Monday Mornig Manna: Gun Violence or People Violence?

It is now legal for Texans (and others) to carry guns without a permit, unless, of course, there are mental or legal reasons that keeps an individual from carrying. Lots of folks are worried about a possible increase in “gun violence.” At the risk of stirring up controversary, I’d like to address the subject of “violence.” I have my grandfather’s gun – a Savage model – that he kept in the cash register of his grocery story in the 1930s 40s and 50s. I never knew him to shoot it. In fact, I wonder if he even purchased it, or perhaps took it in as a trade for an overdue grocery bill (since he sold on credit, long before credit cards were even invented). Apparently, the gun has been shot, at least once, since there is a slight crack in the chamber, making further use unadvisable. It sits, framed, on the mantle over my den fireplace and has been there for many years. In that time period it has not been fired, and thus has not done violence to anyone. In fact, the only way this gun can be a part of “gun violence” is to be in the hands of some violent person. So, it seems to me that we would do well to work on solving “people violence” rather than “gun violence.” Don’t get me wrong. I’m not opposed to guns. I had several – all used for hunting purposes – until our home was burglarized and all of them were stolen. I still have two handguns and carry a Concealed Weapon License. I know the violence that can be created by guns, but I also know that it is not the gun’s fault. So, call me pro guns, but also call me anti violence. After all, according to the Old Testament, violence existed long before guns were invented – “the earth was filled with violence” (Genesis 6:11) and the New Testament records an experience it the life of the Apostle Paul when he, “had had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob” (Acts 21:35). I am in favor of gun control, but I am more in favor of people control.

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.