Protestantism

» Brian Tubbs - Church as Armed Fortress

A church which has become an armed fortress is saying:

I agree, and have said so in previous postings. I'm not endorsing the idea that a church have moats and drawbridges, archers in turret towers, etc. But, we DO live in a day and age where buildings have to undergo certain security procedures and protocols.

+++ we have no faith in the power of God

I have faith in God's power, and I also recognize the responsibility that God has given us. I believe God has the power to feed me, but that doesn't mean I will sit back and just wait for manna to drop from heaven.

+++ we are afraid to die

Paper Turtle, several years ago, when I was living and working in the Washington, DC area, there was the sniper scare. Do you remember the news coverage? I was a teacher at the time - at a church-run school. We moved all P.E. classes and recess times INDOORS until the snipers were caught. There had been a shooting or two at schools in the area.

I'm confident of where I'm going when I die - and I feel the same about my wife and children. But I'm still going to take measures to protect my family! And, as a teacher, I'm going to take measures to protect the children under my care. And, as a pastor, I'm going to do what I can to protect my congregation.

+++ we do not believe with God all things are possible

This is emotional exaggeration. If I take precautionary measures to protect myself, that does NOT mean I am discounting God's power or providence. I'm simply being responsible. God does call us to be good stewards.

+++ we care more about our own safety than we care about anything else; we are of more value than you are

Again, an exaggeration. See comments above.