I’ve posted several times about the trip my wife and I took to Front Sight near Las Vegas while we were on vacation in Arizona. I was skeptical that a 2-day course would be worth the going rate, which is $1,000. We both went after responding to one of many special deals that Front Sight’s founder, Dr. Piazza, offers online. Now the same deal that enabled us to go is available via a web page, where Dr. Piazza makes a case for giving it a try. At this special price, the course costs $100 per person. Having taken the course, I can say without reservation that $100 is a small fraction of the value in two days of Front Sight training. It really is all that. Prior experience doesn’t matter. You will learn more than you thought possible in that amount of time. Even if you’re uncomfortable around guns, the class will still help you become proficient.
If you anticipate being able to get to or near Las Vegas at some point for three or four days (including travel time), then I recommend that you give it a try too. There is a criminal background check to pay for, and you will need a weapon and ammunition, which you can rent and buy on site, respectively, if you need to. Beyond that, the cost is just travel, lodging, and food. For better convenience, I recommend a room at a hotel in Pahrump, but we managed just fine with Microtel toward the south end of Las Vegas Blvd.
Here’s Dr. Piazza’s advertisement page. There is an expiration on this offer of Friday, August 6. Don’t beat yourself up about it if you need more time to think about something like this. Dr. Piazza is an accomplished promoter; he’ll have many other kinds of special deals. This is the most affordable one I’ve seen.
When Jesus told his disciples in the Garden to carry a sword what type of sword was He referring to? I would encourage you to look at his response in the Greek when they stated that they had two swords (Luke 22:38). Then compare this with Matthew 26:51ff. I have grown up with fire-arms of all sorts and know how to use them, however, as a Called and Ordained Servent of the Word I do not think it is my place to ever take a life. If I wasn’t a Called and Ordained passive Servant of God’s Word and Sacraments the story would be different. My wife will take care of the physical matters as needed as I will still be preaching the Law and the Gospel in hopes of a Sauline (Pauline) conversion of the “enemies”. Just think if Stephen would have had a fire-arm and killed all those who unjustly were killing him? Saul would have never become Paul. Just some food for thought. God be with you and your family always.
Thanks for your comment, Kent. I don’t think I understand what you’re getting at by the two sword references, though. In Luke, Jesus brought up a sword by referring to His passion, specifically that He was “numbered with the transgressors.” Not only should His disciples think about having swords, but also money bags and traveler’s bags. That seems to be connected to the infamy of His cross. In Matthew, He verbally chastises Peter not to rely upon the sword, but upon God, from whom Jesus had come to suffer and die. What am I missing?
I agree that it is not the task of a called and ordained servant of the Word to take a life (except via Baptism and the Law). I would not burden anyone’s conscience in this matter, beyond the Catechism. Yet I also recognize that the same God has made me a husband, a father, a fellow citizen, etc. Our laws in His kingdom of the left entrust, among other things, the task of defending one’s wife, children, and neighbors to those who hold these divinely-given offices. None of that requires that we kill anyone, thankfully. However, *any* attempt to stop a criminal attack might result in harm to the criminal. I count that as part of the risk… *of being a criminal!* At least in my case, he’d have the benefit of hospital visits from a called and ordained servant of the Word.
It might help to think about each individual task we perform each day, understanding that they fall into discrete categories according to the responsibilities and offices that God has given us. When I tuck in my children, I do that as their father, not as their pastor. Of course, I am both, but if one of my *pastoral* duties were to tuck in the children God has placed under my care, I’d have to drive many miles every night at bed time. So I do that as a father. I understand their defense from violent criminals in the same way.
You bust me up especially with at least he would get a visit at the hospital by a Lutheran pastor. I have always thought the Luke reference is talking about the Word as the sword that Jesus is referring too. His reply, it is enough, reveals that he knew the disciples would one day “get it” but for now they were still focusing on the physical and not spiritual. I appreciate your writing and this blog. Thanks for letting me have some light fun as well as serious theological thought. God be with you all. BTW, if we ever visit you guys my wife is going to demand to go shooting.