroad? Give them no weapons to fight with and see how well they do. I’ll stick to protecting myself and others with my weapons. We should praise everyone that prevents some type of evil instead of vilifying them.

    • Methadrass December 15, 2017, 4:17 pm

      Marxism is social cancer. Think of it as being exposed to radiation all the time. Eventually, you will get mental cancer. Every single leftist I know of has this mental/social cancer and Marxism did this to them.

    • Philip December 15, 2017, 4:22 pm

      what makes you think he is a liberal? Aren’t most Christians right-wing?

      • C.G.A. December 15, 2017, 7:55 pm

        That is a generalization which are usually proven wrong. I wasn’t talking about him in particular, anyway.

  • CharlieKing1 December 15, 2017, 1:46 pm

    “I am going to spend it fully grieving the loss of all innocent life.”- John Pavlovitz
    He seems very concerned about lives lost to firearms…if he’s a man of his word, then what about the babies killed in the womb?

    • KMacK December 15, 2017, 2:51 pm

      He did not go there so you have no reason to assume he approves. Error in thought: Assumption
      They aren’t “Babies” until they are born, they are either Fetuses or they are simple cellular collections with potential.
      As a male, you really don’t have much room to gripe about something that is a nearly exclusive FEMALE matter. Women are people, not property, and a person has an essential right to determine the use of their body; example: Tattoos, (Legal) Hair Color (legal) Consumption of medicine to ameliorate physical conditions (Viagra et.al.)
      By negatively considering a specifically female right, by negating its validity, and by claiming it to be an “innocent life” you ignore basic biological fact: The fetus (or foetus) while still dependent on the mother for life itself is factually no different from any other growth of the female’s body. Before a certain date, it is not even independently viable any more than a tonsil or intestinal polyp. It is not alive as law determines life. While this may be your opinion, it does not square with the facts of the matter.
      Sorry’ bout that.
      KMacK

      • KC Jailer December 15, 2017, 8:39 pm

        Not exactly a “nearly exclusive female matter” unless her cells are asexually dividing to create that “collection of cells”. As far as “law determines life” goes, there are any number of inane laws on the books. I seem to remember a state legislature rounding pi off to an even 4…so I’m thinking your opinion may not square with the facts of the matter. Of course, that’s just my opinion, and it’s just as valid as yours. Or as invalid, as you may prefer. What if the “collection of cells” self-identifies as an adult? Just because you don’t know how to communicate with it doesn’t mean it’s incapable of thought. If you just use the fact that it’s “dependent on the mother” then we ought to be able to abandon babies already born, since they are dependent on their parents. Stretching it a little farther, dialysis patients cannot live independently, either. Just some food for thought to kick some gray into your black and white.

        • C.G.A. December 15, 2017, 11:46 pm

          More food for thought: When the egg and sperm combine, the result is a human embryo. It is not going to develop into a fish, a frog, a lizard, a bird, or an amoeba. It is going to be a human. Therefore killing it is killing a human, aka homicide.

  • John Boutwell December 15, 2017, 1:18 pm

    This is America, you are free to live your life any way you see fit and so am I.

  • John Murray December 15, 2017, 12:39 pm

    This is not about Sandy Hook and this is not about me defending myself against my neighbor. The 2nd Amendment is about citizens of the United States protecting themselves from the government forcing tyranny upon them. For the citizens to have the ability to do this they must expect situations like Sand Hook. The solution is more guns, not less, with more people taking this responsibility offered by the 2nd Amendment. In doing so more people will be able to defend themselves and others, and prevent future Sandy Hook events in addition to preventing tyranny.

  • James Gainer December 15, 2017, 12:38 pm

    That’s commendable, however what of your loved ones? Do you have a “right’ to give away their lives, or do you have a duty to protect them, if needed?

  • DaveW December 15, 2017, 12:36 pm

    If you can look at yourself in the mirror after standing by as your family was victimized while you did nothing, that’s between you and God. I am my brother’s keeper and as such I am responsible for his safety and the safety of his family.

    On 1 June 1967, I took an oath to be my brothers keeper for the whole nation; to put myself between them and evil whether that evil comes from outside our society or from within it. Our nation is under attack by an economic invasion of illegal aliens, from radical Muslim terrorists, from outside, and from progressive liberal socialists from within our country. We are under attack by rising criminal elements which, as we have seen, come from even the highest members of our society. Should I stand by and do nothing? I say, “NO!”

    Even our Founders recognized that evil is in the world and men must band together to fight it. One can not fight when one is disarmed.
    “They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. ”
    – Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759

    I would also point out that your dissertation implies that all pro-gun people are responsible for the bloodshed. I differ from that view. Those responsible are the people who have been brought up with no respect for others. I own guns for a number of reasons. However, having been brought up with respect for others, I use them appropriately and not one of them has acted badly or independently. Yet, I am prepared to be my brothers keeper.

    To follow your example, Christians down through the ages were forced to hide their beliefs out of fear of persecution. I will not hide my beliefs in either my Creator nor in my country and the principles which define it; the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution.

    • pete December 15, 2017, 2:46 pm

      Dave W, you nailed it! I hope the preacher reads your words of wisdom.

    • Jack Keller December 15, 2017, 3:50 pm

      Very well said thank you for putting in the best terms I have heard so far.

  • Penrod December 15, 2017, 12:31 pm

    “I’m not going to engage in violence with you as a way of protesting violence.”

    If by that he means he will not advocate for anti-gun laws, then I’m OK with his decision about his personal unarmed narcissistic lifestyle. I disagree with it, but that really isn’t the point.

    However, if he advocates for legal restrictions or bans, he is in fact advocating for violence, because laws are mandates or prohibitions backed up with explicit threats of state violence for disobeying.

    Why do I call him narcissistic? People who choose to value their own purity of thought above the safety and wellbeing of others is narcissistic. Imagine, as an extreme, a mother or father who would watch their innocent family gang raped and murdered rather than sully their self-image by using violence to protect them from predators. “My self-regard is more important than my children’s lives” is the very epitome of narcissism. Pacifists are narcissists.

  • JoshO December 15, 2017, 12:20 pm

    Pussy.

  • BluNos December 15, 2017, 12:13 pm

    This reminds me of that 70′ screed: “What Would Jesus Do?” If Christ came back in human form to South Chicago today he wouldn’t last an hour! I wonder where he lives that makes him so holier than though?

  • Mark December 15, 2017, 11:48 am

    If he were flat on his back being strangled and someone put a 45 in his hand I bet he would choose to fight before the lights went out!

  • Ernie December 15, 2017, 11:43 am

    It’s a free country and he’s allowed to choose not to own a gun, as others are free to choose own them. Rest assured, when I’m someplace where an insane individual goes on a rampage, I will be prepared. I also choose, not to quietly wait, to be executed. Peace…

  • Dru Neff December 15, 2017, 11:42 am

    I made it to the second sentence. Retweeted? looking for attention he didn’t get the first time. Don’t give it to him…………….

  • Ray December 15, 2017, 11:40 am

    Hello.I noticed a glaring error of omission in this saintly treatise, which is the presence of evil on earth,[Garden of Eden onward].The Bible,from one end to the other commands us to fight evil everywhere we find i.Indeed Jesus will return to fight mother of all battles and I don’t think he will be waving your email at our enemies.Thank you for your time.

  • Chuck Matson December 15, 2017, 11:01 am

    Since you aren’t a firearm owner mister preacher, and have nothing to do with self defense, or shooting sports, go watch ellen reruns or something. Get your brainwashed ass outta here.

  • Jake December 15, 2017, 10:59 am

    This is great! If the anti gunners are wallowing in self pity and no longer want to argue of fight well… that much better for us. Look how well nonviolent, non argumentative mentality works for tebit.
    OHH!! Maybe libs will start setting themselves on fire!

  • Dan in Ohio December 15, 2017, 10:18 am

    I am not going to finish reading your letter (I got about 1/2 way).
    I am donating (more) money to Gun Owners of America (gunowners.org) .
    I am (probably) going to purchase a WW2 era M1903a3 rifle tomorrow at the CMP North store (thecmp.org).
    I will continue being law abiding, non-alcohol drinking, non-adulterous, father of 4, grandfather of 4.
    I’m not religious, but I will not criticize you for being so.
    I will continue competing in Service Rifle competition(thecmp.org). It gives me fulfillment that I did not find in the US Army.
    I refuse to be a victim. I carry a Glock .45 auto pistol and extra magazine , every day, everywhere I go.
    I am my own “first responder”. I don’t want trouble. Ever.
    If I am attacked, I will fight.
    I will fight.
    I will fight.

    • george hovey December 15, 2017, 9:32 pm

      Not to MD I hope – that gun will get you arrested.

  • Richard McLeroy December 15, 2017, 10:11 am

    Notice he said he would not argue statistics, numbers, or any facts in general. Liberalism is a strictly emotional ideology that can’t stand up to scrutiny of facts. It’s all feelings and emotional reaction to almost everything that happens in the world, good or bad. Have any of us ever won an argument with a liberal and changed their minds based on the facts or truth? Probably not.

    • JoshO December 15, 2017, 12:21 pm

      It is a useless endeavor indeed to attempt to reason with the unreasonable.

  • Frank December 15, 2017, 10:10 am

    Every true Christian should believe every word spoken from our Lord Jesus Christ….Luke 22: 36

    • kb31416 December 15, 2017, 12:46 pm

      Amen to that.

  • MeeesterPaul December 15, 2017, 9:57 am

    Well that’s your choice. And I’ll make mine.
    Have a nice day.

  • LAMan December 15, 2017, 9:52 am

    Mr. Pavlovitz, you truly belong in the Middle Ages, where you could engage in the moral and intellectual question that dogged Christians and Christian philosophers (sophists, too). Namely, is it a Christian’s duty to submit himself, and all those who depend on him, to every violent brute who happens along? Or does a Christian have the right, even the duty, to take up arms to protect the innocent and the right, and good against evil?

    The facts of the preceding 2000+ years demonstrate conclusively that only One was slain by brutes and then restored to life on Earth. The rest of us have only one shot at it, at least until the afterlife—best case. God and/or Nature endowed man abundantly with the determination to survive, and only would-be martyrs prepare themselves to reject their natural instincts, submit meekly, and die. Such a supine outlook, based in Western thought almost solely on the Biblical injunction to turn the other cheek, is perhaps comforting in theory, even noble. But this point of view is wholly unnatural amidst real crisis and life-or-death violence.

    I’ll not answer your condescension and presumption of moral superiority line for line, because Utopians as a rule are impervious to reason. And while professing love and peace, Utopians like yourself have absolutely no means of actually ensuring the universal love, peace, and justice you proclaim. In the harsh light of reality, you have the luxury of preening over your self-anointed peaceful, loving superiority, only because others defend you in the helplessness you have chosen.

    And in your helplessness you have violated man’s natural, God-given instinct to survive and to protect family, friends, and other innocents. Indeed, there is a profusion of Biblical enjoinders, even commands, for men of good faith to protect kith and kin with the sword, and the overwhelming majority of Christians—and the rest of Western Civilization—have chosen to obey the instincts instilled in us to do this very thing. Since our survival instincts include fear, as well as valor, life on Earth has always been a difficult, never-ending balancing act between the two.

    You choose to forsake valor and thus deem yourself superior, but only life-threatening crisis will prove whether you truly have overcome your fear to the point of calmly, cheerfully accepting violent death at the hands of those who have given themselves over to a life of brutality. And woe betide those dependent upon you, as the only protection you offer is the narrow belief in the aspect of the Christian faith calling you to turn the other cheek, and promising everlasting life to those who do so unto death. In fact, you’ve assumed the right to make their decision for them, haven’t you? That poses some serious dilemmas, which will be further magnified almost beyond belief in the moment of crisis.

    If your self-professed righteousness fails to protect those who depend upon you, as is typically the case when you’re confronted by lawless, violent brutes, you will be judged harshly by many for your narrow Utopian helplessness. Why? Because while many of us are broadly willing to let an individual choose his own fate, we rarely feel the same way about those who choose to condemn their fellows to suffer brutal violence and horrible fates at the hands of the merciless and unjust.

    In closing, I believe that we all are morally bound to help the good and the just make decisions of life or death in our society, rather than blithely, unnaturally, recklessly, and self-righteously conceding that awesome power to the lowest and meanest among us. Because they do indeed roam this Earth, and in great profusion. If you haven’t encountered them, you have your human protectors to thank. God’s ways are mysterious, and for reasons unknowable to us He often does not protect the weak, innocent, and helpless from the violent and brutish. You claim to have no objection to leaving the responsibility altogether in His hands, rather than using the human nature He abundantly bestowed upon you to protect you and yours. Most of us believe we have a human and humane responsibility to use the abilities He gave us to defend the innocent. And single-minded Utopians like you will only rarely be congratulated for staying your hand when the brutish attack the innocent. Instead, we will see blood of those innocents on your hands.

    • JoshO December 15, 2017, 12:26 pm

      Well said.

    • Geronimo December 15, 2017, 12:49 pm

      I think that you have the best, most well thought out comment here. I think I could add only one thought, and that is that people like this minister seem to forget or ignore the fact that actual people fought and died by the thousands to obtain and retain our God given rights to protect ourselves. They seem to think that innocent lives lost recently are more valuable than the lives of the soldiers. They forget or willfully ignore the fact that keeping all of our rights in tact will always cost lives. Freedom to keep and bear arms is the freedom to exist unmolested.

    • Rotaman December 15, 2017, 1:36 pm

      This is the most eloquently-written, and logically-sound rebuttal to the anti-gun stance that I have ever read. Well said.

  • Jeffrey L. Frischkorn December 15, 2017, 9:44 am

    Everyone has the right to have a wrong opinion, even ministers…

  • M. Atkinson December 15, 2017, 9:30 am

    He is entitled to his opinion even if he is wrong, “Judge not for you shall be judged” Matthew 7:1

  • JimC December 15, 2017, 8:32 am

    I’m a CCW Christian …..
    Psalm 144:1
    Luke 22:36 (My favorite)
    Nehemiah 4:17-18

  • Vic December 15, 2017, 8:25 am

    You’re heart is in the right place, but your brain isn’t.

  • Ron Feldkamp December 15, 2017, 8:13 am

    In Luke 22: 36 Jesus instructs the 12 to prepare to defend themselves when He no longer will be with them physically and they will be in the world telling the “good news”. He placed emphasis on exchanging the necessities of life (clothing) for a state of the art weapon because He would no longer be with them to keep them safe. I have no higher authority than Jesus, and He teaches me to defend myself against evil that I may continue to serve Him. I can’t tell others about His love for them and God’s plan to redeem them if I am no longer in this world. I too will pray for those who devalue life.

  • Mike December 15, 2017, 8:12 am

    Arghhhh. I’m some moved by this…guess I will destroy my family heirlooms from the civil war, my DCM rifle, and my wife’s 642 SW concealed carry so she now can wear a shirt and advertise she is ready to be raped.

  • Gun Loving Coach December 15, 2017, 8:09 am

    I can sum this guy up in one sentence, ‘Lifelong paid clergy’… sorry but that equates to never having a real job and making his living off the desperation of lost souls!!! Condescension and platitudes are a weak effort at conversion!!! Would love to write more but gotta go out there and stomp out some ignorance at my ‘REAL JOB’!!!

    • Dale Holloway December 15, 2017, 12:22 pm

      To Gun Loving Coach, I retired after 45 years of being a minister. I had a “real” job ministering to the needs of others. As you “go out there and stomp out some ignorance,” start stomping out some of your own ignorance first. By the way, I have several guns and regularly carry concealed.

  • Leighton Cavendish December 15, 2017, 7:59 am

    Great sentiment…but most on your side also are pro-choice….where do you stand on THAT?
    The anti-gunners love you…the pro-choicers HATE you…LOL
    I am pro 2A and pro-choice…BTW

    • JoshO December 15, 2017, 12:30 pm

      I’m “pro-choice” too. But when the panties hit the floor the “choice” has been made.

      Destroying even a single cell that is gentically human and distinct from either parent has a name: homicide.

      • Bug May 6, 2019, 2:30 pm

        Amen Josh, my sentiments exactly!

  • George Brave December 15, 2017, 7:59 am

    I hope Jesus can save him when all hell breaks loss.

  • joefoam December 15, 2017, 7:51 am

    This guy needs to direct his attention to the real dangers in our society, namely the hundreds of thousands killed every year by drugs, alcohol and tobacco. The body count for gun deaths pales by comparison to the real killers we all face every day.

  • Robert December 15, 2017, 7:28 am

    So tell me this anti-gunners, if you get your wish, and every single gun on the planet simultaneously disappeared, yet violence still persisted at the exact same rate, what would you wish for THEN? And after that?

    • MeeesterPaul December 15, 2017, 9:59 am

      you ask “what would you wish for THEN?”
      – Picnics.

  • Hank December 15, 2017, 6:44 am

    Love is a beautiful thing … so is Beyonce but she can’t stop a bullet either. But I WILL stop to defend you should that occasion ever arise. A life is a life.

  • Bounty Hunter December 15, 2017, 6:39 am

    Unlike some of the others, if you were attacked or assaulted, I would come to your aid. If I did, would you thank me? Yes, I carry concealed. I also carry car insurance, although I don’t intend on having an accident. I carry homeowners insurance, but I don’t intend on my house catching on fire. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I speak of experience. It’s been 45 years ago but I was attacked by a man with a gun. If I had not been carrying at the time, I would not be here now. Carrying a firearm is like eating right and excercising. Although none of these guarantees you’ll live longer they do increase your odds.

  • vincent December 15, 2017, 6:12 am

    How about the millions killed in the name of socialism and communism? Is that enough reason to be able to defend ourselves?

    • MeeesterPaul December 15, 2017, 10:00 am

      you forgot one… “How about the millions killed in the name of ” . . . religion

  • Gary December 15, 2017, 5:54 am

    So…..did no one care the first time this guy posted this? Is that why he posted it again? First off, this guy is just editorializing and never getting to a point but at the same time making his point. Clever (rolls eyes). Second, the way he’s putting it is kind of insulting to me. He’s talking like he would to a group of kids, like a gun owners thinking and logic is inferior to his and the rest of the leftist loons. They act like gun owners are stupid inbreds who just aren’t as smart as they are. That’s why we like guns. That’s what they think of us. People need to start standing up and coming back at these idiots. And that includes me. I not calling for a revolution, but we need to start countering these types of mindsets before their infectious attitudes take root in the hearts of enough people to make an Australia style move. I really think it’s coming sooner rather than later. And if we do nothing we will have. I one to blame but ourselves.

  • Darryl December 15, 2017, 5:00 am

    sorry you feel that way as i think you may not be around long if you go around unarmed in this day and age. yes it may never happen but if it did and you weren’t able to protect you and yours i think it may be a very sad day indeed. good luck to you and your way of thinking.

  • FB December 15, 2017, 3:05 am

    Mr. Pavlovitz,
    My eyebrows are raised with my eyelids closed lightly, swaying my head slowly left to right. I’m gently rubbing my pinky against my thumb baaack and forth ever so lightly.
    That’s me playing the smallest violin in the world!

  • GreenWolf70 December 13, 2017, 1:14 pm

    Dear poor misguided Liberal, in respect for your wishes, if I see you being robbed, sexually assaulted, or otherwise suffering from your misguided ideas about self defense, I will not lift a finger to help, but I will let you suffer the consequences of your ignorance in the hope you will see the light before it kills you.

  • Sepp W December 12, 2017, 7:19 pm

    Good grief! Is this tirade aimed at law-abiding citizens or criminals? Full of baseless innuendos cleverly disguised as insight because it is all about scaring law-abiding citizens and not the true perpetrators of violent crimes committed with a firearm. This guy’s false assumptions and a patronizing attitude aims to appeal emotionally to law-abiding citizens and compel them to lay down their firearms and walk freely into the dystopia where all are stripped of freedoms and individual rights. Liberals think the majority of Americans are stupid and incapable of personal responsibility.

  • Dr Motwon December 12, 2017, 7:33 am

    Will he stop driving motor vehicles too? Give up his set of kitchen knives? What about that pressure cooker in his pantry?

    • Mike December 15, 2017, 8:08 am

      Don’t forget baseball bats.
      The number one killer in domestic violence.

  • Peter December 11, 2017, 8:52 pm

    “I will no return fire,” well if you’re so adamant about being unarmed I dont expect you to, and dont expect me to rush to aid you when you do find yourself under attack. You obviously won’t need my help, love will protect you.

  • LHTwist December 11, 2017, 7:09 pm

    “I am going to spend it mourning the fact that Sandy Hook wasn’t enough, that Charleston wasn’t, that Colorado Springs wasn’t, that Orlando wasn’t enough, that more mass shootings than days of the year aren’t enough to move you.”
    It’s absolutely atrocious that anyone would assume that because some of us understand that laws wouldn’t have prevented any of the events cited we weren’t moved by the devastation. I don’t buy the false sense of enlightenment either. Why weren’t other forms of needless death mentioned when there are plenty with much higher percentages per capita. Recognizing that there is an agenda wrapped up in most of these attempts to evoke emotions is precisely why they fail to elicit the intended reaction.

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