Preaching for God and guns

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Preaching for God and guns
Black ministers practicing politics from the pulpit are nothing new.
Since the genesis of the modern civil rights movement a half-century
ago, no group has had more influence on the politics of rank-and-file
black voters than their clergy. But seldom have black preachers mixed
Bible readings, political debate and target practice. Meet Kenneth
Blanchard, the “Pistol Packing Preacher.” That is the title of a
motivational compact disc aimed at black and Hispanic audiences, his
chosen demographic for preaching about the “sacred right” to
self-defense. “Gun rights are civil rights,” says Mr. Blanchard, who
is licensed as an assistant minister by the Mount Sinai Baptist
Church in Washington. “Self-defense is a divine right.” Citing the
New Testament book of Luke, chapter 22, verses 36-38, he tells
listeners that “after the Last Supper, Jesus told his homeboys that
they must be ready to defend themselves, and that if you don’t have a
sword, sell your clothes and buy one. “The sword mentioned was for
defense, not offense,” he cautions. “It was not a steak knife, but a
fighting tool.” Asked to reconcile his self-defense advocacy with the
Christ’s admonition to turn the other cheek, Mr. Blanchard said the
two philosophies are compatible. “Jesus was not some pacifist wimp,
as many like to portray him, but a really tough guy,” Mr. Blanchard
said. “His advice to turn the other cheek did not mean to lie down
and give up, but to be cool, careful and calculated. It means to
control your emotions and actions through inner, spiritual strength,
to not react in anger or rage, but carefully.” Mr. Blanchard also
advises in the CD that “churches that allow evil men to deny the
right to self-protection by hosting [gun] buybacks and turn-ins
should be” opposed. He is among a growing number of black activists
who are increasingly vocal against gun control.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/culture/20030403-86381448.htm