A gunman
killed 49 worshipers in two Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand today, and
wounded many others. It is reported that
the wounded may number as many as 87.
The attacker broadcast the shootings at one Mosque live on his Facebook
page. Early reports say that the shooter
was an Australian with a history of racist and anti-immigration sentiments. (1)
The worshipers
were unarmed civilians who were unable to defend themselves. As with other mass shootings, we are
disgusted by the hate and violence. Our
hearts go out to the victims, their families, and the people of New Zealand. You have our sincere sympathy.
We have a few
observations. Killing and violence are
not the answer to religious or political differences.
We hope that the day will come when people will learn to advocate freely
for their beliefs in the marketplace of ideas, and then allow others to decide
freely which ideas they prefer.
Authentic, heartfelt conversions are real. Conversions at the tip of the sword are not.
Private
citizens in New Zealand must get a license to own firearms. They may own as many guns as they want under
one license. You must be 16 years of age
to own a firearm, or 18 years old to own a “military style” semi-automatic
firearm. A background check, including
criminal and medical records, is required to get a firearms license. A history of addiction, mental health issues,
and domestic violence may be taken into consideration in denying a license. “Military style” semi-automatic weapons have
to be registered, while other guns do not. Violent crime involving the use of guns
is not common in New Zealand. (2)
Gun laws in
the United States are similar to the laws in New Zealand. However, in most places, licenses or permits are
not required to own guns here.
Nationally, the only required license
is to own fully automatic firearms. Guns
do not have to be registered in most parts of our country. A computerized check of arrests and active
warrants is done if a gun sale is commercial, but not between private parties
unless it involves an interstate transaction.
A great many
people in the US favor licensing and registration in the hope that they will
help prevent gun violence, including mass shootings. They also favor banning “military style
assault weapons.” Licensing and
registration, and restrictions on “military style” guns did not prevent the mass
shooting today in Christchurch.
Finally, it is
time to speak the truth, in love, to peace-loving, moderate Muslims. That truth is that it is a wonder that more
innocent Muslims have not been victimized.
Since the Munich Olympics in 1972, Extremists have perpetrated violence
against innocent civilians all over the world in the name of Islam. Further, they have been funded, trained,
armed and equipped by the governments of Muslim countries and contributions by
private individuals. Moderate, mainstream
Muslims have not done much to stop it.
We abhor
violence and we would never advocate for vengeance or retribution. This post should not be misinterpreted that
way. The truth is that there are natural
and logical consequences to violent terrorism.
In Physics we learn that for every action there
is an equal and opposite reaction. We
are not saying it is right, but it is inevitable. All we are saying is, ”A man reaps what he
sows.” (Gal. 6:7 NIV)
Therefore, we
urge that people reject violence as a means of resolving differences. Violence
only begets more violence.
